Medical Education in Dermatology.

Abstract

Dermatology faculty are responsible for the undergraduate education of all medical students, most of whom will not become dermatologists but will, nonetheless, encounter skin disease throughout their careers, and for dermatology residents' intensive, specialized graduate education. Over the past 75 years, dermatology faculty have grappled with determining what comprises the fundamental curriculum and how to teach it effectively, grumbled about time limitations, and eloquently debated the fundamental role of dermatology in general medical education. While dermatology trainee education continues to evolve, fundamentals still focus on observational skills developed through clinical and nonclinical experiences. We highlight major trends and turning points in undergraduate and graduate dermatology education that have occurred during the career of Dr. Irwin M. Braverman, many of which Dr. Braverman himself influenced, and reflect on the current state of dermatology education at our institution.