Analysis of current dermatopathology training across U.S. residency programs

Abstract

Dermatopathology (DP) is integral to dermatology residency training, aiding in accurate diagnoses and clinical interpretations. This study evaluates the current state of DP education and faculty backgrounds in dermatology residency programs, using information available on 142 ACGME-accredited dermatology residency programs. The focus was on DP training, including dedicated rotations, training years, and duration as well as DP faculty and fellowship opportunities. Of the programs analyzed, 53.52% offered distinct DP rotations. Residents in these programs spent an average of 11.37 weeks in DP training, with 70.83% providing DP exposure in the first year. The average number of board-certified dermatopathologists per program was 2.91 (SD = 2.11); however, 23.19% of programs lacked dermatology-trained dermatopathologists. DP fellowships were available in 36.62% of programs and among fellowship directors, 63.46% were board-certified in anatomic pathology and 51.98% in dermatology. While DP training is widely offered, the extent and structure of this training vary across residency programs with many lacking dedicated rotations or first-year exposure. Both dermatology-trained and pathology-trained dermatopathologists contribute to academic settings, although fellowship directors are more commonly trained in pathology. This highlights the need for greater consistency and clarity in DP training across residency programs to ensure comprehensive exposure in this essential field.