Dermatology residency training in 1932 versus dermatology residency training in 1990

Dermatologic training programs and patient care in 1932 are compared with patient care, research, and residency training programs in 1990. The changes are due to development of newer diagnostic procedures and therapeutic agents, emergence of dermatopharmacology programs, research conducted by and supported by the pharmaceutical industry, and support of cutaneous research by the government. The excellence of teaching and patient care in 1932 was due to the "giants" who created interest in dermatology and by their dedication and ingenuity managed recalcitrant dermatoses without presently available drugs, chemotherapeutic agents, diagnostic techniques, basic information, and advances in cutaneous surgery.