Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
11:28
Imaging CD4 T Cell Interstitial Migration in the Inflamed Dermis
Published on: March 25, 2016
An analysis of dermatologist migration patterns after residency training.
Jack S Resneck1, James Kostecki
1Department of Dermatology, and Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143-0316, USA. resneckj@derm.ucsf.edu
Archives of Dermatology
|September 21, 2011
Summary
Most dermatologists practice near their residency training, but migration patterns vary by region. Certain programs and areas show distinct graduate retention, influencing future dermatology workforce distribution.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Dermatology Workforce Analysis
- Geographic Migration Studies
Background:
- Understanding dermatologist migration is crucial for predicting workforce distribution.
- Residency programs may influence where graduates establish clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate migration patterns of dermatologists from residency to practice.
- To identify if specific programs or regions retain their graduates.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the American Academy of Dermatology membership database.
- Examined data from 7067 US-based dermatologists practicing in 2009 who completed residency before 2005.
- Measured distance and state locations between residency and practice sites.
Main Results:
- Nearly half (43%) of dermatologists practice within 100 miles of their residency.
- Significant variation in migration distances was observed (mean 538 miles).
- New York City, California, and Florida programs showed high graduate retention; the Midwest exported residents.
Conclusions:
- Dermatologist migration patterns are complex, with regional and program-specific variations.
- These migration trends should inform decisions regarding future residency position expansion.
- Considering local supply and demand is essential when planning dermatology workforce development.
