The new dermatology. Implications for the dermatologist and for dermatological training

The advent of new drugs including 'over the counter' (OTC) drugs, the increasingly aged population with its special requirements for skin care, and environmental and occupational factors will affect the nature of future dermatological practice in developed countries. The role of sub-specialists is likely to increase, and the case for expansion of the dermatological consultant grade is debatable. Consultant training should place more emphasis on highly specialised training in specific areas, including occupational dermatoses, environmental dermatology, dermatopharmacology, dermatological surgery and dermato-oncology. A strategy for dermatological research in Europe needs to be established which is based upon fewer, larger groups of a multi-disciplinary character. Corporate support could well help achieve this aim.