Smartphone applications: A contemporary resource for dermatopathology

Area of Science:

• Medical Education Technology
• Digital Pathology
• Dermatopathology Informatics

Background:

• Smartphone applications are increasingly integrated into medical practice.
• Pathology education can leverage mobile technology due to widespread smartphone use among professionals and trainees.
• MyDermPath was developed as an interactive reference tool for dermatology and dermatopathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce MyDermPath, a novel smartphone application for dermatology and dermatopathology.
• To provide an interactive, mobile-accessible educational resource for pathology trainees and practitioners.

Main Methods:

• Developed using Apple Xcode and Google Android SDK.
• Dermatology images (static and virtual slides) were annotated and organized algorithmically.
• Integrated educational data including diagnoses, clinical information, histopathology, and linked references, with added features like note-taking and quizzes.

Main Results:

• Released in August 2011 and updated in November 2013.
• Features over 1,100 reference diagnoses and 2,000 images accessible via the app and website.
• Downloaded approximately 14,000 times and available on iOS and Android platforms.

Conclusions:

• Smartphone applications hold significant potential for advancing pathology education.
• MyDermPath serves as a valuable interactive reference tool for dermatology and dermatopathology professionals.