Deficiencies in Dermatologic Training in Pediatric Residency: Perspective of Pediatric Residency Program Directors

Children with skin-related problems commonly present to general pediatricians, and dermatology is among the top specialty areas that pediatricians have identified as having inadequate training to support their practice. This study was designed to document current opportunities for dermatologic training during pediatric residency and provides suggestions for improvement.

Pediatric residency program directors were contacted to participate in an online survey focusing on dermatologic training during pediatric residency. The survey was sent to 199 programs, from which 78 responses were received (response rate 39.2%). Required or elective rotations, other educational opportunities, and adequacy of dermatology training during pediatric residency were assessed and compared between institutions with zero, one, or two or more affiliated pediatric dermatologists.

Eighty-four percent of pediatric residency programs offer clinical training in dermatology. This training is required in only 19% of programs and is elective in 73%. Fewer than one-quarter of eligible residents participate in the elective option. Didactic dermatology lectures are available at all of the programs. Overall, only 6% of residency program directors felt that their graduating residents received very adequate training in dermatology and 26% felt their residents received inadequate training.

Exposure to dermatology clinics was perceived to be the most desirable training modality for pediatric residents, but a minority of residents receive this exposure. Many pediatric residency program directors felt that residents receive inadequate dermatology training, which indicates a need to address educational deficiencies. Supporting a pediatric dermatologist on staff and requiring a rotation in pediatric dermatology could improve dermatologic curricula for pediatric residents.