The perspective of dermatology residents on cosmetology training: A survey

Cosmetology training is an under-fulfilled component of dermatology residency training.

To determine the availability of cosmetic training for dermatology residents in Turkey, their satisfaction by their cosmetic training and their self-confidence in cosmetic procedures.

An online survey of 33 questions was performed between February and March 2019.

Out of 329 known dermatology residents, 113 (34.3%) responded. 94.7% of the participants thought cosmetic training should be part of residency training. 50.4% received cosmetology training. Of the participants, 50.4% took this training in their department, 43.4% in conferences and courses and 24.8% in private practice. Skills learned in conferences and cosmetology courses made the biggest contribution to the cosmetic knowledge of the participants. Theoretical lectures on cosmetology were present in 22.1% of the training programs, whereas practical lessons were included in 16.8% of the programs. Theoretical lectures were found to fulfill expectancies of 8% of participants, while this percentage was 31.5% for practical lectures. 54% of residents felt confident in performing at least one type of cosmetic procedure unassisted.

Cosmetic training in clinics providing residency training in Turkey does not meet the expectations of residents. It is of utmost importance for future specialists in dermatology to get proficient on this field and to be able to make cosmetic procedures independently for patient safety and to protect our field of profession. In this context, including cosmetology training into residency training in accordance with a preconceived program, providing practical cosmetic training in training clinics and organization of cosmetic courses for residents by professional associations may help reduce the deficits in this issue.