Dermatology training during the pediatric residency

The diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue represents a significant aspect of general pediatric practice. A study was carried out to assess the status of training in dermatology among residents in pediatrics. Sixty five pediatric residents in seven different training programs were asked to identify color transparencies of 20 common dermatoses. Their mean score of 53.2 percent was considerably lower than that of an equivalent group of residents in dermatology (86.4%). A survey of pediatric residencies throughout the United States indicated that 67 percent of those responding offer an elective in pediatric dermatology.