Philosophy of dermatology and the uneven road to realizing it: Perspective from a third-world country

The philosophy of dermatology involves helping patients who present to dermatologists to realize their full potential by treating them holistically and educating them about the different aspects of their disease(s), while helping the doctors involved to grow professionally and as human beings. In the setting of a burdened health sector of a third-world country like Pakistan, the road to realizing this philosophy is rife with hurdles in the form of low resources, poor health infrastructure, lack of a research culture, a low literacy rate, and sociocultural taboos. The resolution of these issues needs concerted efforts by all the stakeholders, and it can be possible only through selfless leadership, dedicated teamwork, and incessant efforts by the doctors, health authorities, and national as well as international health institutions.