The subspecialty of pediatric dermatology

Department chairmen of 127 certified pediatric and eighty-six certified dermatology residency programs were surveyed in an attempt to characterize the subspecialty of pediatric dermatology. Responses were received from 114 different institutions. The results indicate that pediatric dermatologists are located mainly in large teaching hospitals (pediatric wards with more than 100 beds or children's hospitals) and selected private practice settings. Fifty-eight percent of pediatric dermatologists are less than 40 years of age. Forty-nine percent of these individuals are board-certified in both specialties. Very few "pediatric dermatologists" see pediatric patients exclusively. Only 20% have a patient population that is composed of more than 75% children. The responses also suggest that professional opportunities in this subspecialty are limited at the present time.