Elucidating the need for inclusion of burn in graduate and continuing dermatologic medical education

The management of acute burn wound and chronic burn scar typically involves burn specialists, yet patients often rely on dermatologists to address post-burn sequelae associated with burn injury and scar. However, there is a lack of burn-specific education, exposure, and overall confidence in managing burn within the field of dermatology. This research correspondence provides a brief review of published literature pertaining to themes such as the lack of burn resources and a potential increased risk of skin cancer after a burn injury. Additionally, this correspondence explains the rationale for why increased burn-related training within dermatology is necessary to optimize care and to improve patient outcomes. Challenges regarding the integration of burn education into dermatology will also be explored. All in all, the development of a greater number of burn-specific Graduate Medical Education (GME) and Continuing Medical Education (CME) opportunities will adequately address resource disparity through an expanded awareness of burn pathogenesis, treatment, and long-term outcomes.