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Dermoscopy Education: Association With Skin Lesion Evaluation Confidence Among Physician Associate/Assistant Students
Hayden T Middleton1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10, Peter A Young1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10, Sean Kolhoff1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
1Hayden T. Middleton, DMSc, PA-C, is a family medicine physician assistant at M Health Fairview, St. Paul, Minnesota (previously practicing at Mayo Clinic, Department of Family Medicine during research study). He is also a principal adjunct professor in the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) Program, Augsburg University, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Summary
Physician assistant (PA) students desire dermoscopy training, yet most lack it. Incorporating this skill into PA programs is crucial for confident skin lesion evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Dermatology
- Physician Associate Studies
Background:
- Dermoscopy significantly enhances skin lesion diagnostic accuracy.
- Limited data exist on dermoscopy knowledge among physician associate (PA) students.
- Assessing PA students' confidence and training in skin lesion evaluation is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate US PA students' confidence in skin lesion assessment.
- To determine current dermoscopy knowledge and training levels among PA students.
- To identify the need for dermoscopy in PA curricula.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous, optional survey was administered to PA students via the 2024 American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) student survey.
- The survey assessed awareness of dermoscopy, prior training, confidence in lesion evaluation, and desire for future use.
- Statistical analysis included odds ratios to identify factors influencing confidence.
Main Results:
- 613 PA students responded, with 78% aware of dermoscopy but 65% lacking formal training.
- 78% of students expressed a desire to use dermoscopy in practice.
- Lower confidence in differentiating skin lesions was associated with lack of dermoscopy awareness and training.
Conclusions:
- PA students show a strong interest in dermoscopy training.
- Current PA programs inadequately incorporate dermoscopy education.
- Integrating dermoscopy into PA curricula is essential for developing skilled PAs capable of effective skin lesion evaluation across specialties.
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