Planning for the future: a prescription for dermatology's survival

The specialty of dermatology has reached its current position of esteem through a combination of superior practice standards and organizational skills displayed by persons such as Clarence S. Livingood. In the next few years, as unpredictable changes occur in the health care system, our specialty, with fewer than 2% of U.S. practicing physicians, and without a significant hospital base, will face unique challenges. We must meet these by continuing to interact with organized medicine. The major focus of this article will be on who are the important players in this area and what can we expect to accomplish through collaborative and cooperative interchanges.