Future trends in dermatology

If the specialty of dermatology is to enjoy a bright future in medicine, excellence in education and basic research, use of technologic advances, and advancement of our scientific and clinical knowledge through general and subspecialty dermatology must continue. The specialty needs to be unified and must learn to function in local, state, and federal governmental appropriations, regulations, legislation, and administration. The specialty needs to establish dermatologists as primary care physicians for dermatologic medical and surgical services. Dermatologists deliver the highest quality of dermatologic care and are cost-effective health care providers. The specialty of dermatology has developed a strong organizational structure to effectively deal with these six strategic components so as to afford a bright future for dermatology. Effective actions by the specialty will require increased participation by the constituents and continued involvement of the varied dermatology organizations. The future cannot be predicted with certainty, but a well-prepared society can continue its past success and look forward to a future beyond its highest expectations.