Dermatology is the branch of medicine that deals with the skin, fat hair and nails. The skin is the largest organ of the body and serves as a barrier to protect us from injury, bacteria and other external influences. It is also a good indicator of the health of internal organs, and this makes the skin and its abnormalities an important area to study for physicians in this specialty.
The field of dermatology is broad, covering a variety of health conditions with a vast array of treatments. Each condition has its own unique characteristics that must be recognized and treated effectively. These unique characteristics include varying clinical presentation and responses to treatment. There are also differences in etiology, genetic predisposition, and immune function. As a result, it is essential for healthcare professionals to remain current in the advancements in the field of dermatology.
This course is designed to provide residents with a comprehensive review of the essentials in dermatology and dermatopathology, preparing them for their board examination and practice. The course focuses on high yield topics including basic science, basement membrane biology, dermatological manifestation of internal disease, hair and nail biology/disorders, pediatric dermatology and pharmacology.
In addition to providing a comprehensive review of core topics in the field, this course will highlight current hot-topics and updates in the field such as immunotherapy for psoriasis, a new classification of scleroderma and the latest treatment approaches for onychomycosis. The course will also review the recent progress in standardizing how pruritus is measured and what factors should be considered in determining the cause of itching.
Finally, the course will examine patient satisfaction as reflected in online consumer reviews of dermatologists. This information may be useful in guiding dermatologists to optimize the quality of care they provide. Key themes identified in these reviews included physician empathy and respect, thorough physical examination, individualized treatment plans, and understanding of the emotional difficulty associated with skin diseases.