34857 Trends in dermatology programs and positions from 2016-2020

Abstract

The number of dermatology programs and positions is not fixed. A previous article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) looked at trends in dermatology residency and fellowship positions from 2005 to 2016. They reported an increase in the number of dermatology positions, an increase in the number of procedural dermatology, and a decrease in the number of dermatopathology positions. No updated articles have been published since then. This paper is an update of the literature and provides data on dermatology trends from 2016 to 2020. We used the ACGME data on dermatology residency and fellowship for program and position numbers and to calculate the changes. We used the census bureau for national population estimates to make population adjustments. When adjusted for population, there was a 13.4% increase in GME positions, a 17.4% increase in dermatology residency positions, a 12.3% decrease in the dermatopathology fellowship positions, and a 17.4% increase in procedural dermatology fellowship positions. Interestingly, the number of procedural dermatology positions has increased and the number of dermatopathology positions has decreased, which is consistent with the previous trends. The exact reasons for these trends are unknown and more research is warranted. Fortunately, the increase in positions is beneficial because there is a growing need for dermatologists, and research shows this problem is improving and will likely continue to do so if the trends continue in the coming years.