Business administration training for dermatology residents: preparing for the business of medicine

Abstract

Previous studies have evidenced the lack of practice management and business training components in the residency curriculum, and that satisfaction with this training, when provided, was low. Whether considered good or bad, medicine has been moving increasingly toward becoming more business centric. Dermatology represents a unique field, because most residents choose to pursue private practice, where competent business skills are helpful to running a successful clinic. Our study examines the current state of business administration training for dermatology residents in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–approved programs as of 2017 to 2018. Our results show that residents both value and desire business administration training; however, the current training provided is considered to be insufficient and inadequate. Promoting and encouraging the teaching of business administration skills, while still balancing core competencies, may help to prepare residents in navigating the future of our field.