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- Presentation
Rural Dermatology: Ensuring We Don't "Fly Over" Opportunities
Description
In this talk, Dr. Mary Beth Logue addresses the urgent issue of limited access to dermatology care in rural America, where less than 10% of dermatologists practice, highlighting the contrast with urban centers and the widening healthcare gap. She shares insights from her experiences in places like Spearfish, SD, and her involvement with the Rural Access to Dermatology Society (RADS), which aims to unite rural dermatologists and practice improvements for better access to care. Data reveals that many rural communities, particularly those with significant minority populations, often have no dermatologists available and experience higher morbidity and mortality rates related to skin diseases due to this lack of access. Dr. Logue emphasizes the importance of developing rural residency tracks, supporting local medical students from these communities, and improving tele-dermatology initiatives. She highlights the diversity in rural America and stresses the need for a multifaceted approach to improve dermatological care access, such as recruiting dermatologists to practice in rural areas and establishing more equitable residency processes. Concluding with an invitation for involvement and collaboration, Dr. Logue encourages colleagues to engage in mentorship, advocacy, and initiatives to tackle these pressing healthcare disparities.
View moreConclusions
- Less than 10% of dermatologists practice in rural areas, which is significantly lower than in urban centers.
- The gap in dermatology care contributes to poor health outcomes in rural populations.
- Rural areas require a dermatologist density of four per 100,000 people for adequate care, but current national density is about 3.4, and even lower in states like New Mexico and North Dakota.
- Many rural counties have no dermatologists, particularly those with significant minority populations.
- Rural patients experience delays in dermatology care, leading to higher morbidity and mortality from conditions such as skin cancer.
- The recruitment and retention of dermatologists in rural areas is critical to improving healthcare access.
- There is a need for multi-faceted strategies to enhance rural dermatology access, including teledermatology and establishing rural residency programs.
- Supporting medical students from rural backgrounds can help to address these disparities in dermatology care.
- Partnerships and community engagement are essential for implementing effective solutions in dermatology access for rural patients.
- Feng H, Berk-Krauss J, Feng PW, Stein JA. Comparison of Dermatologist Density Between Urban and Rural Counties in the United States. JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(11):1265-1271. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.3022
- Marcelletti A, et al. 2025