Please login or create an account. If you do not have access to this content, you will be shown a 30 second preview and licensing options.
- Presentation
The Future of Pediatric Dermatology
Description
In this presentation, Dr. T. Nguyen discusses the challenges and future of pediatric dermatology, highlighting the scarcity of board-certified pediatric dermatologists in the U.S. Despite having a small number of trained specialists (around 12 annually), access to care for children with skin conditions remains a significant issue. Dr. Nguyen shares her journey in the field, emphasizing her commitment to building resources in Mississippi, where she is currently the only pediatric dermatologist. She notes that many patients face barriers to access due to socioeconomic factors, leading to high no-show rates for appointments. Strategies for improving patient access, such as open scheduling for acute conditions, are addressed. Dr. Nguyen also points out the uniqueness of pediatric dermatology diagnosis, which relies heavily on clinician judgment rather than procedural interventions like biopsies. The talk touches on how to engage with both pediatric patients and their parents effectively, considering the emotional weight of pediatric dermatology cases. The presentation concludes with an acknowledgment of the need for increased training and awareness within the field to prepare for future challenges, along with encouragement to those interested in the subspecialty.
View moreConclusions
- Pediatric dermatology faces significant access issues due to a limited number of board-certified specialists, resulting in a high demand for services and increased wait times for patients.
- The no-show rates for appointments among pediatric dermatology patients, particularly those insured by Medicaid, range from 25% to 45%, highlighting barriers to consistent care.
- Having a pediatric-focused dermatological training program is essential to improve exposure and experience for upcoming dermatologists in this subspecialty.
- Implementing 'open scheduling' strategies can potentially enhance patient attendance by accommodating acute dermatological concerns.
- The pediatric dermatology field is small, with only about 12 new fellowship-trained pediatric dermatologists graduating annually, reinforcing the need for increased interest and training in this area.
- Addressing socioeconomic factors is vital, as many pediatric dermatology patients belong to lower-income groups who may have difficulties attending scheduled appointments.
- The future of pediatric dermatology hinges on improving access to care, particularly through innovative scheduling and training for new dermatologists.
- Sinha et al 2021