The Dermatology workforce in Saudi Arabia: Current trends, challenges and future directions.

OBJECTIVES To provide a snapshot of the dermatology work force in Saudi Arabia. METHODS We collected data on the supply and distribution of dermatologists in Saudi Arabia. We discussed the current status of dermatology manpower issues in Saudi Arabia. RESULTS We found that between 1987 and 2007, the availability of dermatologists to population in Saudi Arabia rose by 60 %, from 2.35 to 3.76 dermatologists per 100,000 Saudi Arabian individuals. However, the current workforce is already out of balance in several ways. We have an excess of non-Saudi citizen dermatologists and a barely adequate supply of Saudi dermatologists. The dermatologist population is unbalanced with regard to gender and uneven in terms of geographic distribution. CONCLUSIONS The dermatology workforce does not match well with the nation's health care goals. We should create a more successful and stable match between the talent supply and health care system requirements.