The need for improved dermoscopy training in residency: a survey of US dermatology residents and program directors

BACKGROUND Inadequate dermoscopy training represents a major barrier to proper dermoscopy use. OBJECTIVE To better understand the status of dermoscopy training in US residency programs. METHODS A survey was sent to 417 dermatology residents and 118 program directors of dermatology residency programs. RESULTS Comparing different training times for the same training type, residents with 1-10 hours of dedicated training had similar confidence using dermoscopy in general (p = 1.000) and satisfaction with training (p = .3224) than residents with >10 hours of dedicated training. Comparing similar training times for different training types, residents with 1-10 hours of dedicated training had significantly increased confidence using dermoscopy in general (p = .0105) and satisfaction with training (p = .0066) than residents with 1-10 hours of only bedside training. Lastly, residents with 1-10 hours of dedicated training and >10 hours of dedicated training had significantly increased confidence using dermoscopy in general (p = .0002, p = .2471) and satisfaction with training (p <.0001, p < .0001) than residents with no dermoscopy training at all. CONCLUSIONS Dermoscopy training in residency should include formal dermoscopy training that is overseen by the program director and is possibly supplemented by outside dermoscopy training.