A study on the survey of dermatopathology in dermatological training hospital in Korea

Abstract

Background: There is no report on the actual conditions and current educational status of dermatopathology in Korean the literature, implying that the interest in dermatopathology, which is important in clinical practice, is drawn away. Objective: This study was performed to investigate the actual conditions of dermatopathology. Based on the collected data, we could set up the directions for the development of dermatopathology. Methods: From April to June 2012, we conducted a survey of 62 dermatologic training hospitals and 328 residents working in the dermatology department in Korea, respectively, by mail, anonymously. Results: Residents' satisfaction of current dermatopathology education was significantly higher in tertiary hospitals and in hospitals with numerous dermatologists. The number of performed skin biopsies per week was also significantly larger in tertiary hospitals. Of tertiary hospitals and hospitals with numerous dermatologists, lectures given by dermatologists or dermatologists specialized in dermatopathology took a higher proportion in the dermatopathology course, and in-hospital dermatopathology conferences were held more than 5 times a month. Conclusion: As shown in the result of this survey, to enhance interest in dermatopathology, we suggest activation of the Korean society for dermatopathology and joint conferences among local hospitals.