Dermatologic Surgery Training in Residency

BACKGROUND: Dermatologic surgery is an integral part of dermatology residency training. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the current level of surgical training in dermatology residency programs. METHODS: A survey was mailed to the 112 dermatology residency programs in North America and Puerto Rico. RESULTS: A total of 71 residency programs (63%) responded. All programs offer training in surgical excisions, 97% of programs train residents in at least one cosmetic procedure, 92% of programs offer Mohs micrographic surgery, and 90% of programs train their residents in laser surgery. CONCLUSION: Surgical training in dermatology residency varies widely, with a trend toward more cosmetic procedures when compared with prior studies.