Dermatology Education in U.S. Ophthalmology Residency: A Survey of the Program Directors

Abstract Background Many ocular conditions have associated dermatological findings. However, the inclusion of dermatology education in U.S. Ophthalmology residency programs remains limited. This study aims to characterize dermatology education in U.S. ophthalmology residency programs through the opinions of program directors (PDs). Method The authors designed and electronically distributed a national survey in August 2022 to PDs of 124 ophthalmology residency programs. The survey instruments examined the availability and characteristics of dermatology rotation, the PDs’ perceptions of such rotation, and their perspectives on trainees’ dermatology knowledge. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize survey responses. Sample t-tests were used to compare responses between PDs from programs with and without dermatology rotation. Results 49 PDs (39.5%) responded to the survey. Most programs (n = 27 61.4%) did not offer dermatology rotations and, of these programs, most (n = 15 83.3%) did not consider increasing dermatology exposure important. 57.1% (n = 8) of PDs at residency programs with dermatology rotation considered such education beneficial for their trainees. PDs at programs with dermatology rotation rated their residents to be more comfortable with shave biopsy than those from programs without (P < 0.05). Conclusion Dermatology rotations were uncommon among U.S. ophthalmology residencies. Perceptions towards dermatology education varied among PDs, with those from programs with dermatology rotation expressing more favorable opinions.