Dermatology, the branch of medicine that focuses on the skin, covers many aspects, including medical and surgical treatments. Dermatologists specialize in the management of conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails, as well as some cosmetic concerns. The word "dermatology" has been used in English since 1819 and is derived from the Greek word for "skin", implying a long history in this field, with France's particularly significant developments in the 17th century.
In 1708, the first large dermatology school was established at the famous Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris, which laid the foundation for the development of dermatology.
At that time, the curriculum and practice of dermatology began to receive attention, and important textbooks and atlases were published one after another. Among them, the textbook written by Willan from 1798 to 1808 and the atlas by Alibert from 1806 to 1816 both marked the further advancement of dermatology. specialization. The development of dermatology marks the gradual deepening of the medical community's understanding of skin diseases, laying the foundation for subsequent professional training and research.
In the United States, becoming a dermatologist requires up to four years of professional training, including an initial medical internship year and three years of dermatology residency training. Doctors can then choose further subspecialty training, focusing on areas such as immunodermatology, laser medicine and pediatric dermatology. However, competition for dermatology residency slots in the United States is fierce, which contributes in large part to the nationwide shortage of dermatologists.
According to a report by the American Academy of Dermatology, there are only 3.4 dermatologists per 100,000 people in the United States, indicating an insufficient supply of dermatology talents.
Dermatology covers many specialty areas, including cosmetic dermatology, dermatopathology, and pediatric dermatology, among others. Cosmetic dermatologists play a central role in plastic surgery, and most doctors choose to perform non-invasive procedures such as injections, laser treatments, and more. With the advancement of technology, dermatologists are becoming more and more adept at new technologies in various cosmetic surgeries.
Immunodermatology focuses on the treatment of immune-mediated skin diseases, such as lupus erythematosus and bullous dermatoses. Mohs surgery, on the other hand, is a specialized surgery for skin cancer that uses a network of excisional techniques to ensure that all tumor borders are cleared. Driven by these advances, the practice of dermatology continues to evolve and its contribution to modern medicine becomes increasingly important.
In recent years, the rise of teledermatology has brought revolutionary changes to the development of dermatology. Through digital media, doctors can stay in touch with patients and conduct diagnosis, which plays a key role in improving medical efficiency and patient satisfaction.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, telemedicine can significantly shorten patient waiting times and provide new possibilities for dermatology diagnosis and treatment.
Dermatology has shown its adaptability and innovation, both in clinical practice and in research. However, as the challenges we face continue to change, it is still worth thinking about whether dermatology medicine can continue to push boundaries and meet the growing needs of patients in the future?