Resolutions for Dermatology

Well, 2003 is here — too soon, too fast. I still have to catch myself when I occasionally incorrectly write “2000” on the dateline of some personal checks! Sooner or later, I’ll catch up with the current year. Last month, I asked a variety of dermatologists to explain what they thought was the biggest development in dermatology in 2002. At the same time, I asked what they’d wish for dermatology in the upcoming year. Here’s what they had to say. I think you’ll find their comments interesting. Dr. Steven Feldman - New Year’s resolution for 2003: We need to protect our ability to do surgery in our offices. I resolve to work with other physicians to come up with rational regulation of office-based surgical practice. Dr. Michael Gold -New Year’s resolution for 2003: Since I do a lot of laser work, I’d say that I’d like to see the laser companies ensure that technology keeps pace in 2003. By this comment, I mean that I’d like to see continued improvements in technologies and side effect profiles, but I’d also like to see research playing a major role — not just marketing. Dr. Amor Khachemoune - New Year’s resolution for 2003: For me it would be that I’d like to master the use of new classification for malignant melanoma. Also, I’d like to develop a well-established (evidence-based) approach to work-up/follow-up of my patients with different stages of malignant melanoma. Dr. Mark Lebwohl -New Year’s resolution for 2003: As dermatologists, we need to continue to be watchdogs to ensure that the rest of the insurance industry (HMOs, etc.) provide fair reimbursement for the care of our patients. Despite the large Medicare increase for phototherapy, very few insurers have increased reimbursements. They’ve discriminated against psoriasis patients and that needs to change. We have to make sure insurers are properly reimbursing for the care of all of our patients. This will be a particularly important issue with the new biologics for psoriasis getting closer to approval. Dr. Neil Shear - New Year’s resolution 2003: I’d like to learn enough molecular biology to be able to tell the difference between a cell signaling pathway and the circuit diagram for a cellphone. Dr. Philip Werschler - New Year’s resolution 2003: This New year, I hope that all dermatologists — whether medical and surgical, academic and cosmetic or residents and retirees — can find it in their hearts to work together in harmony, as a unified specialty, to promote skin health and wellness for everyone in the universe of both disease and desire dermatology. Dr. Phillip Williford - New Year’s resolution 2003: I want to remember daily how blessed my life has been and particularly my choice of profession. Despite all the changes, managed care, malpractice, etc., living and working as a dermatologist in this country is a blessing beyond quantification. To not recognize this contributes to the misplaced angst that unfortunately grips so many physicians in this country. I will remember this each day and live my life accordingly.