Chief Medical Editor`s Message: The Breadth and Depth of Dermatology

T he breadth and depth of dermatology amazes me. With its unique role as the interface with the environment, the skin exhibits marvelous properties and a diverse array of problems. The field of dermatology exhibits equally marvelous skill in a diverse array of disciplines. From basic science to dermatopathology to medical dermatology to dermatologic surgery, dermatologists have been on the cutting edge, providing patients extraordinary care. Ever increasing breadth and depth of knowledge and responsibility presents challenges, not the least of which is just keeping up. Specialization is one answer. This month’s articles on laser treatment illustrate but one of many examples of the scope of dermatology and the advances that have been made. This issue also presents the third of a series of articles describing clinical “dermatology” subspecialties that can be incorporated into general dermatology practice. The broad scope of dermatology also presents challenges at the interface with other specialties. Regulations were recently proposed in two states that could have limited the performance of pathology services to pathologists. This potentially would have had serious consequences for patients’ access to qualified dermatologists performing dermatopathology services; an unintended potential consequence could be that Mohs surgery wouldn’t be permissible. I qualify these comments with “potential” because who knows what legislators will ultimately do and how regulators will ultimately interpret legislation. You may be wondering what two states I’m talking about. I’m not specifying because the risk is there in every state, and we all need to take active roles in educating legislators and the public. We need to stay vigilant and work with our colleagues to assure patient access to quality health care. After all, what we do in dermatology is important and extraordinary. Steven Feldman, M.D., Ph.D. Chief Medical Editor

T he breadth and depth of dermatology amazes me. With its unique role as the interface with the environment, the skin exhibits marvelous properties and a diverse array of problems. The field of dermatology exhibits equally marvelous skill in a diverse array of disciplines. From basic science to dermatopathology to medical dermatology to dermatologic surgery, dermatologists have been on the cutting edge, providing patients extraordinary care. Ever increasing breadth and depth of knowledge and responsibility presents challenges, not the least of which is just keeping up. Specialization is one answer. This month’s articles on laser treatment illustrate but one of many examples of the scope of dermatology and the advances that have been made. This issue also presents the third of a series of articles describing clinical “dermatology” subspecialties that can be incorporated into general dermatology practice. The broad scope of dermatology also presents challenges at the interface with other specialties. Regulations were recently proposed in two states that could have limited the performance of pathology services to pathologists. This potentially would have had serious consequences for patients’ access to qualified dermatologists performing dermatopathology services; an unintended potential consequence could be that Mohs surgery wouldn’t be permissible. I qualify these comments with “potential” because who knows what legislators will ultimately do and how regulators will ultimately interpret legislation. You may be wondering what two states I’m talking about. I’m not specifying because the risk is there in every state, and we all need to take active roles in educating legislators and the public. We need to stay vigilant and work with our colleagues to assure patient access to quality health care. After all, what we do in dermatology is important and extraordinary. Steven Feldman, M.D., Ph.D. Chief Medical Editor