Trends in dermatology practices and the implications for the workforce #PACPearls

WDS Board member Dr. Alison Ehrlich has collaborated with colleagues to create a report on trends in the workforce in the field of Dermatology. The full article, titled Trends in dermatology practices and the implications for the workforce can be read in the JAAD, but some quick stats are below:

•  Fewer dermatologists are going into solo practices (44% in 2005 vs 35% in 2014)
• The ratio of female to male dermatologists has increased from 30% in 2002 to 45% in 2014, and more women than men are applying to residency programs
• 34% of dermatologists work in more than one office
• Employment of physician extenders (physician assistants or nurse practitioners) increased from 28% in 2005 to 46% in 2014
• For those in private practice, 2014 results showed that overhead cost to the practice increased for 72%, hours spent in the office increased for 61%, and the number of patients seen decreased for 46% of the respondents.

With the world of dermatology, and specifically private practice, advancing and evolving to present more challenges to dermatologists, it is important that we find community and support among each other.