In conclusion, rural areas have lower dermatologist to dermatology PA ratios compared to urban areas. Lower dermatologist/dermatology PA ratios may result in insufficient PA supervision and increased mortality. More dermatology residency positions are necessary to address the undersupply of dermatologists in the US, with incentives given to encourage board certified dermatologists to practice in underserved areas.
DISCLOSURES
Yu Wang and Dr. Lipner have no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of the submission.
References
1. Glazer, AM, Rigel, DS. Analysis of trends in geographic distribution of us dermatology workforce density. JAMA Dermatol. 2017. 153(5):472-473.
2. Feng H, et al. Comparison of dermatologist density between urban and rural counties in the United States. JAMA Dermatol. 2018. 154(11):1265-1271.
3. Glazer AM, et al. Analysis of US dermatology physician assistant density. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017. 76(6):1200-1202.
4. Anderson, AM, et al. Accuracy of Skin cancer diagnosis by physician assistants compared with dermatologists in a large health care system. JAMA Dermatol. 2018. 154(5):569-573.
5. Arnold, T. Physician assistants in dermatology. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2008. 1(2):28-31.
AUTHOR CORRESPONDENCE
Shari R. Lipner MD PhD shl9032@med.cornell.edu