While our low response rate limits the generalizability of our data, it is important to note that those US dermatology residents who completed less rigorous internships felt less prepared to assume inpatient medicine responsibilities compared to their counterparts who performed more robust IM years. As we dermatologists take stock in the aftermath of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for future surges, a careful review of dermatology resident training is warranted. Certainly, the practice of foregoing more robust internal medicine training in favor of less rigorous internship experiences should be questioned. While additional studies are needed to better interrogate dermatology resident education, emphasizing the importance of strong foundations in clinical medicine will no doubt serve our discipline well going forward.
DISCLOSURES
The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
References
1. Murphy EC, Alptunaer T, Noll S, et al. A survey of dermatologists’ preparedness for natural and manmade disaster. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(2):195-197.
2. Sengupta S. With virus surge, dermatologists and orthopedists are drafted for the E.R. The New York Times. 2020 April 3. Available from: https://www. nytimes.com/2020/04/03/nyregion/new-york-coronavirus-doctors.html
3. Stoj V, Grant-Kels J. Dermatology residents and the care of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Apr 4;S0190- 9622(20)30509-0.
4. Baker SR, Tilak GS, Thakur U. Critique of the transitional year internship and its relationship to radiology residency. Acad Radiol. 2008;15(5):662-8.
AUTHOR CORRESPONDENCE
Kristen Lo Sicco MD Kristen.LoSicco@nyulangone.org
