Digital technology enhances dermatology teaching in a family medicine residency.

Fam Med · 2004

other · Level V

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Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Exposure of family medicine residents to dermatology is inconsistent. We encourage residents to record skin lesions using digital photographs, which are made into posters displaying clinical information. METHODS: Residents submit diagnoses for each poster, and correct diagnoses are then posted. A semiannual 10-case quiz compares the scores of participating residents with nonparticipants. RESULTS: On the first three semiannual quizzes, participants and nonparticipants have scored, respectively, 68% and 48%, 73% and 55%, and 77% and 65%. CONCLUSIONS: Residents' ability to make dermatologic diagnoses improved from participation in an inexpensive, easily administered program using digitally displayed skin problems.