NEEDS STATEMENT

There is a critical need to strengthen dermatologic knowledge and skills among primary care professionals, who often serve as the first point of contact for patients with skin-related concerns. Many providers report limited training in dermatology, which hinders their ability to recognize, classify, and manage a wide range of skin diseases. This knowledge gap, along with low confidence in performing diagnostic procedures such as skin biopsies and in selecting evidence-based treatments, can lead to delays in care, misdiagnoses, and suboptimal outcomes. Even when providers are aware of best practices, inconsistent application due to limited visual training or uncertainty in distinguishing between similar conditions further compromises care quality.

This educational activity aims to address these challenges by offering a comprehensive curriculum on common and complex dermatologic conditions in both adult and pediatric populations. Through didactic lectures and interactive Q&A, learners will improve their ability to recognize morphologic patterns, develop thorough differential diagnoses, and implement timely, evidence-based treatment strategies. Reinforcing diagnostic reasoning, procedural confidence, and real-world clinical application will help providers improve their dermatologic care in primary care settings and ultimately achieve better patient outcomes.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This activity is intended for primary care health care providers, including physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of this activity, the participants should be able to:

• Assess and classify a variety of common and/or important skin maladies.
• Develop a comprehensive differential diagnosis for widespread skin disorders in adult and pediatric patients.
• Distinguish between various localized skin disorders in adult and pediatric patients as determined through a comprehensive differential diagnosis. 
• Implement timely and evidence-based treatment plans for common and complex skin diseases and disorders.

EDUCATIONAL METHODS

Lecture, Interactive Q and A.

EVALUATION

Evaluation by questionnaire will address program content, presentation, and possible bias.

ACTIVITY DIRECTOR

Theodore Rosen, MD

rosen@bcm.edu

ACTIVITY COORDINATOR

Danielle Brounchtine, BA

Danielle.Brounchtine@bcm.edu