@article{10.22454/FamMed.2026.187728,
author = {Lu, Katie and Twigg, Amanda},
title = {Recommended Dermatology Objectives in Family Medicine Residencies},
journal = {Family Medicine},
volume = {58},
number = {6},
year = {2026},
month = {6},
pages = {434-438},
doi = {10.22454/FamMed.2026.187728},
abstract = {Background and Objectives: Dermatologic issues represent up to 12.4% of encounters in family medicine practices. Despite the high number of skin conditions seen, current curricular guidelines for dermatologic experiences in family medicine residencies are vague and provide limited structure. We used a two-round modified Delphi process to reach expert consensus on dermatology learning objectives for family medicine residencies.
Methods: Objectives were compiled from three sources: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Family Medicine Program Requirements, the American Academy of Family Physicians Conditions of the Skin curriculum, and the American Academy of Dermatology 4 week Basic Dermatology modules. We invited 20 experts (nine dermatologists, 11 family physicians) to rate objectives using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Consensus was defined as≥75% of panelists agreeing or strongly agreeing that an objective should be included as a learning objective with<1.0 standard deviation. Prioritization, using a content validity index, was defined as≥80% of respondents rating an item as strongly agree.
Results: Overall, 194 unique objectives were considered, of which 189 (97.4%) met consensus. Three topics were ranked as the highest priority: actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and atopic dermatitis. The lowest prioritized topics were dermoscopy and basic science. Only one procedure, injection of local anesthesia, met the prioritization threshold.
Conclusions: The highest-ranked topics highlight key areas that should be emphasized in a typical 2 week family medicine–dermatology rotation. Our findings can inform the development of a dermatology block, ensuring that limited residency time is directed toward the most essential objectives.},
URL = {https://journals.stfm.org//familymedicine/2026/june/lu-0521/},
eprint = {https://journals.stfm.org//media/3q0icsee/fammed-58-434.pdf},
}