title: Role of the dermatologist in the delivery of dermatologic care.
abstract: Dermatology faces an uncertain future because of changes in the mechanisms of health care delivery. The Westwood-Squibb Center for Dermatology Research was created to foster the care of patients through research and education that supports the delivery of optimal dermatologic health care. The center performs health care research to effect policy decisions that impact dermatologic health care delivery. Results from a broad range of these studies clearly demonstrate the value of dermatologists as primary care providers for patients with skin disease. Future studies at the Westwood-Squibb Center for Dermatology Research expand on these findings, demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of care by a dermatologist, and address the expertise of dermatologists at management of surgical problems of the skin.
authors.affiliation: Westwood-Squibb Center for Dermatology Research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA. sfeldman@wfubmc.edu
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Feldman
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Fleischer
mesh_terms: D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D003880:Dermatology; D006801:Humans; D011320:Primary Health Care; D014481:United States