title: Dermatologic subspecialties in German inpatient dermatology:a national survey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In German-speaking countries, the specialty of dermatology is characterized by a large amount of subspecialties. Data providing information whether and to what extent these subspecialties are represented in German dermatology departments and clinics is not available.
  
  
  METHODS
  A national questionnaire survey was performed to determine the extent of involvement of dermatological subspecialties in dermatologic hospitals.Methods of descriptive statistics were applied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 90 dermatologic departments participated in this survey with a response rate of 78.3 %.The subspecialties allergology, dermatooncology,and dermatologic surgery are represented in over 90 % of departments; the sub-specialties andrology, aesthetic dermatology, dermatopathology, microbiology,phlebology,photobiology,proctology, and wound healing are represented in over 50 % of clinics. Furthermore, the subspecialties allergology, dermato-oncology, photobiology, and dermatopathology have strong research or academic representation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present survey demonstrates that dermatologic subspecialties are widely represented in dermatologic departments and clinics not only by individuals with specialty training but also by those in higher academic posts. This demonstrated high expertise should be maintained in German dermatology and could be promoted by academic programs.
authors: Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Germany. hensenp@mednet.uni-muenster.de
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Hensen
authors: Marcel L
authors: ML
authors: Müller
authors: Rudolf
authors: R
authors: Stadler
authors: Thomas A
authors: TA
authors: Luger
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection; D003880:Dermatology / Q000145:classification* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005858:Germany; D006748:Hospital Departments / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*