Recent changes in the workforce and practice of dermatologic surgery.
BACKGROUND
The increasing number of American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) fellowship positions over the last decade has resulted in a greater number of fellowship-trained surgeons in dermatologic surgery.


METHODS
Mohs micrographic fellowship-trained surgeons (MMFTSs) and non-Mohs fellowship-trained surgeons performing Mohs micrographic surgery (NMMFTSs) were compared using the American Academy of Dermatology Practice Profile Survey (2002/05). An analysis of recent Mohs fellowship classes was also performed.


RESULTS
In 2005, there was an equivalent proportion of MMFTSs and NMMFTSs in the workforce (ratio MMFTS:NMMFTS=0.9) but, in 2005, there was a shift in the youngest age cohort (29-39) to a greater proportion of MMFTSs (MMFTS:NMMFTS=1.55). In 2005, the youngest MMFTSs (29-39) were more likely to be female (47.1%) than of MMFTSs overall (24%). MMFTSs were 5 times as likely to be in full-time academic positions and performed 2 to 3 times as many Mohs cases per week as NMMFTSs.


CONCLUSIONS
Consistent with demographic shifts in dermatology, differences have emerged in the demographics, surgical volumes, and settings of MMFTSs and NMMFTSs. Recent increases in the ACMS fellowship positions have resulted in a greater proportion of MMFTSs among younger dermatologic surgeons. It will be important to follow how this increase in fellowship trainees affects the dermatologic surgery workforce.
Tierney
Emily P
EP
Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Hanke
C William
CW
Kimball
Alexa Boer
AB
D000328:Adult; D003880:Dermatology / Q000193:education*; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015580:Mohs Surgery / Q000193:education*; D010820:Physicians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010822:Physicians, Women / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce