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Educational efforts needed to inform public understanding, perception of dermatologists
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Researchers found the U.S. public perceives dermatologists spend more time performing cosmetic procedures than actually indicated in current workforce data.
A total of 800 adults participated in a telephone survey, during which cities and telephone numbers were randomly selected for inclusion.
Overall, 46% of the individuals surveyed believed dermatologists spend the majority of time managing skin cancer. Twenty-seven percent of respondents perceived the majority of dermatologists’ time is spent performing cosmetic procedures, and 21% perceived treating rashes as dermatologists’ primary concern.
The survey also compared primary care physicians (PCPs) to dermatologists; 63% of respondents selected PCPs as having a more critical profession, 54% believed PCPs had a more difficult profession and 92% felt PCPs worked longer hours, according to the researchers.
However, 99.6% perceived dermatologists earn a higher income compared with PCPs, and 72% believed PCPs should be paid more than dermatologists.
The researchers reported similar findings when dermatologists were compared with cardiologists. Overall, dermatologists were perceived as earning more than PCPs but less than cardiologists or plastic surgeons.
“Educational strategies need to occur at both local and national levels to increase awareness of dermatologist expertise among the public and other stakeholders, including payers and health policy constituents,” the researchers concluded.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.
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