Learning opportunities
Data show that dermatology patients have a high interest in alternative and complementary therapies. For example, a survey of patients with atopic dermatitis found that 50% of respondents said they had used some form of complementary and alternative medicine to manage their disease.1
“You may think that your patients are not interested in integrative medicine, but they probably are, even if they are not asking about these options,” said Dr. Lio. “Dermatologists who are not convinced that integrative medicine has a role may still benefit by being familiar with the information and being able to discuss it, because it is something that patients may want to explore.”
Dr. Rupani concurred, stating that having some degree of interest in and openness toward integrative medicine goes a long way with patients. “Our patients are asking questions and will continue to do so in greater numbers,” she said.
Several fellowships are available to physicians in practice who are looking to expand their knowledge. Dr. Lio, in collaboration with Apple Bodemer, MD, and Raja Sivamani, MD, MS, AP, founded one such program in 2020. Known as the Integrative Dermatology Certificate Program (get.learnskin.com/fellowship-certificate-program/), it is a 9-month program for board-certified dermatologists that includes nearly 100 lectures and provides more than 50 hours of continuing medical education (CME) credit.
“We expected that a handful of dermatologists would sign up, but have over 20 participants so far,” Dr. Lio said. The next fellowship program is in May 2021.
The 2020 Integrative Dermatology Symposium will take place as a virtual meeting October 23 through November 1. The program, which carries more than 18 CME credits and includes more than 20 lectures and 5 panels, will take place during evening and weekend hours.
Reference
1. Simpson EL, Basco M, Hanifin J. A cross-sectional survey of complementary and alternative medicine use in patients with atopic dermatitis. Am J Contact Dermat. 2003;14(3):144-7.
Disclosures
Dr. Lio is a shareholder at LearnSkin and receives royalties for the books Handbook of Integrative Dermatology: An Evidence-Based Approach (Springer) and Integrative Dermatology: Practical Applications in Acne and Rosacea (Springer)
Dr. Rupani receives royalties for the books Clinical Cases in Integrative Dermatology (Springer), Integrative Dermatology 1st Ed(Oxford University Press), and Integrative Dermatology: Practical Applications in Acne and Rosacea (Springer)
Next: A commentary by Steven R. Feldman, MD, PhD: “I’m not convinced.”
