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Training Physician Scientists
Training and Retaining Physician–Scientists in Dermatology: A United Kingdom Perspective
Although dermatology in the United Kingdom (UK) remains a specialty with a high uptake of clinical academic (i.e., physician–scientist) posts, there has been an overall decline in clinical academics within the UK in recent decades, with a 4.2% decrease reported between 2010 and 2017 (Rimmer, 2017). Li et al. (2022) provide an insightful overview exploring the low uptake of academic dermatology posts in the United States (US). They emphasize the importance of physician–scientists in the field of dermatology and summarize key barriers and challenges faced by investigative dermatologists in the US.Training and Retaining Physician‒Scientists in Dermatology: Japan
Recently, the number of dermatologists who pursue scientific research careers has been dwindling in Japan. One of the major reasons for the reduction is the recent alterations of the Japanese medical specialty training system. Our strategies against the decline of young dermatologists’ desire to be physician‒scientists include the establishment of a simultaneous PhD program for specialty course trainees, the establishment of a young academician-fostering seminar by the Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology, and support for studying abroad by the Japanese Dermatological Association.Training and Retaining Physician‒Scientists in Dermatology: China
Physician‒scientists play a crucial role in the development and advancement of medical science. The number of physician‒scientists has been decreasing in recent years, and this phenomenon is also very prominent in the field of dermatology. In China, on the one hand, the quality and quantity of dermatological science research are rapidly increasing. On the other hand, there are many problems and challenges in physician‒scientist training that hinder young students from choosing to enter an MD‒PhD path over an MD-only path.Training and Retaining Physician‒Scientists in Dermatology: The German Perspective
In an ideal setting, physician‒scientists combine clinical practice and knowledge with scientific curiosity and research in synergy. Li et al. address the current challenges regarding the rare breed of physician‒scientists in the United States–much similar to those faced in German dermatology departments. The authors discuss multiple angles to transform the so-called leaky pipeline into a streamline of dermatologists in science.Training Physician‒Scientists in Dermatology in Austria
The article by Li et al. (2022) addresses a fundamental problem that may ultimately lead to a situation where the medical globe will be divided into two hemispheres, that is, (i) medical care providers with only a poor understanding of the biological principles securing physiology and causing pathology, and (ii) PhD scientists pursuing biomedical research with deep gaps in their knowledge of human diseases.Physician‒Scientists in Italian Dermatology: Hurdles and Perspectives
Physicians, including dermatologists, with expertise in clinical and basic research, play a pivotal role in the advancement of medical science. Although the number of residents in dermatology has been increasing and our specialty is among the most requested in Italy, the disaffection of young dermatologists for research is a chronic and apparently irreversible trend. This commentary analyzes the reasons and suggests some ideas to counteract this alarming tendency.Training and Retaining Physician‒Scientists in Dermatology in Taiwan
Currently, only 14.7% of practicing dermatologists in Taiwan who work at medical centers are dedicated to innovative research. Dermatology departments appear to face steeper challenges with the recruitment and retention of physician‒scientists than other medical specialties. The need to increase the number of physician‒scientists is clear and can be achieved through the provision of good training programs, financial support, early mentorship, and sustained funding.Current Status and Future Direction of Physician-Scientists Training in Korea
In their new JID Innovations article, “Training Physician-Scientists for Careers in Investigative Dermatology,” Li et al. (2022) describe the difficulties of nurturing physician-scientists in the United States and their causes. In Korea, the importance of physician-scientists is also being emphasized, and medical schools and the government are making great efforts to foster physician-scientists as well. As a result of these efforts, the number of those obtaining a doctoral degree after residency training in clinical departments, including dermatology, is increasing in Korea.Training and Retaining Physician‒Scientists in Dermatology: Australia
We read with great interest the article by Li et al. (2022) on the delicate subject of “Training Physician-Scientists for Careers in Investigative Dermatology.” Pathways leading to academic dermatology and the training of clinician‒scientists and particularly their maintenance in the academic workforce raise concerns that are very broadly shared in Australia. In fact, many of the aspects highlighted in this article are experienced globally, and we discuss below some that are specific to the Australian context.Training Physician‒Scientists for Careers in Investigative Dermatology
Physician‒scientists have made countless discoveries, and their dwindling numbers are a significant concern. Although dermatology has become an increasingly popular destination for physician‒scientist trainees, the proportion of trainees who pursue scientific research careers after training is among the lowest of all medical specialties. To investigate this problem, we surveyed a national cohort of dermatology educators, physician‒scientist track program directors, and National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases T32 directors for opinions regarding physician‒scientist training in dermatology.
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