Dermatologists applying for dermatologic surgery privileges in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, or outpatient clinics should be able to demonstrate appropriate training, competence, and experience in many procedures. They must appropriately select patients for either surgical or cosmetic procedures. Training may be acquired through residency training, post-residency training at formal courses, supervised instruction by skilled dermatologists, dermatologic surgeons or other practitioners, and practical experience.

Also, there is a growing demand for dermatologists to be competent in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin. Specifically, fewer dermatologists are able to diagnose complex medical dermatologic conditions and subsequently use both conventional and novel therapeutics that possess greater efficacy and, more importantly, the ability to positively alter the lives of patients with serious cutaneous disease.

Additionally, dermatology is a fast-moving specialty, with novel advances in medical, surgical, and procedural/cosmetic dermatology made yearly. Specifically, newer medications and modalities have been introduced that promise (and often deliver) better outcomes with fewer risks. As well, newer disease scenarios have arisen and this program addresses the best approaches to better health-related outcomes.