Osteopathic medicine and the practice of dermatology: History and current status

As the unified training body for osteopathic physicians specializing in dermatology, the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD) sponsors 18 dermatology residency programs that integrate academic training (focusing on the core of basic medical sciences) with clinical instruction (emphasizing specialized diagnostic and laboratory techniques and the high-level performance of all dermatologic and surgical procedures) to engender the ability to provide superior, specialized dermatologic care. The board of directors of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommended passage of a bylaws amendment establishing a category of osteopathic fellow for those osteopathic physicians who are certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology; however, the AAD membership failed to adopt the amendment by the required two-thirds majority. Constitutional bylaws of both societies stress the importance of the goal of unification and representation of the specialty of dermatology. Continued rapprochement appears to be in the best interest of the AAD and AOCD and may well enhance our efforts to deal with the challenges that face dermatology and medical practice in the 21st century.