Adequacy of dermatology and ob-gyn graduate medical education for inflammatory vulvovaginal skin disease: a nationwide needs assessment survey

Abstract Background Many patients with inflammatory vulvovaginal skin diseases like lichen planus and lichen sclerosus experience a delay in diagnosis and lack of appropriate treatment. Unfortunately, patients experience significant morbidity with these conditions. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the adequacy of training in vulvar dermatoses for dermatology and ob-gyn residents (in the United States), with a secondary goal of identifying the most ideal modality to broadly reach these residents with high quality instruction. Methods We created a survey with questions relating to attitudes about training in vulvovaginal disease, quantity of current education on the subject, and opinions on ways to improve training. This was distributed to ob-gyn and dermatology residents and program directors nationwide. Results: Most respondents reported that there was not adequate training in this area and that additional education was needed. Conclusions We propose that online, interactive, case-based learning modules created by vulvovaginal experts could help improve graduate medical education and lead to better patient outcomes.