Dermatology Resources on the Internet
information. Today’s Web enables features that facilitate information sharing in a social and
collaborative manner, thus transforming the way we access data and communicate with our
patients and colleagues. The visual nature of the field of dermatology lends itself to the use
of the Internet for reference and educational purposes. To generate a list of Web sites
commonly used by academic dermatologists, the authors polled the Accreditation Council
for Graduate Medical Education Dermatology Program Directors for their top 3 Web
resources. The purpose of this article is to identify resources used by dermatologists as
well as patients and examine factors that can influence Internet search results. Concerns
regarding professionalism in the era of social media are also explored. As the volume of
health information on the Internet continues to increase, it is essential for physicians to be
aware of what is available in cyberspace. Reference and learning tools for the physician,
learning and support tools for the patient, and physician Internet presence are key aspects
of modern dermatology practice.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 31:183-190 © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved
Resolution in Digital Imaging: Enough Already?
The main value of the digital image, its ability to be transported via the Internet, is optimal if the image can be shared by all interested parties without the need for the still relatively uncommon broadband connection.
Clinical Photography in the Dermatology Practice
Photography has been accepted for decades as a standard means for documenting dermatologic
conditions and as an adjunct to their treatment, in both medical practice and
research. The emergence of low-cost easy-to-use digital imaging systems has made
good-quality photography more accessible to practitioners, while providing improved functionality
in the clinical environment. Primary concerns are controlling lighting and positioning
to provide a clear record of the patients skin condition and maintaining consistency
over time to assure meaningful comparison of clinical end points.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 31:191-199 © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Online Patient Information
Information appropriate for patients with skin diseases is readily available on the Internet.
Expanding the Role of the iPad and Tablet Devices to Cosmetic Patient Consultations
The iPad is a useful reference tool for patient education in cosmetic consultations. In this
article, we plan to (1) discuss how the iPad can be implemented and used by patients and
physicians in consultations, (2) compare the advantages and disadvantages of the iPad
with other forms of technology, (3) discuss the optimal way of using the iPad for patient
care, (4) see how this tool complies with privacy regulations, and (5) look at other uses of
the iPad in the patient care setting. There has been positive feedback from both patients
and physicians regarding the addition of the tablet computer during consultations. In
addition to showing patients pictures of cosmetic procedures, the iPad also has various
multimedia capabilities such as videos and drawing tools that are useful in optimizing patient
satisfaction, increasing clinical efficacy, and improving the overall patient experience.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 31:200-202 © 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc.