Cosmetic dermatology training perspectives during residency: A survey-based report from Jordan

Background: There has been an evident increase in the number of cosmetic dermatologic procedures performed by dermatologists. Those procedures vary from a simple office-based one to more complex procedures requiring general anesthesia. Therefore, it is essential to assess the adequacy of cosmetic dermatology training among dermatology residents to meet patients' expectations.

Aim: We sought to assess dermatology residents' educational exposure to cosmetic dermatology and identify the practices and educational gaps of esthetic dermatology residency programs in Jordan.

Methods: An online cross-sectional study targeted almost all dermatology residents in Jordan from April to June 2021. Forty-two dermatology residents completed an English online questionnaire that involved sociodemographic data, the resident's educational exposure to cosmetic dermatology, and the resident's opinion regarding the training programs.

Results: Out of the 42 participants, 16 (38.1%) were males, and 26 (61.9%) were females. More than half (54.8%) of the participants reported that cosmetic procedures were done in the department they are attending. The majority (64.3%) did not attend cosmetic training or procedures. The majority strongly agree that hands-on training is the most beneficial way of cosmetic residency training (88.1%). More than 85% believe that cosmetic dermatology training should be practical and that final-year residents should perform cosmetic procedures independently. Only 2.4% and 4.8% of the residents were very satisfied or satisfied, respectively, with the current level of cosmetic procedural training.

Conclusion: The dermatology residents in Jordan are dissatisfied regarding the current level of cosmetic procedural training. Therefore, infrastructure must be improved; educational training quality must be improved by providing theoretical and practical education in clinics.