DermWorld Academy Insider: New genital skin exam course
May 22, 2023
The Academy recently launched a new CME course on the AAD Learning Center that offers members a two-hour lesson on providing genital skin exams.
In this exclusive DermWorld Academy Insider interview, Harry Dao Jr., MD, FAAD, Christina N. Kraus, MD, FAAD, and Amylee Martin, MD, an incoming dermatology resident, offer their unique insight into the course and why they believe members should take advantage.
DermWorld: What is the new genital skin exam course?
Dr. Dao, Dr. Kraus, and Dr. Martin: This is an online resource through the AAD website for learners at all levels — from medical students to physicians — interested in understanding best practices for conducting genital skin exams and learning about common as well as a few rare genital skin conditions. This interactive module discusses appropriate terminology and language during patient encounters, anatomical considerations, exam techniques to optimize comfort for both patients and clinicians, and case-based questions on the diagnosis and management of common genital skin conditions. We collaborated with experts in the field to include practice pearls and highlight common pitfalls to avoid in diagnosis and management.
DermWorld: Why was this course created?
Dr. Dao, Dr. Kraus, and Dr. Martin: We developed this course with the goals of addressing practice gaps that exist for genital exams and increasing knowledge of genital conditions among dermatologists and other clinicians. Varying levels of patient expectations and comfort regarding the genital exam combine with variations in genital skin education and practice amongst primary care, dermatology, urology, and gynecology to form the perfect storm. Which specialty will screen for and/or address genital concerns for the patient? Ultimately, our hope is to improve the management of genital dermatoses by increasing awareness regarding the importance of addressing genital conditions and laying the framework for the approach to the patient.
DermWorld: What can members expect to learn?
Dr. Dao, Dr. Kraus, and Dr. Martin: The module reviews the basics on how to optimize patient encounters for genital concerns, exam techniques, anatomical considerations, and case-based learning. It is divided into two sections: penoscrotal and vulvovaginal dermatology, with both adult and pediatric cases. Some of our favorite parts of the module include advice on appropriate terminology and dialogue with patients. When you are not familiar with discussing or asking questions that may be deemed “uncomfortable” by both patients and clinicians, it can be daunting to address genital skin conditions. In this module, learners are provided with a basic script and exam steps, as well as tips for increasing comfort during physical exams and history taking.
DermWorld: Why is it important for members to take the course?
Dr. Dao, Dr. Kraus, and Dr. Martin: As dermatologists, we really are caretakers of the entire skin surface area. Furthermore, we’re equipped with the knowledge and skills to address patients’ concerns when it comes to genital skin conditions. Our training, with visual pattern recognition and ability to appreciate subtle details on exams, places us in a unique position to take ownership for improving the lives of patients with genital skin diseases. While there are some conditions that are more specific to genital skin, it is important to remember that many of our patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases, like psoriasis, eczema, or other common skin conditions, are affected by genital involvement, which can significantly impact quality of life. When failing to consider genital skin involvement, we do our patients a disservice. We hope learners take away the importance of the valuable role they can play in this field — they very well could be the only health care team members examining or asking questions about genital-specific symptoms. The impact dermatologists can have in this field is incredibly fulfilling, and we hope that the members who take this course will apply the principles of the module to their practice, and experience similar rewarding interactions with their patients.
