The French Society of Dermatology (SFD) is proposing new measures to alleviate the shortage of dermatologists in France.
- Over the past fifteen years, the number of dermatology practitioners has fallen by more than 20% in the country as the demand for dermatology care increases.
- “This drastic decrease is worrying and is linked to a number of retirements not compensated by a sufficient arrival of young dermatologists,” explains the French Society of Dermatology.
- The French Society of Dermatology (SFD) is therefore proposing new measures to compensate for the shortage of dermatologists in France.
There French Society of Dermatology (SFD) calls for concrete measures and innovative solutions to compensate for the shortage of dermatologists in France.
“The shortage of dermatologists in France is a major problem which requires immediate and lasting solutions” indeed believe the members of the institution.
France: the number of dermatologists has fallen by more than 20%
Over the past fifteen years, the number of dermatology practitioners has fallen by more than 20% in the country as the demand for dermatological care increases, particularly due to the aging of the population. “This drastic decrease is worrying and is linked to a number of retirements not compensated by a sufficient arrival of young dermatologists”, explains the French Society of Dermatology.
Last September, an Ifop Sanofi study indicated that in 2023, the average time to obtain an appointment with a dermatologist in our country is 3 months, almost twice as long as 10 years ago.
What proposals can be made to solve the shortage of dermatologists in France?
“Faced with the growing crisis in dermatology in France, it is imperative to act quickly by implementing innovative solutions. Strengthening the training of general practitioners in dermatology and raising public awareness of better skin self-monitoring are crucial initiatives to guarantee access to dermatological care”, therefore proposes the SFD in a press release. “Coordination between health actors is essential to provide effective responses to this pressing situation,” she also says.
The SFD already offers training for general practitioners in dermatology in collaboration with the CNGE, notably via webinars.
In addition to these measures, the SFD encourages the development of tele-expertise networks in dermatology, such as those already set up in certain regions of France such as Brittany, Hauts-de-France, Ile-de-France. and Corsica. “These networks offer GPs the ability to send secure photos of skin lesions to dermatologists for specialist advice or opinions, thereby reducing waiting times for a consultation,” explain the specialists.
Finally, the SFD emphasizes “the importance of patient associations in developing smoother pathways”.
When should you consult a dermatologist?
Consulting a dermatologist is necessary when you are faced with skin, hair, mucous membranes or nail problems.
