Dermatology Education for GPs
GPs are vital to the delivery of dermatology care in the UK and GP education is a key workstream of the British College of Dermatology. This page provides information on GPwER dermatology accreditation as well as dermatology educational opportunities for GPs.
Each year 24% of the UK population see their GPs for skin issues. Ensuring that GPs are well trained in dermatology and accrediting GPs with an extended role (GPwERs) in dermatology is a key aim of the BCD and BAD.
Although skin diseases are common, dermatology tends to have a low priority in the medical curriculum for undergraduates. Prospective general practitioners must be able to care properly for people of all ages with skin problems so dermatology should be an essential component of any training scheme for general practitioners.
Diploma Courses for GPs
Diploma courses are intended to provide structured education in dermatology. There are a number of Diplomas in Dermatology available. They can form part of the portfolio of a general practitioner wishing to practice as a GPwER in dermatology. They are not, however, a substitute for the practical experience required by the DoH guidelines for this group of doctors.
