International dermatology: the many faces and challenges of the specialty in the global village

Abstract

The technical advances of the last century changed the understanding of the science of cutaneous physiology and pathology and the role of the dermatologist. The major challenges the international dermatologic community faces today are the lack of a common, logical, and accepted language within the specialty; long-accepted but questionable policies to advance academic careers; and the marginalization of dermatology. Methods for communicating and circulating data and ideas also have changed radically. The distribution of knowledge and essential/practical tools in different regions of the world is inequitable, and developing countries must cope with the challenges of high-impact skin diseases.