Workforce issues continue to be a concern for the dermatology specialty, namely the maldistribution of dermatologists throughout the United States and the shortage of dermatologists in general. In an effort to find solutions to these and other pressing workforce issues, the Academy has developed this resource center and dermatology workforce map. The map, which is based on 2008 U.S. Census data and AAD membership data as of January 2010, provides a concrete picture of the distribution of physicians throughout the country and highlights underserved areas.

To use the map, click on a state to view its geography by county. As you hover over each county, you will see how many dermatologists are serving that population, or if there are no dermatologists in that particular area.*

In addition to this map, you’ll find an aggregation of articles and resources that further illustrate workforce challenges for dermatologists. We will continue to add resources to this page as they are developed. Please submit your workforce-related questions to Jacqueline Buschmann at jbuschmann@aad.org

Disclaimers: AAD/A Dermatology Workforce Map

• *The AAD/A physician distribution map does not include dermatologists who are not members of the Academy, or other physicians practicing dermatology.
• **High or low density does not necessarily reflect the demand for dermatologists in the area. Demand for dermatology services varies by area, and there is no ideal fixed ratio of dermatologists per 100,000 population. Having 2.0 dermatologists per 100,000 might be too many in one area, whereas 6.0 might not be enough in another.
• Ratios might be skewed for counties with very small populations and might not represent the full draw area. For example, several counties that only have one dermatologist but serve a small in-county population show up as purple on the map.
• Medical draw areas are complex and can extend well beyond counties. For example, Suffolk, Mass., shows a ratio of 14 per 100,000 (very high), but it is considered underserved, probably because Boston medical centers have a huge multistate draw area.
• Members should not rely exclusively on these data when planning office locations or relocations.