DermWorld Academy Insider: New course on patch testing offers 5 CME credits
May 1, 2025
The AAD’s Learning Center recently released a new course, Introduction to Patch Testing, which offers 5 CME credit hours included as a benefit of your membership.
In this exclusive DermWorld Academy Insider interview, Jennifer Chen, MD, FAAD, and Amber Reck Atwater, MD, FAAD, who both planned and helped develop the course, discuss the course, what members can expect to learn, and why members should take it.
DermWorld: What is the Introduction to Patch Testing course and why was it created?
Dr. Chen & Dr. Atwater: This is a course designed to help dermatologists become comfortable with the patch test procedure, including nuances to help providers improve this skill set. We created this course on behalf of the American Contact Dermatitis Society to address a knowledge gap within our field, since not every residency program offers training in this area.
DermWorld: What can members expect to learn in this course?
Dr. Chen & Dr. Atwater: In this course, members can learn about the basics of how to get started with performing patch testing, as well as best practices with performing and interpreting the test. We also provide tips for patient counseling, managing challenging scenarios such as negative patch test results, and give an overview of some important allergens. The curriculum is delivered by contact dermatitis experts from the American Contact Dermatitis Society.
DermWorld: Why should members take this new course?
Dr. Chen & Dr. Atwater: Eczematous dermatoses are extremely common, and dermatologists need to know how to diagnose and manage these patients in order to reduce patient morbidity and advance patient quality of life. Allergic contact dermatitis can look identical to other eczematous dermatoses, but is uniquely curable among these largely chronic diseases. In the age of targeted therapeutics, it is important to recognize and appropriately address any component of allergic contact dermatitis in our dermatitis patients prior to or while starting systemic therapy. These course modules can be reviewed at your own pace, from the comfort of your own home. Additionally, the course is available for free CME credit as a benefit of your membership. We hope you enjoy this learning experience!
