Dermatology is a diverse specialty encompassing more than 3000 conditions and different subspecialties ranging from medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, dermatologic surgery, dermatopathology, etc. This diversity lends itself to an interesting and varied daily clinical practice.
If you are considering dermatology as your field of practice, you may be wondering about educational resources that may be available. I would like to share my experience using different books and web sites during my training and even now for reference and continuous learning.
Reference books
Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology (currently 9th edition)
This was the main textbook I used for dermatology training. I find this book comprehensive with sufficient details for both clinical work and examination purposes. Each topic is also structured systematically so that it provides a good framework to think, analyse and absorb facts.
How did I use this book? I first identified important and common topics. You may also base your learning on the dermatology training syllabus which outlines which topics need to be covered during specialty training. I then summarised these topics into my own notes based on the textbook and used those notes to revise for my exams.
Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology (currently 10th edition)
This is another detailed and comprehensive textbook which was recommended reading. However, I preferred the systematic approach used by Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology as I found it easier to absorb the facts from Fitzpatrick.
Dermatology (currently 5th edition)
This is a masterpiece from the great guru of dermatology, Dr Jean Bolognia. She often offers very sharp insights and systematic approaches to various clinical problems. I did not use much of this textbook as Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology was the preferred textbook for our training curriculum because our trainers felt that it offered more details needed for advanced training.
Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies (currently 6th edition)
A classic book with treatment approaches for different conditions. This book is useful because it lists down the levels of evidence for interventions.
Short books (baby books)
Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas and Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology (currently 9th edition)
This is an excellent introductory basic text for dermatology with very concise, systematic summaries and a good range of pictures and illustrations. I first started using this book to prepare for MRCP Part 2 and it formed a good knowledge base when I started dermatology training. I also use this book as a framework for teaching undergraduates. Nevertheless, you will require a more comprehensive reference textbook for advanced training.
Dermatology Essentials (currently 2nd edition)
I found the algorithms and diagrams in this book very useful for last-minute revision before my exams because the authors offer an insightful and systematic approach to guide clinical thinking.
Dermatopathology
Dermatopathology (currently 4th edition)
This book came recommended by a pathologist colleague. It offers a straightforward approach to dermatopathology and is easier to read than many other textbooks.
A Guidebook on Histological Diagnosis of Inflammatory Skin Diseases
This is a concise summary which is useful for exam revision for dermatology trainees. As it is in point form, it is easy to read and memorise before exams. Unfortunately this book is currently out-of-print.
Question banks and books
Derm In Review
https://dermatologyinreview.com/odac/
A must for exam preparations and learning, this web site offers a wide coverage of topics with adequate depth.
MasterPass Dermatology Postgraduate MCQs and Revision Notes
This book offers a more clinical problem-based questions and is geared towards the SCE (UK) examinations. The explanations for answers were also provided with some brief notes.
Practice Questions for the Dermatology Specialty Examination (currently 4th edition)
This is another comprehensive question bank that is quite useful.
Bonus: Cheat Sheet
DermNet NZ
Excellent brief summaries on the go. Useful if you need a quick reference in clinic.
Dr Kwan Zhenli - Dermatology 