The best dermatologists are clinicians with a good understanding of science. Translational research can transform patient care, so it is important for dermatology trainees to embrace science. Basic science is not well covered during clinical work, with trainees having to attend dedicated courses, supplemented with self-directed study. The specialty training curriculum for dermatology in the United Kingdom has clear objectives for trainees to have knowledge of the science behind disease and therapeutics. We developed an innovative teaching program which could be accessed by all trainees in our region to address this gap in training.
The program was developed as a collaborative effort between a clinical dermatology service and a medical writer/ molecular biologist. The objective was to develop a webinar-based teaching program to bridge the gap between science and clinical medicine. This was developed as an educational resource to dermatology trainees in North Wales (n=4); and was then extended to include dermatology trainees across Wales (n=18). The aim was to provide monthly science teaching to trainees, focussing on pathophysiology of disease and mechanisms of skin therapeutics.
A 10-question survey was sent to 6 doctors (4 dermatology trainees and 2 specialty doctors) who had access to the sessions. 100% response rate was obtained. 50% of doctors were able to access the webinar sessions easily via web-link. 83.3% of trainees found this to be a useful method of teaching, with 67.7% finding the sessions interactive enough, and 100% finding pre-seminar reading beneficial to prepare and consolidate learning.  Overall, the results of the survey have been positive, with trainees finding the sessions useful, allowing for attendance at curriculum based teaching even when not on site.
With regard to impact on clinical practice, 80% of respondents felt that the sessions helped them to understand disease processes and natural history, rationalise therapeutic options, and think about areas of possible research interest. 60% felt that they were able to explain things more clearly to patients. 80% of respondents had received no other teaching/ training in dermatology basic science, and 100% found the sessions useful with regard to having a positive impact on their clinical practice.
Webinar-based teaching of basic science to dermatology trainees has been well-received. Based on survey results, identified areas for improvement include adressing technical problems, wider coverage of the dermatology curriculum; to include topics such as novel drug targets, and genetic dermatoses; with more focus on applications of science to clinical practice. We aim to continue this program  and would like to encourage the use of this platform by other specialties to enhance higher training opportunities.

Bridging the Gap between science and medicine: teaching basic science to clinicians