Abstract
Purpose: This interdisciplinary educational training program empowers health professions learners (students and trainees) to confidently conduct comprehensive skin exams, utilize dermoscopy, and perform biopsies, to improve earlier melanoma detection in veterans.
Background: Within the George E Wahlen Veteran Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Salt Lake City, UT predominantly Caucasian males aged 65+ represent a prime target for skin cancer intervention. Unfortunately, minimal dermatology training in primary care leaves providers ill-equipped to address this need1. Our program aims to bridge this gap, saving lives and reducing costs associated with late-stage diagnoses.
Methods: This pilot training, held at the Salt Lake City VA (affiliated with the University of Utah), equips health professions learners with the skills to detect melanoma in high-risk veterans. The 4-day program combines group learning with hands-on skills training in a cadaver lab and finishes in clinical practice with dermatology specialists in our innovative Primary Care Dermatology clinic. Diagnosis of melanoma in clinic will be collected.
Learning Outcomes: The effectiveness of this program will be evaluated by pre- and post-self-assessments gauging respondents’ knowledge, comfort with assessments and conditions, and skin examination skills.
Conclusions: This educational initiative appears feasible for faculty, is well received by learners, and has resulted in expanded clinical services to veterans.
References
- AM Drucker, RB Cavalcanti, BM Wong, S.R.A. Walsh Teaching dermatology to internal medicine residents: needs assessment survey and possible directions. J Cutan Med Surg, 17 (1) (2013), pp. 39-45.
Return to Table of Contents: 2024 Core Educator Education Scholarship Retreat
Improving Melanoma Detection and Management in Utah Veterans: A Collaborative Educational Approach by Alexa G. Ries, Jeremy Timm, MD, Andrea Barker, MPAS, PA-C, Michael Battistone, MD & Stephanie Zone, MD