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A landmark study in JAMA Dermatology reveals that more than 40% of countries have inadequate or extremely poor access to dermatologic care, with the biggest gaps in low-income nations. The global average is just 2.66 dermatologists per 100,000 people — far below the recommended threshold of 5.63. Experts say the findings should drive urgent policy action, workforce training, and creative solutions like telemedicine.
A sweeping new study published in JAMA Dermatology has put hard numbers to what many in the field have long suspected: the world is severely short on dermatologists, and the burden falls hardest on the poorest countries. Surveying dermatology leaders across 158 countries — representing 97% of the global population — researchers found that the global average dermatologist density is just 2.66 per 100,000 people, well below the estimated sufficiency threshold of 5.63 per 100,000.
The maldistribution problem runs deep. A full 79% of dermatologists practice in urban areas globally — a figure that jumps to 91% in low-income countries alone. Meanwhile, 21% of surveyed countries reported having no dermatology training programs at all, and primary care physicians are cited as frequently as dermatologists for skin disease care in many regions.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Skin disease affects hundreds of millions globally and carries significant economic and mental health burdens. This study — backed by WHO's 2025 resolution recognizing skin disease as a global public health priority — provides the data foundation needed to drive policy reform, expand training programs, and deploy telemedicine solutions where specialist access is most limited.
