Diploma in Practical Dermatology and GPwSI in Dermatology
Position Statement

The course leading to the Diploma in Practical Dermatology is designed specifically for GPs who wish to gain expertise in the practical management of patients with the common skin diseases presented in general practice. The programme is designed to equip the GP with a sound knowledge of skin disease as it presents in practice.

Holders of the Diploma in Practical Dermatology therefore have a substantial knowledge base of general practice dermatology, however taking the Diploma in Practical Dermatology course does not provide supervised practical clinical experience.

The current British Association of Dermatologists guidelines (www.bad.org.uk ) outline the essential requirements for fulfilling the role of GPwSI in Dermatology. The Department of Dermatology in Cardiff University strongly supports these guidelines.

The Diploma in Practical Dermatology course provides an important core knowledge base for GPs who wish to become GPwSI but it is essential that in addition such doctors should have undertaken an extensive period of supervised clinical training and in their practice have formal regular links with secondary care. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is also an essential component of an ongoing GPWSI responsibility.

Holding the Diploma in Practical Dermatology therefore by itself is not sufficient evidence of competence to undertake the role of a GPwSI in Dermatology but is an important positive component of becoming a GPwSI.

Andrew Y Finlay
Professor of Dermatology
School of Medicine
Cardiff University

June 2006