Application of the general pattern teaching for resident training in dermatopathology

Dermatopathology training is a crucial aspect of the education and training of residents in dermatology and venereology, while interpretation of pathological sections is essential for this training. We employ the general pattern teaching method to enhance teaching quality, focusing on initial observation of sections with the naked eye and low-power lens to deduce biopsy sites and diagnose diseases based on image outline and color contrast. Diseases which can be diagnosed by general pattern analysis can be categorized into six groups: changes in the epidermis, mass-like hyperplasia and band-like changes in the dermis, changes in the fat layer, unique shape, and vascular proliferation. Some of these major categories can be further divided into subgroups. There are a total 18 common pathological patterns, including 53 prevalent skin diseases, 26 of which are required to be mastered according to the training guideline. The general pattern teaching method in combination with informative content and an engaging approach can effectively stimulate residents' enthusiasm for learning skin pathology and enhance their educational experience, leading to the improvement of outcome of dermatopathology training programs for residents in dermatology and venereology.