Broadening the Educational Experiences of Physicians in Hair Loss

Education in Hair Loss: How to we expand the knowledge base?

I feel strongly that the optimal care of patients with hair loss will come about through broader educational efforts in the medical community.

In my opinion this includes educating family physicians, nurse practioners, physician assistants and others about hair loss. These are in addition to efforts to sustain and advance what we have in dermatology and hair restoration medicine. There is a severe shortage of medical professionals willing to rise to the challenge of caring for patients with hair loss using rigorous scientific evidence-based approaches.

In 2018, I was involved in a number of programs which sought to strengthen the objective of educating more medical professionals. In Canada, I had the honor of lecturing at the Primary Care Dermatology Society of Canada meeting back in the summer. This society seeks to educate family physicians about dermatologic care and has done an amazing job in this regard. 
I also had the opportunity in 2018 to volunteer as an expert reviewer for the continuing medical education (CME) series produced by McMaster University in Canada. The Practice Based Small Group Learning Program (PBSG) is a unique program for family doctors whereby physicians meet once or twice per month to discuss learning modules. The group has grown to include over 5000 members.

The relay of clear information backed up by medical studies is what is desparately needed in the hair loss world. A rural physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant in the most remote areas of the country can provide care to patients with hair loss just as effectively if not better than a physician in the busiest of cities if they are equipped with the right tools.

We have a number of similar goals and objectives planned for the year ahead.