A comparative study of dermatology education in high and low prevalence areas: Kuwait University and the University of Aberdeen

TL;DR

This study compares dermatology education at two universities in regions with different skin disease prevalence to see how local conditions shape teaching and student preparedness.

Contribution

The study reveals how local disease prevalence influences dermatology curricula and highlights potential gaps in global medical training.

Findings

Kuwait University focuses on pigmentary disorders like vitiligo, while the University of Aberdeen emphasizes skin cancers like melanoma.

Students at both universities reported insufficient overall dermatology exposure despite local curriculum alignment.

Both institutions' graduates may lack preparedness for managing conditions prevalent in other regions.

Abstract

Dermatological disease prevalence differs across regions, which may influence how medical schools prioritise dermatology training. Skin cancer predominates in Scotland, while vitiligo is more common in Kuwait. This study compares dermatology curricula at Kuwait University (KU) and the University of Aberdeen (UoA) to examine how local disease prevalence shapes educational focus and student preparedness.

To evaluate differences in curriculum content, student confidence, and clinical exposure between KU and UoA, and to assess the global relevance of their dermatology teaching.

A mixed-methods comparative design was used, combining curriculum document analysis, online surveys of final-year medical students, and semi-structured interviews with faculty and residents. Quantitative data assessed knowledge and confidence, while qualitative themes examined adequacy and exposure.

Both curricula reflected local disease patterns: KU emphasised pigmentary disorders such as vitiligo, while UoA focused on malignant melanoma (MM) and other skin cancers. KU students reported greater confidence with autoimmune and pigmentary conditions, whereas UoA students demonstrated more substantial knowledge of MM and eczema. Both cohorts and faculty identified insufficient dermatology exposure overall.

Dermatology education at KU and UoA aligns with local prevalence but may limit preparedness for managing conditions common elsewhere. Expanding international electives, case-based learning, and global curricular integration may enhance dermatological competency across regions.

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