NYT Article on Dermatology - Questionable Treatments of Skin Cancers

[Solodyn]

Skin Cancers Rise — Along With Questionable Treatments

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[asmallchild]

Skin Cancers Rise — Along With Questionable Treatments

Thanks for sharing that article.

I wasn't very impressed with the writing as it takes the usual NYT method of sensationalizing the content without really delving into the why or the solutions (not that I completely blame them, we as dermatologists haven't stumbled across the right answers yet either)

Things I agree with:
- as a specialty, we probably biopsy too much
- the increase in PE firms buying up practices and installing mid-level providers is a concern
- as a specialty, we probably overtreat (more on this later)

Things I disagree with:
- arguing against aggressive treatment of skin cancers other than melanoma in the frail elderly (who defines aggressive? is Mohs aggressive?)
- arguing against the treatment of AKs
- using an example of what sounds like an independently practicing PA in an attempt to smear an entire specialty. Most of us don't practice like this. I don't believe for one second that the ADCS work platform is what our future looks like as a specialty.

 

[Dral]

Agree that some of the article has some legit points.

However, overall a typical NYT article. I imagine a boardroom somewhere in Manhattan:
"Hmm, we haven't published an inflammatory article bashing Dermatology or Orthopedics lately. Is it time for another?"
"Most definitely...there are never enough. Maybe this one will get the readership wound up even more!"