information. Today’s Web enables features that facilitate information sharing in a social and
collaborative manner, thus transforming the way we access data and communicate with our
patients and colleagues. The visual nature of the field of dermatology lends itself to the use
of the Internet for reference and educational purposes. To generate a list of Web sites
commonly used by academic dermatologists, the authors polled the Accreditation Council
for Graduate Medical Education Dermatology Program Directors for their top 3 Web
resources. The purpose of this article is to identify resources used by dermatologists as
well as patients and examine factors that can influence Internet search results. Concerns
regarding professionalism in the era of social media are also explored. As the volume of
health information on the Internet continues to increase, it is essential for physicians to be
aware of what is available in cyberspace. Reference and learning tools for the physician,
learning and support tools for the patient, and physician Internet presence are key aspects
of modern dermatology practice.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 31:183-190 © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved