ABSTRACT
Background: Dermatology in the Malaysian undergraduate medical curriculum is included as a subspecialty subject in Internal Medicine. The dermatology course content for undergraduate varies among the different teaching institutions. A standardized curriculum is required to prepare graduates for clinical dermatological practices in a tropical country and also applicable worldwide. Methods: The Delphi method is used to reach a consensus on the curriculum’s core content. A questionnaire with lists of dermatological conditions was developed by a panel of dermatologists and family physician. A total of 60 participants comprising of 20 dermatologists, 20 family physicians and 20 general practitioners are asked to rate the importance of each dermatological conditions stated in the questionnaire. The same participants then answers the questionnaire again with results of the first round made available to them. The final curriculum content will be identified based on the panel’s collective opinions. Results: We present the results of the first part of the study which is the (questionnaire development). Section 1 of the questionnaire lists 20 topics according to the classification of dermatological diseases and common dermatological diseases. Section 2 expands each classification by listing specific diseases or conditions. There are 4 to 13 diseases identified under each classification. This provides a total of 171 options to be graded by each participant. Section 1 aimed to identify important topics based on the classification and common dermatological diseases. The list of specific diseases aimed to identify the important dermatological conditions or diseases under each classification. Conclusion: A standardized appropriate curriculum in dermatology is required for the Malaysian undergraduate teaching curriculum which is acceptable both locally and internationally. The finding of the study may be used to recommend a standard Malaysian medical undergraduate dermatology curriculum.