[Strategic educational planning of dermatology in Iran]

Strategic thinking is the most essential part of educational planning. The main purpose of the present study is developing the Strategic educational planning of dermatology in Iran from 2007 to 2010. A qualitative investigation using focused group discussion was implemented for developing educational strategy in dermatology. Six to ten academic members of dermatologic departments and other stakeholders participated in this study. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of dermatology education in Iran were analyzed. Strategic objectives in three domains, viz. education, research, and provision of health services were identified. Educational objectives included training personnel at different academic levels ranging from general practice and specialization to fellowship in dermatology in accordance with the needs of the general public. In the field of research, necessity for more national and international participation and scientific discourse was recognized. In the health services domain designing cost-effective techniques for optimal management of dermatological problems are needed. Results of this study underscore the necessity of support for decision makers in Iranian health system

Scrotal tongue as a valuable clinical feature in psoriasis

In a prospective clinical trial, the incidence of scrotal tongue in psoriatic patients was studied. One hundred psoriatics and the same number of non-psoriatic individuals were evaluated for the incidence of fissured tongue, age, duration of illness, and clinical types of psoriasis. In this study 49 psoriatic patients [49%] and 28 non-psoriatic persons [28%] had fissured tongue. The most common type of psoriasis [38% of patients] was plaque type and the patient's mean age was 22 years. We conclude that scrotal tongue had a higher incidence among psoriatic patients and can be considered as a useful clinical sign