The Dermatology workforce in Saudi Arabia: Current trends, challenges and future directions

Objectives: To provide a snapshot of the dermatology work force in Saudi Arabia. Methods: We collected data on the supply and distribution of dermatologists in Saudi Arabia. We discussed the current status of dermatology manpower issues in Saudi Arabia. Results: We found that between 1987 and 2007, the availability of dermatologists to population in Saudi Arabia rose by 60 %, from 2.35 to 3.76 dermatologists per 100,000 Saudi Arabian individuals. However, the current workforce is already out of balance in several ways. We have an excess of non-Saudi citizen dermatologists and a barely adequate supply of Saudi dermatologists. The dermatologist population is unbalanced with regard to gender and uneven in terms of geographic distribution. Conclusions: The dermatology workforce does not match well with the nation's health care goals. We should create a more successful and stable match between the talent supply and health care system requirements.