Certificate "Tropical and Travel Dermatology (DDA)" - Curriculum of the Society for Dermatology in the Tropics in the ADI-TD

Tropical skin and travel-related diseases are acute and chronic, infectious and non-infectious skin diseases related to specific environmental influences and risks in extramoderate climate zones (tropics, subtropics, arctics). Increased travel activities and international migration lead to an increasing occurence of these diseases also in the Western industrial countries. Furthermore, many dermatologists are working in international cooperations requiring a specific knowledge in these skin diseases. So far, no organized and certified training in tropical and travel dermatology was available for board-certified dermatological specialists in Germany. Therefore, the Society for Dermatology in the Tropics (SDT) developed a certificate "Tropical and Travel Dermatology" in cooperation with the German Dermatological Academy (DDA), a joint venture of the German Society of Dermatology and the Association of German Dermatologists. The curriculum consists of 3 full-day modules presented in a basic, an advanced and a special seminar. The seminars are interactive, with a practice-oriented presentation of knowledge and intensive discussion of cases with specialists in tropical and travel dermatology. There three seminars should be attended within one year, and the certificate is kept activated by quality assurance meetings to be attended at least once every five years. For improving practical experience in tropical and travel dermatology, the SDT offers courses and supports placements for volunteer work in tropical dermatology units in several countries.