Foreword 2

This new text, Barnhill’s Dermatopathology Challenge: Self-Assessment & Review, by Garrett T. Desman and Raymond L. Barnhill is original in its conception.

It is, to date, the first book of its kind in dermatopathology, which has been written in the form of “lessons” with a clinical and microscopic approach to a precise topic and self-assessment exercises, followed by a summary and broad synthesis by experts in the field. The work is comprehensive as more than 700 entities and 400 illustrated questions have been included.

This type of case-oriented presentation has been written especially for trainees (residents and fellows) in dermatology, pathology, and dermatopathology who are preparing for their “speciality” board examinations. This work also directly addresses the educational exigencies of medical school educational programs in the United States and Europe. It can also serve as a valuable source of knowledge for medical students and as well as more senior medical doctors, particularly, dermatologists, pathologists, and even dermatopathologists who need to continually update their clinical training and ongoing medical education.

The authors are both experts in dermatopathology. Garrett Desman, still early in his career, has envisioned the need for this type of book, and he is already a gifted author, teacher, and dermatopathologist. Raymond Barnhill is an internationally recognized dermatopathologist and professor who has taught medical students, residents, fellows, and practicing physicians for almost 30 years in the United States and France. His broad experience has led him to initiate this necessary evolution from his previous dermatopathology textbooks.

In our time of deep social integration with the internet, the publication of such a book is also an act of faith. As a senior pathology professor trained in dermatology, I am convinced that in university training there is still a place for such complete, concise, and “student-friendly” books.