Key Findings: ITPs with Dermatology Training in Canada
- ITPC Directors
- Aug 17
- 2 min read
Aug 17th, 2026
With the issues with access to dermatology care increasing in Canada, it is important to get a better understanding the profile of ITPs with dermatology training in Canada, ITPC developed and distributed a survey to our membership and social media following. We chose to leave the survey open for just one month in order to get an expedited response. The survey collected information on respondents' dermatology training, geographic distribution, barriers to licensure, current practice/ licensure status, and other key characteristics. We are pleased to share a summary of the survey findings below and a document with the analysis of the results available for download:
Geographic distribution: Respondents are primarily located in Ontario, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area and other major urban centres, with smaller groups in Alberta, Quebec and several other provinces.
Training and experience: Approximately 60% of respondents reported postgraduate dermatology training of 4 years in length. The most commonly reported qualification was a postgraduate diploma, master’s degree, or additional dermatology training completed after general practice, family practice, or another specialty. 53% had seven or more years of dermatology-focused practice experience.
Current roles: Despite their extensive training and experience, 80% are not practising as physicians or participating in a formal physician-licensure pathway. Only 2 respondents are practising as dermatologists. The majority are unemployed, working outside healthcare, or employed in non‑physician healthcare roles, indicating significant underutilization of their dermatology expertise.
Barriers to licensure: Respondents most frequently cited structural and regulatory barriers, including limited dermatology residency positions, restrictive RCPSC eligibility requirements, the absence of dermatology‑specific practice‑ready assessment programs, and a lack of clear licensure pathways for GPs/FPs with dermatology training.
Overall, the findings suggest that Canada has a group of experienced ITPs with meaningful dermatology education whose skills remain substantially underutilized. The results can support further discussion about dermatology-specific assessment pathways, supervised or provisional practice opportunities, and more flexible pathways that recognize prior GP/FP and postgraduate dermatology training.
The downloadable file is a summary of the survey results, including charts and brief narratives for each key domain. ITPC looks forward to advocating alongside the Canadian Dermatology Association as we aim to get more dermatology care access to Canadians.
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