The Primary Care Dermatology Society

The PCDS was formed in July 1994 by a group of GPs with an enthusiam for dermatology who recognised the need for such a forum where GPs could exchange views on primary care dermatology, develop skills and progress clinical research in this exciting and developing field of medicine.

The founding GPs were acutely aware of the fact that around 10-15% of the primary care workload involves dermatology and that many common skin conditions are managed entirely within the Practice. This workload continues to increase as ongoing changes in funding and the NHS structure move more patient care into the community. Thus, in collaboration with the Consultant Dermatologist, GPs will be increasingly involved in the disease management of chronic skin diseases.

The founding members therefore took the initiative and agreed to form the PCDS, in order to successfully represent the membership and the Society’s objectives in both the UK and Ireland.

In addition, the development of GPwSIs in dermatology require a voice and forum for support and discussion which the PCDS is ideally placed to provide.

The society has grown in size and influence in the ensuing years and now exceeds 1000 members and provides a primary and intermediate care voice in all aspects of dermatology.

It is supported by the majority of Pharma companies, with dermatological interests, by annual subscriptions which reduces the risk of individual bias. This allows the society to subsidise and develop educational meetings all over the UK and to keep the membership fee low which encourages a wide membership take-up. The Irish branch of the society is now run alongside with its own similar funding stream.