Dermatovenereology is one of the essential fields of modern medicine with a very wide scope of activities. It is a comprehensive field that develops along with the advances in basic and applied research. In recent past, there has been a significant amount of new insights, approaches, and interpretations related to research in genomics, pharmacogenomics, and proteomic. The genetic and other underlying causes of a number of diseases, including oncological diseases, have become clearer; there have been new findings in skin physiology, immunology, and modern examination and treatment methods; and there has also been extensive research into the impact of dermatosis on the quality of life of the patients. Applied and clinical research has made it possible to introduce a number of new examination methods to assess the physical state of the skin (elastometry, skin conductance, TEWL, non-invasive examination of suspected tumour lesions using high-definition optical coherence tomography). The progress made in immunohistochemistry methods and PCR diagnostics in skin and venereal infections is invaluable. Another important area within dermatology is photobiology and phototherapy, including the basically new photodynamic therapy, which is exceptionally effective especially in dermato-oncology with no cumulative tissue toxicity. Targeted digital phototherapy with automated assessment of lesions has opened up new horizons in phototherapy. Current research into the oncological risks of cumulative UV radiation as well as the impact of D vitamin deficiency due to low sunlight exposure is very important both for medicine and for the society at large, while research into the quality of life of patients with skin conditions has caused a shift in our perception of a number of types of dermatosis, as it becomes clear that the patients’ quality of life suffers as much as in the case of oncological patients or patients with severe cardiovascular disease. There is also ongoing research into the application of new drugs and individualization of drug therapy in a number of drug groups. And finally, skin conditions and sexually transmitted infections that have hitherto been rare and unusual will become a new diagnostic and therapeutic challenge as more people come to Europe from various parts of Asia and Africa.

The doctoral study of dermatovenereology at the Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University aims to deepen the students’ theoretical knowledge of the field, including the pathophysiology of skin conditions, methods of independent research work, and research in etiopathogenesis, diagnostics, therapy, and prevention of dermatoses and in the patients’ quality of life. Graduates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to diagnose, treat, and prevent both skin and venereal diseases; and as researches, they are able to work with scholarly sources, interpret the statistical results of their findings, write research publications, present their own research findings, collaborate with other researchers, and maintain interdisciplinary communication.