Most dermatologists feel unprepared to respond to disaster, such as anthrax release in a bioterrorism attack, but many would like to be ready, a survey shows.

The George Washington University-led research team, in the US, surveyed dermatologists about their preparedness for natural, chemical or nuclear disasters, as well as their perceptions of appropriate disaster training in the profession. 

Of the 242 respondents included in their analysis, only 29% had received training in disaster preparedness and response, which mostly took place at medical school, although some individuals received the training during their residency or in the military.

But even dermatologists with disaster training reported feeling ill-equipped.