When patients see news of a medical study, they often wonder about its accuracy. David Barzilai knew that clinicians face similar challenges in keeping current with medical literature, so he set out to help some of them.

The student, who is five years into the Case Western Reserve University's joint medical degree and doctorate program in health services research, has founded http://www.ebderm.org. The evidence-based dermatology Web site helps medical residents, attending physicians and other health professionals locate and evaluate the best and most current research and learn how to practice evidence-based medicine.

Barzilai established the site in 2002 as part of an effort to incorporate epidemiologic topics into the curriculum for those in dermatology residencies at CWRU-affiliated hospitals, complementing a goal of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). In addition to the Web site, he developed a lecture series.

"I wanted to make epidemiology exciting," he said. "I wanted [the residents] to appreciate how, for example, when they see a patient, understanding how common this disease is in the population and the characteristics of the diagnostic test is important for critical decision-making. An understanding of epidemiologic principles not only permits critical evaluation of new research findings but also supports the reasoning behind sound patient management."

The site, which has proven popular among Web surfers visiting dermatology sites, recently was certified by the non-profit Health on the Net Foundation as meeting its eight principles for ethical, confidential and trustworthy health-related information on the Web.

Because peer review is a critical component of evidence-based medicine, Barzilai had the site reviewed by respected members of the dermatology community, including Eliot Mostow, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at CWRU, who is co-chief editor of the site with Barzilai.

With generous support from Kevin Cooper, chair of the Department of Dermatology at CWRU and University Hospitals of Cleveland, Barzilai and Mostow have established an editorial board that boasts Martin Weinstock, an expert in dermato-epidemiology and melanoma; Michael Bibgy of Harvard Medical School, an editor of Archives of Dermatology and originator of its quarterly evidence-based dermatology section; Meg Chren, a health services researcher in dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco, and creator of Skindex, a quality-of-life measure for skin diseases (a former CWRU medical faculty member who completed residency training in Cleveland); and Hywel Williams, co-author of the widely used textbook The Challenge of Dermato-Epidemiology and leader of the Cochrane Skin Group, an international consortium based in the United Kingdom.

Ashish Bhatia, a pioneer in dermatology-related educational software development, serves as chief technologic officer for the Web site and will oversee enhancements for the "next generation" implementation.

As part of the AAD's Epidemiology Expert Resource Group committee meeting at the annual meeting of the AAD, the site's editorial board will hold an open forum to discuss its future growth and content March 23. Barzilai envisions a virtual community with scientific research exchange, continuing medical education and site content that can be downloaded to personal data assistant devices.

He expects to receive his doctorate in May and ultimately, after completing his medical degree hopes to become a leader in academic dermatology and organized medicine.

He's already well on his way.