The final year of medical education in Germany (practical year) is hardly systematized. In order to improve student learning during dermatology internship we introduced a portfolio to clarify which components are considered important within dermatology: 25 qualifications were divided into "general-basics", "dermatology-basics" and "special-dermatology" and were listed in a student's portfolio with a theory-, supervision- and clinical practice/hospitation part. The individual achievements were documented in the portfolio by the supervising residents. Since November 1999, 15 students participated at the portfolio-program. They absolved at the rate of 70% (in the mean) of listed activities. General basics were fully completed by all students, 75% of dermatology basics were absolved and 46% of special dermatology were absolved. There was a remarkable increase in achievement compared with a historical control group, especially concerning special aspects in dermatology. The students welcomed the portfolio because it provided a useful overview of learning opportunities and achievements. They strongly requested implementation of portfolio-based learning in other faculties.
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