Objective To explore the application effect of situational simulation teaching method in rotation training of general practitioners within the Department of Dermatology. Methods A total of 60 general practitioners who received rotation training within the Department of Dermatology, the Central Hospital of Yongzhou from January 2021 to January 2025 were selected as the research subjects, and they were divided into the control group and the study group by the random number table method, with 30 general practitioners in each group. The control group was trained by traditional methods, and the study group was trained by situational simulation teaching method. The assessment results, training satisfaction, practice confidence and teaching effect were compared between the two groups. Results The theoretical assessment score of the study group was higher than that of the control group (P <0.05). The practical assessment score of the study group was higher than that of the control group (P <0.05). The scores of training satisfaction and practice confidence in the study group were higher than those in the control group (P <0.05). The scores of medical history collection, physical examination, clinical judgment, professional literacy, doctor-patient communication, organizational ability and overall clinical ability in the study group were higher than those in the control group (P <0.05). Conclusion Situational simulation teaching method not only improves the theoretical knowledge level, clinical practice ability and comprehensive ability of general practitioners, but also enhances their training satisfaction and practice confidence.