Allergist Vs. Dermatologist
Physicians are pivotal members of the health-care community. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), physicians examine patients, diagnose illnesses and treat injuries. Allergists and dermatologists are physicians who specialize in specific conditions and body systems. Their functions are very different, although in some situations their care may overlap.
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Function
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Allergists are trained in the diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of allergic diseases and disorders of the immune system. Areas of treatment may include autoimmune and inherited immunodeficiency diseases, asthma and allergies. Dermatologists specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of medical conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails.
Education
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Both allergists and dermatologists must typically obtain a bachelor's degree in a premedical discipline from a four-year college or university, then complete a minimum of four years of medical school in order to become a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO). Allergists typically spend an additional three years of residency training in either internal medicine or pediatrics followed by a two-year fellowship in an allergy training program. Dermatologists typically must complete a one-year basic residency program followed by a three-year accredited dermatology residency program.
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Certification
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Allergists are certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology after completion of all training, and after obtaining a satisfactory score on the certifying examination. Dermatologists are certified by the American Board of Dermatology after completion of all training, and after obtaining a satisfactory score on the certifying examination.
Compensation
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According to Salary.com, the median base salary for allergists in the United States as of March 2010 was nearly $208,000 per year. Base salary represented approximately 77 percent of an allergist's total compensation. The median base salary for dermatologists as of March 2010 was more than $260,000 per year. Base salary represented approximately 76 percent of a dermatologist's total compensation. The remaining percentage for both allergists and dermatologists was composed of paid time off, employer contributions to health and disability insurance, and government and private retirement programs.
Employment Outlook
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According to the BLS, the employment outlook for all physicians, including allergists and dermatologists, is expected to be very good between 2008 and 2018. The BLS notes that employment opportunities should be particularly good in traditionally underserved communities such as inner cities, rural areas and low-income areas.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit physician image by Pavel Losevsky from Fotolia.com
