Dermatology Job Descriptions

Dermatologists can often prescribe medicated lotions or creams to help.

Dermatologists are doctors who focus on various disorders that affect the skin, nails and scalp in children and adults. This includes a variety of problems that may be cosmetic or non-cosmetic in nature. Cosmetic disorders that dermatologists commonly treat include face wrinkles, scars, moles and hair loss. Some non-cosmetic disorders can be mild and may include rashes, dandruff, eczema, psoriasis and skin allergies. Other non-cosmetic disorders may be more severe and include skin infections, inflammatory skin disorders and skin cancers.

Specialties

Some dermatologists choose to specialize in a particular area of dermatology. Two common specialties are pediatric dermatology and dermatopathology. Pediatric dermatologists specialize in skin disorders that affect young children and teens. Dermatopathologists are concerned with studying skin diseases and infections at the chemical and microscopic level.

Job Duties

The primary job of a dermatologist is to examine, diagnose, treat and patients affected with disorders of the skin. Dermatologists diagnose their patients by observing the physical appearance of the affected area and performing tests. The specific treatment method that a dermatologist selects for a patient will depend upon the disorder. For mild skin disorders, a dermatologist may prescribe a topical ointment or cream to help relieve symptoms like itching, burning or redness. Some cosmetic procedures and severe skin disorders may require an injection, a biopsy or a surgical procedure. Dermatologists will typically also educate patients on subjects like using sunscreen for skin protection and skin cancer prevention.

Education

Like all physicians, dermatologists are required to undergo years of intense education and training. Dermatologists begin their education by attending and graduating from college with an undergraduate degree. After college, dermatologists must attend and successfully complete a medical school program, which typically lasts about four years. After medical school, dermatologists move on to three to four years of residency training. Those who decide to declare a specialty must often undergo additional training.

Certification

All dermatologists who want to declare a dermatologic specialty must become certified by a specialty certifying board. There are 24 approved specialty certifying boards that operate under The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). To become a certification candidate, a dermatologist is required to have an unrestricted license to practice medicine.

Working Conditions

Dermatologists work in small to large offices, hospitals and clinics. While some dermatologists have their own private practice, others work with a group of dermatologists. Dermatologists usually work alongside medical assistants, nurses and office staff. Dermatologists may frequently be required to work long hours.

References

• Association of American Medical Colleges
• American Board of Dermatology

Resources

• Occupational Outlook Handbook