How to Become a Skin Doctor

Becoming a dermatologist requires years of rigorous study and exams.

Dermatologists, or skin doctors, diagnose and treat diseases that affect the skin, nails, and hair such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, skin cancer and fungal infections. Dermatologists treat skin disorders by utilizing medication therapy and treatment methods such as radiotherapy or surgery. Some dermatologists also perform cosmetic procedures on patients such as micodermabrasion, laser therapy and Botox injections. Becoming a dermatologist often requires years of rigorous study in preparing for a career that can be challenging yet rewarding.

Instructions

1. Complete premedical school prerequisite courses while getting your bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university. Premedical courses often include biology, chemistry (both organic and inorganic), physics, mathematics, English, as well as elective courses in the humanities such as psychology and sociology. Research the medical schools that you are interested in applying to in order to learn about their prerequisite course requirements. Volunteer at local health clinics and hospitals in order to gain experience within the medical field, or job shadow a dermatologist to get a better understanding of the profession.

2. Take the MCAT, or Medical College Admissions Test, upon completing your bachelor's degree. Aim for a minimum MCAT score of 30 or better in order to become a competitive candidate, as the competition for admission is keen. Visit the websites of medical schools that you are interested in to gain the necessary paperwork for application, and to learn about any additional application requirements that are necessary, as application requirements often differ from school to school. Many medical schools require letter of recommendations written by academic professors, as well as personal statements and writing samples.

3. Successfully complete medical school. The first two years of medical school is spent taking science classes such as biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, pathology, as well as ethics and law courses pertaining to medicine. During this time, students also learn to perform patient examinations and diagnose illnesses.

   The last two years of medical school is often spent working with patients in hospitals and clinics while being supervised by experienced physicians. Students are required to complete rotations in various fields of medicine such as family practice, gynecology, psychiatry and surgery in order to gain more experience before choosing a specialty area.

4. Upon graduating from medical school, take the USMLE-1, or United States Medical Licensing Examination, before entering a residency program. Most residency programs require interns to spend the first year in internal medicine, general surgery, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, or emergency medicine, and the remaining years in their field of choice.
   Decide if you would like to practice general dermatology or specialize in a sub-field within dermatology such as cosmetic, pediatric dermatology or surgery. After the first year of residency, aspiring general dermatologists often spend the final three years in an accredited dermatology residency program. Those interested in specializing in a sub-field of dermatology may need seven years of residency training following their first year of residency. Residency programs offer medical school graduates an opportunity to work in a hospital setting while receiving on-the-job training.

5. Take the certification examination administered by the American Board of Dermatology after successfully completing your residency. Continue to maintain your certification by taking the re-certification exam every10 years.

References

• State University.com: Dermatologist Job Description
• American Academy of Dermatology: What is a Dermatologist?
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physicians and Surgeons

Resources

• MCAT: Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
• Doctor Premed: Aim For the Average MCAT Score or Better
• United States Medical Licensing Examination
• The American Board of Dermatology, Inc: Certification Exam