Unfilled Dermatology Positions

What is dermatology?

Dermatology is a medical branch that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of skin, hair, and nail disorders. Dermatologists are trained medical professionals with specialized knowledge and skills in managing various skin conditions, from common issues like acne and eczema to complex diseases like psoriasis and skin cancer. Their expertise also includes cosmetic dermatology procedures such as skin rejuvenation, laser hair removal, and Botox injections. Dermatology plays a vital role in promoting healthy skin, preventing skin damage, and keeping people feeling confident and comfortable in their own skin.

What does a dermatologist do?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. They treat conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, and other skin problems. They also help improve the appearance of the skin by performing cosmetic procedures such as Botox, dermal fillers, and chemical peels. Additionally, they conduct regular skin exams to identify any suspicious moles or growths that could be early signs of skin cancer.

Common Dermatological Procedures:

• Biopsies: A dermatologist may take a small sample of skin tissue for further testing to diagnose a disorder, such as a skin cancer or infection.
• Chemical peels: A chemical solution is applied to the skin to improve its texture and tone.
• Cryotherapy: A freezing agent, such as liquid nitrogen, is used to freeze and destroy damaged or abnormal tissues, such as warts, skin tags, or precancerous cells.
• Dermabrasion: A rotating tool is used to remove the upper layer of the skin to improve the appearance of scars or wrinkles.
• Excision: A surgical tool is used to remove a skin lesion, such as a mole, cyst or tumor.
• Laser therapy: A specialized laser is used to target and remove pigmented or vascular lesions, such as birthmarks, tattoos, and spider veins.
• Microdermabrasion: A gentle exfoliating system is used to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and minimize pore size.
• Phototherapy: A specialized light is used to treat skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema or vitiligo.
• Sclerotherapy: A solution is injected into varicose or spider veins to collapse and close them off.
• Skin tightening: A radiofrequency or ultrasound device is used to heat up and tighten the skin, reducing sagging and wrinkles.

How to become a dermatologist?

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: You must earn a Bachelor’s Degree to attend medical school. Completion of pre-med courses is necessary.

2. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): The MCAT is a standardized exam that is required for admission to medical schools.

3. Attend Medical School: To become a dermatologist, you will need a 4-year degree from an accredited medical school.

4. Complete a Residency: After completing medical school, you will need to complete a 3-year residency in dermatology training. During your residency, you will gain hands-on experience treating skin conditions under the supervision of a licensed dermatologist.

5. Obtain a License: After completing your residency, you will need to apply for a medical license in the state you intend to practice in.

6. Obtain Board Certification: To become board-certified, you must pass a certification exam given by the American Board of Dermatology. This exam is usually taken after completing your residency.

7. Continued Education: Dermatologists have to keep up with new treatments, medical technology, and disease trends. Continuing education is necessary to stay informed and up-to-date.

Becoming a dermatologist requires years of education and training, but the results are rewarding. Dermatologists have the opportunity to help people improve their skin health, self-esteem, and overall well-being.

How long does it take to become a dermatologist?

It takes approximately 12 years to become a dermatologist. Here are the necessary steps:

• Bachelor’s degree: Four years
• Medical school: Four years
• Residency program in dermatology: Three years
• Optional fellowship: One year

Overall, becoming a dermatologist requires extensive education and training, so individuals interested in pursuing this career path should be willing to commit to the process.

How much do dermatologists make?

We do not have access to live salary data, but according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean (average) annual wage for dermatologists in the United States is around $314,000, as of May 2022. However, the salary of a dermatologist can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, location, specialty, and type of employer. Some dermatologists earn well into the millions per year, while others may make less than the average wage.