Education and training
- Complete high school with strong science and mathematics courses.
- Earn a bachelor's degree and complete medical school prerequisites.
- Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
- Graduate from an accredited medical school.
- Complete a clinical internship year and a three-year dermatology residency.
- Obtain medical licensure and pursue board certification.
The full path typically takes about 12 years after high school.
Responsibilities
- Diagnose and treat skin, hair, and nail conditions.
- Perform routine skin examinations and review medical histories.
- Identify suspicious moles and possible signs of skin cancer.
- Prescribe medications and recommend treatment plans.
- Perform procedures such as skin biopsies and minor skin surgeries.
- Help patients manage chronic skin conditions and maintain skin health.
Skills needed
Attention to detail when examining skin changesProblem-solving and clinical reasoningCommunication and patient educationOrganization and accurate medical documentationKnowledge of pharmacology and skin diseasesAbility to use a dermatoscope to examine skin lesions
Career growth
Dermatologists can specialize in pediatric dermatology, dermatopathology, cosmetic dermatology, or dermatologic surgery. They can also focus on skin cancer treatment, teach at medical schools, conduct research, or work in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
A typical day
A dermatologist may review patient charts, conduct consultations and skin examinations, diagnose conditions, prescribe treatments, perform procedures such as skin biopsies, and arrange follow-up appointments. Their schedule depends on their specialty and workplace.
Where can you work?
- Private dermatology practices
- Hospitals and specialty clinics
- Academic medical centers and universities
- Research laboratories
- Multispecialty healthcare groups
- Cosmetic dermatology clinics and biotechnology companies