With a wide variation of specialized doctors within the medical field, dermatologists have a well known profession. However, for those that are unfamiliar with this career, this job specializes in primarly nails, skin, and hair. To specify, while their job extends across a variety of urgency, their main focus is diagnosing or treating skin conditions.
Further elaborating on the specific areas that dermatology covers, they also use many different procedures in order to effectively help their patients. Ranging from cosmetic procedures, UV light therapy, skin medications or injections, as well as dermatologic surgeries, are all descriptions of a dermatologist’s field of work. Additionally, they often perform many cosmetic procedures. This includes laser treatments, chemical peels, sclerotherapy, as well as others. With this in mind, the patients a dermatologist might see can range from minor to major skin concerns. Many common conditions a dermatologist treats can include acne, eczema, rosacea, hair loss, and warts.. Another disease a dermatologist might treat can include psoriasis. While much of their daily workload is seemingly unconcerned, they also treat patients dealing with more serious concerns. Such as, diagnosing others with melanoma or other common skin cancers.
Training & Pathway
While the many different conditions and diseases of a dermatologist can be daunting, pursuing this career is another challenge in itself. Specifically in the U.S., it requires 4 major steps, usually taking around 12 or more years depending on various factors. Firstly, a basic requirement for almost all occupations in the medical field, 4 years of medical school are needed. Typically, this is for a pre-med major that can include biology, biochemistry, and various additional science-related majors. Before entering medical school, a student must first pass the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).
After taking the standardized exam and entering medical school, students complete the 4-year program and earn either a DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine) or an MD (doctor of medicine). Then, a one-year internship is also a common necessary requirement, providing training in dermatology or related fields. Furthermore, is a 3-year residency program, providing additional training, and is specific to dermatology. During residency, you gain knowledge from doctors and acquire first-hand experience treating patients. Lastly, a license and certification are required, being licensed to practice medicine and also a board certification exam. An additional, but not mandatory, way of training in a dermatology subspecialty is through a fellowship, which can take anywhere from 1-2 years.
Pros & Cons
Although the path to becoming a certified dermatologist is difficult, time-consuming, and rigorous, the outcomes and benefits can greatly outweigh the schooling difficulty. Overall, a dermatologist has reasonable work hours, allowing time for friends and family, and deals with fewer medical emergencies. With fewer emergencies, a dermatologist’s schedule is also extremely flexible compared to other medical doctors. While working in a low-stress workplace, dermatologists often maintain an ideal work-life balance by working regular hours. In addition, if you’re extroverted and would enjoy having patient relations, dermatology might be for you! They work with patients every day, and being able to see the same patients allows for relationship growth and connection. However, dermatology is an exceedingly difficult occupation to pursue. Not only is it a highly competitive field, but also comes with a large patient workload. This is partly due to a high demand for dermatologists, exceeding other medical professions demand
Personal Take
Currently, I am seeking a future occupation in dermatology due to its multiple benefits and work-life balance. With wanting to maintain a future lifestyle that is family-oriented, a dermatologist’s common work life allows for a medical career that usually has a fixed schedule and hours. Although this field will require extensive schooling, contributing to a high education cost and intense competition, the salary and patient relationships are part of the major reasons why I want to study dermatology.