How to Become a Dermatologist
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Dermatologists treat and diagnose skin, hair and nail conditions. This is a satisfying healthcare career, but becoming a dermatologist takes time. For most students, the education and training requirements take about 12 years. A dermatologist can practice in their state after obtaining their license.
In the world of healthcare, dermatologists have a critical task. The skin is an essential in the human body, and dermatologists play a massive role in keeping it healthy and preventing pathogens from entering the body.
Patients can turn to dermatologists for help with various issues, such as a strange mole or an odd rash. Dermatological care is essential to a holistic approach when caring for the body.
Dermatology is an in-demand medical specialty. As our aging population increases, skin disorder rates rise and skin cancer remains a prominent threat, dermatology gains more traction as an essential healthcare field. Anyone wanting to become a dermatologist may find that now is a great time to do so.
What is a Dermatologist?
Dermatologists are medical doctors specializing in treating and preventing skin, hair and nail conditions in people of all ages. Examples of conditions a dermatologist can treat include:
While other types of doctors may be able to diagnose and treat these conditions, dermatologists have more experience with these ailments. Additionally, other doctors may refer patients to dermatologists directly.
What Does a Dermatologist Do?
Typical responsibilities of a dermatologist include:
The daily duties of a dermatologist are always different. One day they may provide a life-changing skin cancer diagnosis, and the next they may help a patient alleviate pain related to acne.?
Dermatologists may perform various procedures depending on a patient’s symptoms. These procedures help determine a diagnosis or aid with treatment. Options include:
Dermatologists help patients improve their health, preventing illness and enhancing their lives. During a typical visit, a dermatologist may educate their patient on preventive measures they can take to promote a healthier lifestyle.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Dermatologist??
It takes about 12 years to become a dermatologist. This includes time in an undergraduate program (four years), medical school (four years) and residency (four years).?
The process is longer for students who take gap years or pursue other opportunities to gain advanced training.
7 Steps to Become a Dermatologist
Dermatologists go through several levels of examinations and education programs before practicing in the field. Here are the steps a student must take to become a dermatologist.
1. Obtain an Undergraduate Degree
Before medical school, a future dermatologist needs to complete an undergraduate program.?
Science-related majors, such as biology or chemistry, are common for those who hope to join the healthcare field. These offer courses that help prepare students for medical school and provide a basic understanding of medical concepts.?
Moreover, medical schools may require prerequisites, such as anatomy or organic chemistry. Students should consider enrolling in these courses if they aren’t already included in their degree path.?
Students must remember that medical schools look closely at a student’s academic performance in college, so working hard to achieve good grades is vital.
2. Take and Pass the Medical College Admissions Test
Before the end of their undergraduate program, students must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This assessment evaluates a student’s knowledge of scientific theories and principles and their critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills.?
The exam takes about 7 ? hours. The four sections students complete are:
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3. Attend Medical School
Next, students consider which medical school(s) they’d like to apply to and attend. Additionally, students may choose between allopathic or osteopathic schools.
Allopathic schools award Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees, focusing more on treating conditions with medications or surgery. Osteopathic schools award an Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, offering a more holistic approach?by concentrating on prevention and general wellness.
The first two years of medical school include classroom and laboratory work, regardless of the school. Third- and fourth-year students gain more hands-on experience by joining experienced doctors on clinical rotations.?
4. Pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam
After the second year of medical school, students in allopathic medicine programs take and pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE).?
Osteopathic medicine students may take the USMLE or the similar Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX).?
Before or during the last year of medical school, students who completed the first USMLE test take the second part. This is a two-day test involving a multiple-choice section and an application of skills section.?
Students take one final USMLE test after their first year of residency. This final examination assesses whether students are ready to practice medicine independently.?
5. Complete Residency
Dermatologists need to complete a four-year residency. The first year is usually spent as an intern for an internal medicine or general surgery program. The last three years consist of work in the dermatology discipline.
6. Obtain a Dermatologist License
After the education, testing and residency requirements, students apply for a state license to work as a dermatologist. Check the state’s licensing requirements before applying for this license to ensure all state-specific obligations are complete.?
7. Become Board Certified?
While a license is a requirement to practice medicine, board certification is not.?
However, for dermatologists who want to truly establish their dedication to the field and increase their earning ability, an American Board of Dermatology (ABD) certification will help. To obtain this certification, the requirements are:
Determining if Dermatology Is Right for You
People suited for dermatology careers usually like to assist and communicate with people. They enjoy providing a service that helps others. Additionally, however, dermatologists are thinkers — they must work with ideas and analyze information to make decisions.
Some of the traits that dermatologists need include:
Dermatologists must also have great problem-solving and organizational skills to manage their work. Further, attention to detail is essential as dermatologists work with patients.
Final Thoughts on Becoming a Dermatologist
A dermatology career is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to join the healthcare field. Not only do dermatologists have rewarding jobs that allow them to help others daily, but they also?receive high salaries for their work.?
However, the journey to becoming a dermatologist takes time and dedication.
Students who think dermatology may be their optimal career path should start planning early. Starting in high school, taking science-related courses and focusing on learning fundamental concepts will help make the transition to college and medical school more manageable.?
Top Takeaways
How to become a dermatologist
(Reporting by NPD)
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