Believe it or not, the skin is the largest organ in our body. Issues with this insulating
shield of our body are seen by a dermatologist- a medical expert who specializes in the
treatment of skin, hair, and nails. Nearly every child, teen, adult, and elder, at one time or
another, can develop a skin disease or condition. Because skin diseases are associated
with internal problems, dermatologists must have extensive knowledge in pathology,
microbiology, biochemistry, physics, physiology, and endocrinology. The work of
dermatologists can be split up into three categories:
1. Medical
a. A dermatologist can diagnose and treat skin conditions. Some may include
acne, plaque psoriasis, rosacea, etc, which may lead to the discovery of
other health conditions.
2. Surgery
a. A dermatologist can perform minor surgery, and some may specialize in a
practice of surgery. Minor surgeries include removing moles and warts while
specializing can include removing skin cancer.
3. Cosmetic
a. The third field is treating the skin conditions that affect physical
appearance, where they may assist you in your cosmetic treatments (fillers,
laser hair removal, etc).
The work of dermatologists is highly significant in the world’s health, as we all are
constantly being exposed to harmful UV rays. Regular checks with a dermatologist can
help you discover conditions earlier than later. Ask yourself, when was the last time you
saw a dermatologist?
The Journey:
The training of dermatologists is extensive, however, with a positive mindset, you will
succeed!
1. 4 years of college for a bachelor’s degree
2. 4 years of medical school
3. 1-year internship
4. 3-year residency where you will spend 12,000-16,000 hours seeking patients,
learning how to diagnose conditions, and receiving surgical training.
5. Secure a license
6. Become board certified
a. Board Certification is an exam that tests knowledge and skills learned during
training and residency. The three organizations that offer this certification
include the American Board of Dermatology, American Osteopathic Board of
Dermatology, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
7. Optional: Complete fellowships to earn a sub-specialty
Subspecialties:
Although many subspecialties stem and branch out from dermatology, these are some of
the few main and more commonly practiced specialties.
Blistering Disease Clinic
- Dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of adult patients who have inherited
blistering disorders, such as epidermolysis bullosa and Hailey-Hailey disease
- Treatment options: photopheresis and plasmapheresis
Dermatopathology
- Specializes in diagnosing disorders of the skin under a microscope
- Combination of dermatology (diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail
diseases) and pathology (identification of diseases microscopically)
Pediatric Dermatology
- Specialize in treating infants, children, and teens suffering from diseases and
viruses that affect the skin, hair, and nails. (eczema, diaper rashes, warts,
molluscum, acne, moles, and birthmarks)
- Training in both pediatrics and dermatology
Procedural Dermatology
- Based on the study, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of diseases of the skin and
adjacent mucous membranes, cutaneous appendages, hair, nails, and
subcutaneous tissue.
Conditions Encountered On A Daily Basis
Acne
- Treatments vary from skin type to skin type (dry, oily, and combination) however, if
instructions are followed correctly, improvements should be visible from 4-6 weeks.
- Includes topical creams and/or antibiotics.
Eczema
- Will first make sure that the skin is “under control” = less itchy
- Make sure the skin is hydrated
- Determine the trigger of flare-ups
- Currently, no cure exists, but dermatologists usually recommend moisturizers as
the rash on the skin may be dry, brittle, and crack
Skin cancer
- Non-surgical: liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery) curettage, light-based treatments, laser
treatments, and topical creams.
- Surgical: excision or Mohs micrographic surgery
Recommended Classes:
- AP Biology
- AP Physics
- AP Chemistry
- AP Calculus (AB/BC)
- AP Statistics
Top Medical Schools:
These medical schools are known for their remarkable teaching and success in preparing
students for the dermatology field. Also, consider the location and tuition fees of each
school!
1. Harvard University (Boston, MA)
2. Stanford University (Stanford, CA)
3. Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)
4. University of California- San Francisco (San Francisco, CA)
5. University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
6. Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis, MO)
7. Columbia University (New York, NY)
8. University of California 0 Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)
9. Cornell University (New York, CA)
10. Mayo Clinic School of Medicine (Rochester, MN)
If you are passionate about skin, hair, and nails, whilst are also dedicated and
committed, you are on the right path to gaining a deeper understanding and experience in
the field of dermatology. Perseverance and resilience is the key to this journey! After the
endless schooling, you will feel accomplished amongst yourself while simultaneously
saving the skin of others because better skin means better you.
Sources:
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/what-is-a-dermatologist-what-is-dermatology/
https://study.com/articles/Dermatology_Schools_and_Residency_Programs_How_to_Cho
ose.html
https://www.healthline.com/find-care/articles/dermatologists/what-is-a-dermatologist#
training
http://www.dermpathdiagnostics.com/our-dermatopathologists/institute-for-podiatric-p
athology/resources/what-is-dermatopathology/#:~:text=A%20dermatopathologist%20is
%20a%20highly,(identification%20of%20diseases%20microscopically).:
http://www.dermpathdiagnostics.com/our-dermatopathologists/institute-for-podiatric-p
athology/resources/what-is-dermatopathology/#:~:text=A%20dermatopathologist%20is
%20a%20highly,(identification%20of%20diseases%20microscopically).:
https://www.med.unc.edu/derm/medical-education/postdoctoral-training/procedural-fell
owship/#:~:text=Procedural%20Dermatology%20is%20the%20subspecialty,%2C%20nail
s%2C%20and%20subcutaneous%20tissue.
http://mydermspecialists.com/skin-cancer-treatments/#:~:text=Early%20forms%20of%
20basal%20cell,by%20performing%20Mohs%20micrographic%20surgery.
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/see-a-doctor#1
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/childhood/treating/derms-control
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