Dermatology Jobs

This area provides information on dermatology jobs including its definition, educational requirements and specializations.

There is a saying that tells us that a truly contented person is comfortable in his own skin. Of course this is meant in a metaphorical sense, but as anyone with an itchy rash or acne will tell you, it is no fun to have bad skin. And several serious medical conditions are related to skin tissue. Studies show that one in six (15%) of all visits to family doctors are for skin related problems.

What is Dermatology?

Dermatology is the diagnoses and treatment of skin conditions and diseases including rashes, moles, sexually transmitted diseases, and cancer. Dermatologists are medical doctors that focus on the skin and related areas. They may also address the health of a patient’s hair, mouth, and nails and assist with cosmetic and ageing conditions.

Dermatologists can specialize in the following areas:

Dermatopathology - diagnoses and monitors diseases of the skin including infectious, immunologic, degenerative and neoplastic diseases

Veterinary dermatology – treats skin problems in animals

Cosmetic dermatology – treatment for hair loss or removal, tattoo removal, liposuction, acne scars, facelifts and other visual applications

Pediatric dermatology – focuses on treatment of children

Immunodermatology – treatment for conditions related to the immune system

Dermatology Educational Requirements

Those interested in becoming a dermatologist must first complete the requirements to become a medical doctor. These vary by country but typically include a four-year undergraduate degree. Common majors include chemistry, biology, and physics. Some colleges, such as those in Britain, offer pre-med programs. A graduate degree from medical school is also required.

As part of their general medical training, dermatologists must complete a first-year residency in a clinical setting focusing on internal medicine, general surgery, family practice, gynecology, pediatrics, or emergency medicine. Once the general medical components have been completed, students must then complete requirements related specifically to dermatology including:

A board certification or licensure examination

A three year, accredited dermatology residency program

.

Courses included in a dermatologist’s training include:

Biochemistry

Calculus

Dermatology

Endocrinology

English

Microbiology

Pathology

Physics

Physiology

Surgical pathology

Some specific skin and related areas that are studied include:

Collagen

Cutaneous Immune System

Dermal Blood Vessels Stratum Corneum

Eccrine and Apocrine Gland

Elastin

Hair Follicles

Keratinocytes

Melanocytes

Mast Cells and Their Mediators

Pathophysiology of UV Irradiation

Skin Signs of Systemic Disease

Skin Signs of HIV Infection

Wound Healing

Coursework also includes training in bedside diagnostic testing, record keeping, and patient counseling.

Dermatology Careers

Those who pursue dermatology degrees have many career options available in the field of dermatology. In addition to working in a hospital or clinical setting, dermatologists may operate their own office. They may teach in secondary and tertiary settings, serve as management in health related businesses, work in research and scientific publishing, or sell and market dermatology products.

The medical training allows for transfer to other careers in the medical field. And those who are interested in dermatology but prefer to complete less lengthy training programs can pursue careers as dermatology nurses and physicians assistants in a clinic setting.