Dermatologist Career
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Dermatologist Job Description
Dermatology is a branch of medicine that deals with the skin and various skin ailments. This medical specialty handles both surgical and medical aspects of skin care. A Dermatologist caters to diseases and cosmetic issues of the skin, hair, scalp and nails.
Cosmetic conditions managed by dermatologists include: scars, moles, wrinkles and hair loss, while, the non-cosmetic disorders include: eczema, psoriasis, rash, dandruff and other skin allergies.
Occasionally, a dermatologist may also have to tackle severe skin infections and skin cancers.
Dermatologist Education and Training
In the United States, after the graduate medical degree (D.O or M.D), a four years training in dermatology is mandated. This training comprises of one year of medical or surgical internship, followed by a three year dermatology residency. Following the residency, one can pursue a post-residency fellowship in the segments of phototherapy, immuno-dermatology, laser medicine, cosmetic surgery or dermato-pathology. Dermatology residencies in the United States have become highly competitive in recent times.
Dermatologist Sub-specialties
Dermatology and Dermatologists have several sub-specialties. Here are a few major sub-specialty segments:
Cosmetic Dermatology: After completing a fellowship in the field of surgical dermatology, dermatologists are trained to use laser surgery, botox and fillers. Further, the cosmetic procedures include bhepharoplasty, face lifts and liposuction.
Dermato-pathology: A specialized field dedicated towards pathology of the skin. This is a field which is shared by pathologists and dermatologists who complete one year of dermato-pathology fellowship (which includes six months training in general pathology and six months in dermato-pathology).
Immuno-dermatology: A specialized domain of dermatology which includes treatment and management of immune related skin disorders including pemphigus valgaris, bullous pemphigoid, lupus erythema, etc. These individuals work in immuno-pathology labs.
Mohs surgery: Is a sub-specialty that focuses on the management of skin cancers, using a tissue-sparing technique. The dermatologists receive exhaustive training in pathology, as well as surgery. The experts seek training through preceptorships to join the American Society for Mohs Surgery or through a 2 year Mohs surgery fellowship training program provided by the American College of Mohs Surgery.
Pediatric dermatology: physicians qualify for pediatric dermatology after completing a pediatric, as well as dermatology residency. Some opt for a post-residency fellowship. Pediatric dermatology includes complex diseases of the neonates, hereditary skin ailments or genodermatoses.
Tele-dermatology: Tele-dermatology is that sub-section, wherein, telecommunication technologies are utilized to exchange medical information, via media, invariably done by non-dermatologists to evaluate off-site by the dermatologists. This field allows viewing of skin disorders over a huge distance and exchange knowledge, to get second opinions or as a follow-up technique.
Dermatologist Job Outlook
According to the American Board of Dermatology, there are about 8500 board certified dermatologists practicing in the United States. Approximately, 15000 dermatologists are members of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Employment for dermatologists is expected to grow tremendously; however, the growth will greatly depend on the field of specialty. The dermatologists move forward as they gain experience in the field. They may focus on areas such as, cosmetic or pediatric dermatology. They could advance to research, managerial, administrative or teaching positions.
Statistics say that the employment is estimated to grow by 11 %, over the 2006-2016 decade, thus, making the job outlook highly promising. There is a huge demand for specialized dermatology treatments, the newest techniques and the most modern therapies. So, the job prospects for dermatologists look really good.
Dermatologist Salary
The current earnings for a dermatologist in the United States are about $196,150. Also, some of the experienced dermatologists make over $240,000 per year.
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