Deep Dive of Dermatologists
What Are Dermatologists Exactly?
Dermatologists are doctors who are trained and specialized so that they can diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases in the skin, hair, and nails, and also address cosmetic disorders. Dermatologists study to identify over 3,000 conditions. Some of the most common conditions that they come across in their career are acne, skin cancer, and vitiligo. They also learn how to diagnose rare conditions like argyria and actinic prurigo.
What to Study to Become a Dermatologist?
Four years of college to earn a bachelor's degree (commonly earned in biology, chemistry, or another science field)
Pass the MCAT
Four years of medical school to become a doctor
Pass the USMLE STEP exams (3 separate exams taken to get a medical license in the USA); You would complete two exams during medical school and one during residency/internships
Begin and complete a One Year Internship and a Three-Year Residency
Become board-certified (not required but many dermatologists do so to show their expertise)
Fellowship Training (optional); You can do this if you desire to obtain more knowledge and expertise on a specific subspecialty of dermatology
What Does an Average Workday Look Like for Dermatologists?
An average workday of a dermatologist starts at around 8 or 7 AM and ends around 5 PM. Clinics often open at 8 AM, yet dermatologists sometimes come in around an hour earlier to prep for the day. Dermatology is a field that is considered “lifestyle friendly” as there aren’t many cases for dermatologists to work overtime. Also, dermatologists do not have to work weekends as clinics are not open on weekends. Furthermore, dermatology is one of the few medical specialties where doctors work around 40 hours a week.
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