Dermatologists can pursue fellowship training in dermatopathology, pediatric dermatology, and procedural dermatology. Dermatopathology fellowships focus on preparing tissue samples for microscopic evaluation, while pediatric dermatology fellowships train dermatologists to care for children with skin conditions. Procedural dermatology fellowships provide additional training in minor surgical procedures. These fellowships are not pursued by all dermatologists but can increase earning potential and lead to specialized careers.
Dermatologists – physicians who treat conditions of the skin, hair, scalp and nails – are eligible to pursue fellowship training after completing an initial residency in general dermatology. The American Board of Dermatology offers certification in dermatopathology and pediatric dermatology, and physicians must complete fellowships in these subspecialties to earn this qualification. Additionally, they acknowledge that procedural dermatology scholarship opportunities are available to physicians who have completed their residency training but do not offer special certification in that field.
Physicians interested in pathology can apply for dermatology fellowships in dermatopathology. These year-long programs train dermatologists how to prepare body tissue samples for microscopic evaluation, how to subject skin samples to special staining techniques, and how to manage laboratories. They learn to interpret the results of immunofluorescence studies, electron microscope imaging and immunocytochemistry procedures. Many physicians take the opportunity to conduct research during these fellowship programs and subsequently publish the results of their research in academic journals.
Some other dermatology scholarships focus on the subject of pediatric dermatology. These programs last one to two years and train dermatologists in how to care for children with skin, hair and scalp conditions. Dermatologic disorders that affect children may differ from those found in adults because inherited disorders, developmental abnormalities, and various skin infections may be more prevalent in these young patients. Because pediatric dermatology is a specialized field, many physicians who graduate from these fellowship programs continue to work in large academic centers that receive referrals from a wide geographic area.
The latest dermatology grants are in the subspecialty of procedural dermatology. These programs provide additional training in minor surgical procedures, most of which are performed in an outpatient setting without the need for general anesthesia. Examples of these procedures include cosmetic fixation of surgical scars, hair transplantation, Mohs micrographic surgery, and subcutaneous injection of filler material to alter the appearance of various physical features. These scholarship programs usually last for one year.
It is important to note that dermatology fellowships are only undertaken by approximately one-quarter of physicians who complete dermatology residency programs. The four years of training that dermatology residency programs provide prepare physicians to deal with the most common disorders. Many dermatologists choose to pursue a fellowship to increase their earning potential – especially as performing more procedures often results in higher levels of compensation – or to pursue a specialized aspect of dermatology as part of an academic career.
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