Dermatologists specialize in treating skin disorders, including skin cancers and cosmetic procedures. They may also conduct research and laboratory work to improve treatments. Specialties include pediatric dermatology and dermatopathology. Becoming a dermatologist requires completing an undergraduate degree, medical school, and specialized exams.
A dermatologist is a medical professional whose training is specifically related to the skin, and this person spends most of their time studying and treating skin disorders. Much of the work is topical, treating rashes and acne and the like, but this type of practitioner also deals with things like skin cancers and can be involved in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery involving almost any part of the body. Research and analysis can also be very important. There are many different specialties within the field, and in general this type of work requires the same training as any other medical discipline.
primary responsibilities
Dermatology as a field focuses almost exclusively on human skin. The skin is the immune system’s first line of defense, and problems that start here can often spread internally and become life-threatening. A dermatologist’s primary job is to examine patients with the goal of keeping this barrier as healthy and strong as possible.
People are usually referred to these types of specialists by other more general health care professionals. Some patients have immediate problems such as rashes or sores that require immediate attention. Others have a family history of something like skin cancer or extensive sun damage, and in these cases, regular appointments for checkups can go a long way in preventing problems later on. Dermatologists also treat cosmetic skin disorders, including hair loss, scarring, and skin changes associated with the aging process. Some perform cosmetic work, such as Botox® and collagen injections, and may also perform some basic surgeries such as eyelid lifts and liposuction. Practitioners usually have the ability to treat underlying issues and make diagnoses in the office, and typically also have prescribing power, meaning they can order medicated ointments and creams for patients who need them.
Specialties
There are a number of specialties within the field. A dermatopathologist, for example, focuses his energies specifically on skin diseases that are infectious, degenerative, or related to the immune system. These professionals typically spend a lot of time studying specially prepared tissue sections, cell scrapings, and skin lesion smears using a variety of microscopic techniques, including light microscopy, electron microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. He or she may not have much direct contact with the patient in person, but a lot depends on the environment.
Another sub-specialty, pediatric dermatology, focuses on the most common skin conditions in children, including birthmarks and newborn problems. These doctors often work as members of larger medical teams that treat children with multiple conditions. Some professionals choose to work in hospitals, where they typically deal with trauma and serious illness. Those who choose to work in private practice may limit their work to nuanced areas, such as adolescent skin problems, moles and skin cancer, or cosmetic and anti-aging procedures.
Importance of research and laboratory work
Not everyone with this job works directly with patients. Many of the most important advances in the field are made by doctors in laboratories or research centers who conduct studies with study participants, usually to better understand certain conditions or as a means of formulating more effective treatments. These types of doctors usually spend most of their time thinking, analyzing, and writing. Their findings and findings are often published in medical journals or presented at dermatology conferences and can help those working in practices and hospital settings deliver better care. Discoveries and new techniques may also influence the way pharmaceutical manufacturers approach drug creation and synthesis, which may lead to more effective drugs.
Starting the profession
Becoming a dermatologist typically follows the same basic process any doctor would go through, regardless of specialty. Applicants typically must first complete an undergraduate degree, usually in science, and then must graduate from an approved medical school. Depending on the location, medical school usually lasts three to four years. From there, graduates must complete an internship and sometimes even a residency in dermatology, which often involves a series of specialized exams. Many jurisdictions require physicians to renew their licenses on a regular basis, which can involve retesting and periodic competency reviews.
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