Dermatologist Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a dermatologist. Feel free to use our dermatologist job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a dermatologist.
Who is a Dermatologist?
A dermatologist, also known as a Skin Doctor, is a medical professional who has extensive experience in diagnosing, treating, and preventing skin and hair diseases. They can work in hospitals, clinics, or medical offices. Sometimes, dermatologists choose to work as researchers or professors in academia. This allows them to use their knowledge to train dermatologists at medical school. The environment in which a dermatologist works and the subspecialty they are working will affect their day-to-day duties.
Dermatologists treat skin and hair conditions. First, the dermatologist examines the affected area. Next, he or she may collect tissue, blood, and skin samples. The dermatologist may examine the samples under a microscope, or use chemical and biological tests to analyze them. The dermatologist can then treat conditions or diseases with various methods, such as medication and surgery.
Cosmetic procedures can also be performed by dermatologists. Dermabrasion is a method that dermatologists use to remove the top layers of skin to treat scarring. Laser therapy may be used to treat wrinkles, remove age spots and reduce skin discoloration.
The dermatologists are experts in skin health and have additional specializations such as cosmetic dermatology and pediatric dermatology. They manage the entire treatment process for skin conditions, starting with the initial consultation, diagnosis, and continuing through the treatment plan, review, and adjustment as needed. They can provide advice and prescriptions for medication, as well as perform non-invasive surgical procedures.
Dermatologist Job Description
Below are the dermatologist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a dermatologist job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The jobs and duties of a dermatologist include the following:
- Determining the best treatment for a patient with skin problems
- Assessing patients’ skin conditions, diseases, and other ailments.
- Preparing and recommending medication, creating treatment plans, and referring patients to surgery when necessary
- Monitoring patient progress
- Assessing and updating patients’ medical histories, as well as keeping a record of patients’ symptoms
- Educating patients about the available treatments and preventative skincare
- Referring patients to specialists from other fields
- Attending conferences and seminars to be updated with the latest medical topics and scientific research.
- Protecting employees and patients and adhering to infection control protocols and policies
- Offering skin consultations
- Screening for diseases and evaluating the skin condition of patients.
- Analyzing the medical history of patients by conducting skin assessment
- Prescribing medication to treat skin conditions
- Performing non-invasive skin surgery.
- Referring patients to specialists.
- Talking with patients about their skin health.
- Analyzing the diagnostic skin test results
- Offering treatments based on tests
- Learning about the different treatment options available and how to solve them
- Recommending the appropriate products to patients
- Evaluating patients before major medical or surgical procedures
- Keeping track of and maintaining patient records regularly
- Using an EMR system to work
- Respecting laws and regulations
- Performing basic or clinical research.
- Keeping updated with dermatology developments by reading current literature and talking to colleagues.
- Assessing patients to determine eligibility for cosmetic procedures like liposuction, microdermabrasion, and laser resurfacing.
- Ordering or conducting diagnostic tests, such as chest radiographs (X-rays), microbiologic tests, and endocrinologic tests.
- Offering therapies such as intralesional steroids and chemical peels to treat sun damage, age spots, skin roughening, discolored skin, oily skin, and sunburns.
Other important tasks are:
Diagnosing patients
A dermatologist must meet with patients who have skin, hair, and nail conditions. The patient’s medical history or records are reviewed and discussed during the meeting. The doctor will then inspect the patient and look for any abnormalities.
To ensure an accurate diagnosis, further tests may be performed. All of this is completed and the diagnosis is made.
Developing a treatment plan
The dermatologist will diagnose the patient and then develop a treatment plan This could include medication or lifestyle changes. The dermatologist will implement any changes that are necessary during treatment.
Performing non-invasive surgery.
If a benign tumor is present, the dermatologist will perform a non-invasive procedure. This process may also involve other health care professionals, such as nurses, in this case.
Patients must consent before such procedures can be performed.
Keeping the patient’s records
Some clerical tasks that a dermatologist might perform include maintaining and keeping records.
These records are kept for future reference.
Referring patients to other specialists if necessary
A dermatologist can refer patients to other specialists if there is a medical need.
Sometimes, two doctors can work together to treat the patient.
Only the medical records of the patient will be sent to a new specialist. The dermatologist may not be required in certain cases.
Taking care of cosmetic issues such as aging or birthmarks
Laser and botox are used by dermatologists to treat wrinkles and birthmarks. They also perform skin grafting for injured patients.
Qualifications
Education
A bachelor’s degree is required for dermatologists. To be able to build a solid foundation in medicine, many aspiring dermatologists majors in science-oriented subjects such as biology, chemistry, or physics. They take advanced courses in anatomy, pharmacology, and biochemistry, and they also learn practical skills such as diagnosing and treating patients. Aspiring dermatologists can also do clinical rotations in medical school. This requires them to work closely with other doctors.
Training
Dermatologists must complete four-year residencies to be qualified for their chosen profession. A typical dermatology residency involves aspiring medical professionals working in a general surgical department for one year, followed by three years of training in a clinic setting.
Certifications and licenses
Each state requires that dermatologists have a current license. While requirements may vary from one state to the next, all require that dermatologists have a degree from an accredited medical college, complete a residency in their area of expertise, and pass a standardized exam called the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam.
Essential Skills
Dermatology is a part of the healthcare industry. This means that dermatologists must have a solid understanding of anatomy and biology, including skin, hair, and nails. The specialized skills required to perform procedures such skin biopsies and surgeries (often acquired during residency and medical school) are essential for dermatologists.
Dermatologists must be able to solve problems and diagnose patients with chronic, recurring, or resistant conditions.
Dermatologists need to have the following skills to excel in this field:
- Attention to detail
Minor changes in the skin condition of patients are recognized and tracked by dermatologists. These small variations require a high level of attention to detail.
- Communication skills
Communication skills are essential for dermatologists to communicate with patients and to explain their symptoms, diagnoses, treatment plans, and to communicate with hospital staff. It is important for dermatologists that they have empathy, compassion, and patience when
treating patients with life-threatening conditions.
Dermatologists need to communicate well to effectively track results and provide treatment information. They need to be able to speak and write clearly and listen attentively.
- Dexterity
To treat minor skin anomalies, dermatologists often use sharp instruments. To ensure accuracy and avoid mistakes, they need manual dexterity.
- Organizational skills
Dermatologists may see hundreds of patients per month and need to be organized. To provide quality care, dermatologists need to have a well-organized schedule and file system.
- Problem-solving skills
The dermatologist is responsible for diagnosing skin conditions in patients and devising the appropriate treatment. To develop effective solutions, they must have strong problem-solving skills.
How to Become a Dermatologist
It takes twelve years to complete the education and training required to become a Dermatologist. This requires a lot of sacrifice and dedication. If you have completed your high school education or GED, these are the steps required to become a Dermatology specialist.
Step1: Enrol in a college/university and complete the coursework required for admission to Medical school
The following courses are required for most medical schools: English, mathematics, chemistry and biology. Medical admissions specialists recommend that you earn a grade of B or better in all classes to be competitive. Admissions specialists will take into consideration other experiences, such as volunteer work, leadership, research, or shadowing.
Step 2: Take MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test).
All US medical schools require the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). The MCAT is a computer-based exam that takes eight hours. Many schools waived this requirement during the COVID 19 pandemic.
This test is a crucial component to being accepted as a medical school candidate. Many universities use computer algorithms to automatically reject applications if they do not meet a certain MCAT score.
Step 3: Accept the offer and go to an Allopathic (MD) or Osteopathic(DO) medical school
Students who wish to become Dermatologists need to complete their undergraduate requirements. They must then apply to a medical school that offers an Allopathic (MD) or Osteopathic(DO) degree. High-grade points and high MCAT scores are important for medical school admission. Medical schools use computer-based algorithms to screen applicants. It is important to have high scores to be considered for admission.
The medical school curriculum can be broken down into two parts. The first two years of Medical school are spent in the class. This is where basic science and medicine are taught. The last two years of Medical School will be spent in hospitals, where students learn clinical skills and procedures.
All medical students must pass at least two national board exams during their time in Medical School. These are the USMLE Step 1 & 2 exams for Allopathy students. Similar board exams are available for D.O.
Students submit applications during their final year of medical school and interview for different residency programs in the career they choose. This topic includes dermatology residencies. After the interview, medical school students are matched with residency training programs by a computer algorithm called “The Match”. Final steps are taken to ensure that medical students can complete their education and begin residency.
Step 4: Complete Internships and Residency
Once Medical school has been completed, graduates are now eligible to see patients and get a limited license. They must be supervised. A one-year Internship is required for all dermatology students. This year is also known as the transitional or preliminary year that must be completed. This is where students who have been trained, now hold a M.D. Degree work in teaching hospitals, clinics, and emergency departments to treat patients and gain skills for a broad knowledge of medicine. During this period, you must also complete the USMLE Step 3 and COMLEX Level 3.
The three-year residency in Dermatology is highly competitive. Residents in Dermatology can complete a comprehensive program that is solely focused on Dermatologic Medicine during this period. Residents in Dermatology can practice in many areas, including dermatology electives, dermatology surgery, dermatopathology, and consulting with dermatologists. Residents are encouraged to publish their findings at conferences and other national and international events.
Step 5: Board Certification
While board certification in Dermatology does not necessarily require a professional license, it can be a valuable credential that shows exceptional knowledge. Nearly all hospitals, clinics, and educational institutions require board certification to be employed.
Several governing bodies can grant certification for residents in Dermatology, including the American Board of Dermatology and the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology.
Step 6: Fellowship Training (optional).
The option for dermatologists to further their training in any of the four to five subspecialties within Dermatology is available. However, this is not required to get a job.
Where to Work
- Private Practice
Private practice is commonplace for dermatologists, whether they are working in a group or individually. Many of these offices are focused on dermatology and offer a one-stop shop where you can receive your diagnosis, undergo in-office surgery, and buy recommended creams and other products. Many dermatologists offer services like laser hair removal.
- Hospitals
A dermatologist is usually on duty at hospitals or available for consultations. In an emergency room, you might be able to diagnose and treat allergic rashes or cut problems. You may also visit patients in their rooms to discuss skin issues. Private dermatologists may also be able to perform more complex surgical procedures at nearby hospitals.
- Medical Schools
Every dermatologist must learn from someone. Some dermatologists choose to go into academia instead of treating patients every day. The best dermatologists are those who have the experience and knowledge to instruct students in medical schools. They usually give an overview to students and then provide more detailed classes to students who want to become dermatologists.
Dermatologist Salary Scale
Most dermatologists work full-time. Two major factors that could impact their earning potential are their experience and the possibility to own private practice. The median annual salary for dermatologists in the US is $229,467. However, some salaries range from $39,000 to $584,000 per year.