Everything you need to know about becoming a dermatologist

A dermatologist is a healthcare practitioner who evaluates and treats conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. When a person experiences a rash, skin discomfort, nail discoloration, hair loss, or any other number of related symptoms, they often turn to a dermatologist for help. 

What does a dermatologist do?

Dermatologists are doctors who diagnose and treat both chronic and acute conditions primarily of the body’s largest organ — the skin. These physicians assess patients to determine a course of treatment for people who may be experiencing one or more of over 3,000 dermatological conditions, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). 

Dermatologists meet with patients in clinical settings to visually assess their symptoms and use a variety of methods including tissue biopsies, skin scrapings, and more to make a diagnosis. Dermatologists can prescribe medications, suggest lifestyle changes, refer patients for surgery or evaluation by a different type of physician, and more in order to facilitate treatment for a variety of conditions. Some health conditions that a dermatologist may handle include eczema, alopecia, psoriasis, acne, skin cancer, as well as many others.

Although dermatologists can work with a variety of ages from newborns to elderly patients, some choose to specialize and work specifically with a certain population, such as pediatrics. Some dermatologists also choose to specialize in the surgical aspects of dermatology to perform procedures such as Mohs surgery for skin cancer, reconstructive surgeries, liposuction, vein therapy, and hair restoration. 

Aside from working hands-on with patients in clinical settings, some dermatologists work in roles on research teams to help advance and improve dermatological treatments. Others work to examine biopsied tissues under a microscope to diagnose medical conditions. The subset of dermatologists who specialize in both dermatology and pathology are called dermatopathologists.

How do you become a dermatologist?

Dermatologists undergo extensive training that lasts approximately 12 years in total: Four years to earn a bachelor’s degree, four years of medical school, one year-long internship, and three years of residency.

Many dermatologists will earn a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or a pre-med degree prior to applying to medical school. They must then pass the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), a 7.5-hour exam required for admission to a medical school that is accredited through the Association of American Medical Colleges. During medical school, dermatologists will complete the first two parts of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE).

After successfully completing medical school, dermatologists must undergo a year-long internship and three years of a residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, training under experienced doctors. During their residency, the AAD reports that dermatologists will complete 12,000 to 16,000 hours of hands-on work with patients. 

Upon completion of a residency program, dermatologists will complete the third and final part of their USMLE to obtain a medical license. Dermatologists are then eligible to apply for board certification by the American Board of Dermatology or the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology.

What skills do you need to become a dermatologist?

Because dermatology is part of the healthcare field, expertise in human anatomy and biology — specifically of the skin, hair, and nails — is essential. Dermatologists should possess the specialized skill set (often learned during medical school and residency) needed to perform procedures such as skin biopsies or surgeries, which will require manual dexterity and a steady hand.

Problem-solving and observation skills are needed for dermatologists to examine, assess, and diagnose their patients’ conditions, especially when these conditions are chronic, recurring, or resistant to treatment. 

Dermatologists will need communication skills to explain symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment plans to their patients, as well as communicate with office or hospital staff. When a patient’s condition is life-threatening or life-changing, it is especially helpful for dermatologists to also possess skills such as patience, empathy, and compassion. 

What is the average salary for a dermatologist?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) includes dermatologists in their salary data for physicians and surgeons, for which the average salary was reported to be $218,850 in 2020. According to data from Zip Recruiter, however, the average salary for a dermatologist specifically is much higher at $314,628. 

The average salary for a dermatologist does vary depending on location and specialization, with the highest yearly salaries being reported in New York at $349,968 and in New Hampshire at $339,110 – per Zip Recruiter.

What is the typical career path for a dermatologist?

The typical career path for a dermatologist begins with more than a decade of schooling and training, as outlined above. Completion of this process must occur before a physician can begin practicing. Once fully licensed, dermatologists work in a number of different healthcare facilities, including private practices, clinics, hospitals, and research facilities.

A dermatologist’s day to day work will vary depending on where they work and whether or not they choose to specialize in a specific subset of dermatology. During their residency period, dermatologists may choose to specialize and receive advanced training in a specific branch of dermatology, including surgical dermatology, pediatrics, or dermatopathology.

While most dermatologists don’t enter the workforce and immediately open their own private dermatology practice, this is an accomplishment many in this field work towards over the years.

Where to find dermatologist jobs

The BLS predicts that the job market for all physicians and surgeons — including dermatologists — will grow on par with the national average for all occupations at 4% over the next decade. 

Take a look at some of the current job openings for dermatologists available on Ladders now.