Dermatologists can specialize in cosmetic dermatology.
Dermatologists are medical professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat disorders of the skin, hair and nails. In addition to completing her medical training, a dermatologist must satisfy her residency at a research hospital or clinic. Dermatologists work in private practices or at hospitals and clinics. With the growing demand for beauty treatments like Botox injections, laser rejuvenation procedures and collagen filling, dermatologists also have the option of specializing in cosmetic dermatology. Similar to physicians, dermatologists must be state-licensed.
Education
Undergraduate students who wish to become dermatologists must first pass the Medical College Admission Test or MCAT. Candidates who pass the MCAT can enroll into a medical school that is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. Medical school can be completed within four years and comprises classroom and clinical training. Students take courses such as pathology, microbiology, immunology and pharmacology. Medical students also take part in supervised clinical trainings and satisfy their trainings in acute, chronic and preventive medical care.
Residency
Residency training in general dermatology runs for four years. Dermatology residents receive a foundational training by participating in seminars, lectures and clinical rotations. Under the supervision of a licensed physician, dermatology residents work in primary patient care. They also take specialized courses such as clinical dermatology, basic dermatopathology, cutaneous microbiology and dermatologic and laser surgery. Dermatology residents have the opportunity to participate in research projects and case studies. Depending on the residency program, some schools require dermatology residents to complete a written thesis based on original research.
Licensure and Certification
All physicians must be licensed to work in the United States. Dermatologists who successfully complete their residency training must pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination prior to starting their practices. The American Board of Dermatology certifies dermatologists who have graduated from an accredited medical school and passed their state licensing examination. In addition, certification candidates in dermatology must have at least four years of post-graduate training. Eligible candidates are required to pass an eight-hour examination, which is designed to evaluate a candidate's general and specialized knowledge in dermatology.
Considerations
Dermatologists can become certified in subspecialty fields like dermatopathology and pediatric dermatology. Candidates seeking a certification in pediatric dermatology must meet the full training requirements in general dermatology. Certified dermatologists must maintain their certification by taking continuing education courses every 10 years. A re-certification candidate must have a valid license and complete at least 75 hours of Continuing Medical Education or CME credits. To become re-certified, the candidate must pass a three-hour examination comprising 100 questions in general dermatology.
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