• Dermatologist Job Description

    A dermatologist is a medical doctor who deals with the skin and diseases affecting the skin. Dermatologists diagnose and treat skin diseases such as skin cancer, eczema, acne, alopecia, hair loss, and nail infections, and help patients improve the appearance of their skin by removing wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging. They also test and evaluate the quality of skincare products to approve them for licensing.

  • What does a Dermatologist do?

    Dermatologists may do some or all of the following:

    • discuss with patients to understand their problems
    • prescribe medicines/skincare or cosmetic products to treat skin conditions
    • perform surgical procedures where necessary to deal with skin conditions
    • provide consultancy to other medical practitioners
    • conduct research and publishing findings in research journals
    • test and certify skincare products
    • give presentations on skin care issues
    • teach at colleges and universities
  • Where does a Dermatologist work?
  • Working Conditions

    Their working conditions are similar to those of other medical doctors, but in general, they enjoy lesser working hours compared to other mainstream doctors.

  • What is Required to Become a Dermatologist ?

    Dermatology is a specialty field in medicine. You will be required to be a licensed medical doctor, before advancing to become a dermatologist.

    To become a dermatologist, It will take anywhere from 9-10 years of schooling, as you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree from a medical school, complete an internship program, and then complete a residency program of up to 4 years in dermatology.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Medical doctors need to have:

    • adaptability
    • empathy
    • resilience
    • self discipline
    • patience and perseverance
    • confidence and assertiveness
    • integrity and responsibility
    • good memory
    • good attention to detail
    • good hand-eye coordination
    • good listening and communication skills
    • good judgment and decision making skills
    • analytical and problem solving skills
    • interviewing skills
    • surgical skills
    • technical skills
    • the ability to maintain patients confidentiality
    • the ability to show respect for human life
    • the ability to maintain focus during delicate procedures
    • the ability to tolerate and be comfortable with issues relating to blood
    • the ability to handle a patient’s medical condition for the patient’s own benefit
    • the ability to advocate for patients and correct the injustice harming them
    • the ability to avoid evil and use medical knowledge only for good
    • the ability to work well under pressure
    • the ability to inspire confidence in others in critical situations
    • knowledge of human behavior
    • knowledge of biological and physical sciences
    • knowledge of anatomy and how the human body works
    • knowledge of different diseases and illnesses
    • knowledge of medicines and treatments
    • up-to-date knowledge of medical research methods
    • knowledge of medical ethics and law
    • knowledge of medical terminology

References

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Alternative Careers
  • Aesthetician
  • Medical Doctor
  • Ophthalmologist
  • Psychiatrist
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