The dermatologist job description is to take care of and treat the largest organ in the human body, the skin.
They play a vital part in medical care. Some of their duties and responsibilities include examining patients with skin problems or conditions and developing a treatment plan.
When employed, employers look out for dermatologists who possess great communication skills and are compassionate.
The fact that you are reading this guide on the dermatologist job description means you are either an applicant or a med student seeking an area of specialization.
Whichever way, this article is optimized to enable you to reach your goal of becoming and getting a good dermatologist job.
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What Does a Dermatologist Do?
A dermatologist is a medical specialist who treats skin conditions such as acne, sunburn, rashes, and cancer. They perform skin screenings and evaluate and study patients’ medical records or history. They also monitor a patient’s recovery process.
Dermatologists treat over 3000 diseases. But only about 24 skin conditions make up 80% of skin condition cases worldwide.
Some other subspecialties in dermatology include:
- Dermatopathology
- Immunodermatology
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Teledermatology
Dermatologist Job Duties and Responsibilities
Here are some of the duties and responsibilities usually featured in most dermatologist job description postings:
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#1. Diagnosing Patients
A dermatologist must meet with patients that have skin, hair, and nail conditions.
The patient’s medical records or history are studied and discussed during the meeting.
The doctor then examines the patients and observes for abnormalities.
Further tests may be carried out to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
After all of these, the patient is diagnosed, and the diagnosis is discussed.
#2. Developing a Treatment Plan
After diagnosing a patient, the dermatologist develops a workable treatment plan.
This treatment may include medication, changes in diet, and lifestyle.
During treatment, whenever the dermatologist sees a need to adjust the development, he or she implements the changes.
#3. Carry out non-invasive Surgical Procedures.
In the case of a benign tumor, and the dermatologist sees the need to carry out a noninvasive surgical procedure, he does it, probably with the assistance of other health care providers like nurses.
Before such procedures are carried out, the patient must give his or her consent.
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#4. Keep Patient Records
A dermatologist may perform clerical functions, such as keeping and maintaining records.
They maintain these records for possible future reference.
#5. Refer Patients to other Specialists when Necessary
A dermatologist may also refer patients to other specialists when needed.
In some cases, both doctors may work together to treat the patient.
In order cases, only the patient’s medical reports will be sent to the new specialist, and the dermatologist may not be needed.
#6. Handle Cosmetic issues like Aging and Birthmarks
Dermatologists use laser and botox to treat birthmarks and address wrinkles, respectively.
Also, they perform skin grafting to help patients with scares.
Some other duties and responsibilities of a dermatologist you will find in their job description include;
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What Academic Qualification Do I Need to Become a Dermatologist?
There are three mandatory academic qualifications to obtain before becoming a dermatologist.
These qualifications include the following:
- Formal education
- Training
- Licensing and certification
I believe it is not enough only to list these qualifications.
Therefore I will go ahead to explain each briefly.
1. Formal Education
Before practicing dermatology, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree and a doctor of medicine.
To gain a solid foundation in the medical field, dermatologists major in science-oriented subjects like chemistry, biology, and physics.
While in medical school, they learn advanced courses like microbiology, biochemistry, anatomy, and pharmacology.
In medical school, prospective dermatologists may perform clinical rotations under the supervision of a certified and experienced dermatologist.
2. Training
After medical school, to train to become a dermatologist, they undergo residency.
Usually, the residency lasts for four years.
Prospective dermatologist intern in the general surgery department for a year. After this, I trained in clinical dermatology for the remaining 3 years.
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3. Licencing and Certification
Every country and state requires every dermatologist to be licensed before practicing.
But, the requirements for certification may vary slightly in different states and countries.
Most countries require that a dermatologist already have a degree from an accredited medical school, undergo residency in their area of specialization, and pass the medical licensing examination.
What Skills Does a Good Dermatologist Need?
To carry out the duties and responsibilities of a dermatologist, employers usually seek certain skills before employing them.
These skills also appear in the job description of a dermatologist.
Some of the skills a good dermatologist should possess include the following:
#1. Dexterity
Dermatologists use certain tools, some of which are sharp, to treat certain skin conditions.
Therefore, they need manual dexterity to avoid mistakes and ensure accuracy.
#2. Attention to Details
Every detail during diagnosis and treatment, such as minor changes, must never be overlooked.
Therefore, it is essential for a dermatologist always to pay attention to details, no matter how minor they may seem.
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#3. Communication Skills
To perform almost all the duties and responsibilities of a dermatologist, you must possess strong communication skills.
A good dermatologist should be able to write, speak and listen effectively.
#4. Interpersonal Skills
To properly provide treatment to each patient, a good dermatologist must be capable of developing a good relationship with his or her patients.
That, you can understand what is unique to each of them.
#5. Organizational Skills
One dermatologist may work with over a hundred patients in a month.
As a result, a good dermatologist must be very organized.
You can also keep track of every patient and provide optimum treatment to everyone.
#6. Problem-Solving Skills
A dermatologist must observe patients, ascertain their skin conditions and develop an effective treatment plan.
Therefore, a good dermatologist must possess good problem-solving skills.
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How Much Does a Dermatologist Make?
On average, a dermatologist in the United States makes up to $229,467 annually.
According to indeed, the salary of a dermatologist range from $39,000 to $584,000 yearly.
These figures may differ depending on your location, experience, and employer.
Where Do Dermatologists Work?
Dermatologists are professional medical practitioners who work in hospitals and health care groups.
They meet with patients in offices or examination rooms and perform treatment procedures in a treatment room.
A dermatologist may work in a hospital or a health care group. They may also open their clinic for private practice.
What Hours Do Dermatologists Work?
Dermatologists typically work full-time during regular working hours.
Which may be from 8 am to 4 pm or 9 am to 5 pm daily.
Sometimes, they offer evening or weekend shifts to accommodate a patient’s schedule.
Is the Work of a Dermatologist a Stressful Job?
Yes, dermatology is one of the most challenging and competitive medical specialties to match into.
But, the satisfaction of seeing your patients recover is worth the stress.
Moreover, every job or area of specialization can be stressful, but some may come with more demand or stress.
According to osteopathic.org, here are some tips on how to match into dermatology and overcome stress.
Becoming a good dermatologist takes a lot of hard work and determination.
But stress is always worth it. Therefore, give it your best, and you will be glad.
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Dermatologist Tools of the Trade
This guide on the job description of a dermatologist will not be complete without including some of the tools of the trade of a dermatologist.
What Should I Include in My Dermatologist Resume?
When creating a resume, you want to include any information capable of convincing an employer that you are suitable for the job.
You may want to include information such as:
Even during your interview, don’t overlook the importance of referring to all this information.
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Conclusion: Dermatologist Job Description Guide
It takes up to 12 years after high school to become a dermatologist.
Indeed, it is a very long time, but from all you have read from this guide on the job description of a dermatologist, it is worth it.
According to the bureau of labor statistics, Job opportunities for medical practitioners are set to increase by 26% in 2026.
Therefore, there will be more jobs for a dermatologist.
Although this guide on the job description of a dermatologist was written with applicants in mind, it can also be used by employers to create a dermatologist job description posting
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