Dermatologist Do Day-to-Day
Dermatologists play an important role in maintaining people’s skin health and addressing concerns related to skin, hair, and nails. Their work is diverse, ranging from acne treatment to advanced surgical and cosmetic procedures. You may have wondered about their training, and what a typical day looks like for a dermatologist.
Do dermatologists need a degree?
Yes, dermatologists receive extensive education and training, starting with a 4-year bachelor’s degree. Common areas of study include biology and chemistry. In the US, applicants to medical schools will take the American Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). In the UK, the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is used to select applicants to their medical programmes. Students then attend medical school for 4 years to become a medical doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). A dermatologist will then complete a 1-year internship, followed by a 3-plus-year dermatology residence.
Career paths and specialisation
Dermatology offers numerous career paths, each with different daily responsibilities. General dermatologists focus on diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions. Common cases include acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and skin infections. A typical day might involve patient consultations, diagnosing conditions, prescribing treatments, and educating patients about skin health.
Cosmetic dermatologists focus on enhancing appearance. A day in the life of a cosmetic dermatologist may include conducting consultations to understand patients’ cosmetic goals, performing non-invasive procedures like anti-wrinkle injections in London, and educating patients on maintaining healthy, youthful skin.
Paediatric dermatologists specialise in treating skin conditions in children. Common cases include birthmarks, eczema, diaper rash, genetic skin disorders, and paediatric psoriasis. Day-to-day, these dermatologists might evaluate patients, collaborate with parents, and manage long-term conditions. This field requires an empathetic approach to deal with children and their families.
Surgical dermatologists perform procedures to treat skin conditions requiring more invasive methods, such as Mohs surgery used to remove skin cancer, excisions for cysts, lipomas, and larger moles, and advanced wound reconstruction after surgeries. These dermatologists are often in operating rooms and also handle patient follow-ups to ensure proper healing.
Dermatopathologists are specialists who study skin samples under a microscope to diagnose diseases. Day-to-day, these specialists examine biopsies from other dermatologists or surgeons, identify conditions like melanoma, inflammatory diseases, and infections, and collaborate with clinicians to recommend treatments. Their work requires keen analytical skills and attention to detail.
Some dermatologists pursue teaching and research rather than direct patient care. They might conduct clinical trials to advance treatments, educate students in academic institutions, and publish research findings in scientific journals.
Challenges and rewards
Regardless of their speciality, dermatologists face challenges in their work, including staying up to date with evolving treatments, managing complex cases, and balancing admin with patient care. But the rewards are significant: dermatologists help to transform lives by alleviating chronic conditions, improving self-confidence through aesthetic treatments, and detecting life-threatening diseases early so they can be better managed.
Conclusion
The day-to-day responsibilities of a dermatologist varies depending on their chosen career path. Their work combines scientific expertise and a commitment to improving patients’ quality of life.
