Monday, February 11, 2013

Information on the Career of Dermatology


The science of healing is the most sought after career in the world today. There are many specializations available in the field of medical science. One such specialization is the career of a Dermatologist. To become a dermatologist, one must first complete the four-year premedical program and then will have to undergo additional studies for about 6 years to become a dermatologist. In this article, we will go through various aspects of this career.

Dermatologists are those physicians who treat those disease conditions which affect the largest organ of our body, the skin. More than just treating the disease, they are required for giving advices on keeping the skin healthy and fair. There are specializations like cosmetic dermatologist and pediatric dermatologist. Pediatric dermatologists specifically treat those skin conditions affecting small children. Cosmetic dermatologists are high in demand and they are required in the field of cosmetic surgery for enhancing beauty.

They conduct skin evaluation by placing the patient under various kinds of light. This will enhance the pigments or other discoloration due to the diseases. In normal checkups they will be looking for sun damage, birth marks, age spots, dandruff problem etc. For serious conditions they will analyze the skin by taking surgical samples.

After tests and diagnosis they will prescribe medication or perform surgeries for controlling or eradicating the disease. It would take nearly 8 years after high school to become a dermatologist. Then from there, there are even options for specializations like dermatopathology. Dermatopathologists are specialists who treat microscopic skin conditions like infections, immunologic, and degenerative infections.

To become a dermatologist, one must first complete four years of study as a medical student. There you will be trained on subjects like anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, and pharmacology. After completing this, one must pass United States Medical Licensing Examination. There may be other procedures to be completed according to the rules in each state. Prospective dermatologists must undergo a residency course for 3-4 years. This will aid in gaining the needed experience for handling outpatients and inpatients in a hospital facility. They will also be trained for performing procedures like Mohs surgery, pediatric dermatology, melanoma, blistering disease etc.

Most specialty hospitals need a resident dermatologist in their hospitals. Statistics from bureau of labor statistics shows that the median annual salary of a dermatologist is $279,000. The actual salary depends mainly on the years of experience and the employer. Some of the highly experienced dermatologists earn near to $308,000 per annum.

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