Dermatologist

Your Fit

Income

$204K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

3.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Dermatologist?

A Dermatologist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of skin diseases and conditions. This includes a wide range of disorders affecting the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Dermatologist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Dermatologist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$103K per year	$181K per year	$204K per year	$400K per year	NA per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $156K above the national average.

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What does a Dermatologist do?

Work environment

Dermatologists work in various settings, including private practices, hospitals, and clinics. They may also be involved in academic research and teaching in medical schools. Their work environment is typically well-lit and clean, as they perform many outpatient procedures and consultations.

Quick task list

Diagnoses skin conditions based on physical examination and patient history.
Performs skin surgeries, biopsies, and other procedures.
Prescribes medication and skincare treatments.
Provides patient education on skincare and disease prevention.
Conducts research and stays up to date on advancements in dermatology.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Pediatric Dermatology: Specializing in skin conditions affecting children and adolescents.
Dermatopathology: Focusing on the pathology of skin diseases.
Cosmetic Dermatology: Enhancing appearance through treatments like Botox, fillers, and laser therapies.
Teledermatology: Providing remote diagnosis and treatment through digital technology.
Mohs Surgery: Specializing in a precise surgical technique for skin cancer treatment.

Description

Dermatology is a highly specialized field of medicine that requires a deep understanding of the various conditions that can affect the skin. Dermatologists play a critical role in healthcare, as the skin is the largest and one of the most visible organs of the body. They deal with a wide range of issues, from acne and eczema to skin cancer and complex skin disorders. Their work often involves both medical and surgical aspects, as well as cosmetic dermatology, which has grown significantly in recent years.

The field of dermatology is diverse and constantly evolving, with new treatments and technologies continuously emerging. Dermatologists must stay abreast of these developments to provide the best care for their patients. They also play a vital role in educating patients about skin health, sun protection, and cancer prevention.

Being a dermatologist requires not only extensive medical knowledge but also good interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with patients and understand their concerns. Precision and attention to detail are crucial, especially in surgical procedures. Many dermatologists find the visual and practical aspects of their work particularly rewarding.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The ability to treat a wide variety of conditions, often with visible results.
Opportunities to perform both medical and surgical procedures.
High demand and respect in the medical community.
The satisfaction of improving patients' self-esteem and quality of life.

You might make a good Dermatologist if you are...

Fascinated by the science of skin and its diseases.
Detail-oriented, with steady hands for surgical procedures.
Compassionate and able to communicate effectively with patients of all ages.
Interested in a mix of medical and cosmetic procedures.
Committed to continuous learning in a rapidly evolving field.

Pros:

High earning potential and job stability.
Variety in daily tasks and patient cases.
Opportunities for sub-specialization and cutting-edge research.

Cons:

Lengthy and competitive education and training process.
High-pressure situations, particularly in surgical procedures.
Managing patient expectations, especially in cosmetic dermatology.

How to become a Dermatologist

Typical education

To become a dermatologist, one must complete 4 years of undergraduate education, 4 years of medical school, and a residency in dermatology, which typically lasts about 3-4 years. Some dermatologists further specialize with additional fellowship training.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced science courses (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) to build a strong foundation.
Mathematics for developing analytical skills.
Health and anatomy classes to gain early insights into medical fields.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at healthcare facilities or community health events.
Participating in science clubs or fairs.
Shadowing professionals in the medical field.

Preparation after high school

Completing a bachelor's degree, preferably in a science-related field.
Attending medical school and obtaining a medical degree.
Completing a dermatology residency program.
Pursuing fellowship training for further specialization, if desired.

More resources

American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) - Provides resources for dermatologists, including education and advocacy.
American Board of Dermatology (ABD) - Offers certification information for dermatologists.
Society for Pediatric Dermatology (SPD) - Focuses on dermatology issues in children.
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) - Provides resources and training for dermatologic surgery.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.