What Are the Main Types of Dermatologists?
To become a dermatologist you need to specialise in the skin, hair, and nails. Its two main tasks include diagnosing and treating disorders of the integumentary system, which is the body’s outer layer comprising the skin, hair, nails, and the related glands and appendages. Subspecialties within dermatology include:
- General Dermatologists: These are the experts who diagnose and treat common skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, warts, and psoriasis, as well as more serious issues, such as skin cancer. They provide medical and cosmetic care for your skin and are often a patient’s first point of contact for any skin issue.
- Paediatric Dermatologist: Paediatric dermatologists provide care for children, from infancy to adolescence, for a wide variety of skin conditions, including congenital skin disorders, birthmarks, eczema, and psoriasis in younger patients.
- Dermatopathologists: These are the doctors who study the pathology of skin disease. They review skin samples under the microscope to identify complex conditions that may not be detectable by visual inspection alone.
- Mohs surgeon: A Mohs surgeon is a dermatologist with fellowship training in the Mohs micrographic surgical technique to treat skin cancer. The Mohs technique allows the physician to remove the skin cancer layer by layer while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible by examining the tissue under the microscope.
- Cosmetic dermatologist: A cosmetic dermatologist specialises in improving the appearance of the skin. They administer Botox injections and fillers, as well as laser treatment, chemical peels, and other procedures that can help with wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation.
- Immunodermatologist: This is a sub-speciality in dermatology that deals with diseases of the skin that have an immune origin, such as autoimmune skin diseases (where the immune system attacks a part of the body, like lupus or pemphigus). An immunodermatologist is likely to work with other specialties to help manage these cases.
- Dermatologic oncologist: Skin cancer specialists who treat melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. They might also work with oncologists to provide comprehensive cancer care.
What Does a Dermatologist Do?
Dermatologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat medical disorders of the skin, hair, and nails. Their work may be cosmetic but is also extremely important for health, as the skin is the body’s largest organ and a primary line of defence against environmental hazards. The following outlines the key responsibilities of a dermatologist:
- Diagnosis of Skin Conditions: Mostly, dermatologists diagnose benign skin conditions ranging from acne to eczema and psoriasis to more severe autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and more. Diagnosis of skin diseases could be made on the basis of a medical history, skin lesion morphology and distribution, and microscopic examination of skin and biopsied tissues.
- Treatment Planning and Management: Once a condition has been diagnosed, the dermatologist will plan and carry out a course of treatment for the patient that suits their needs. This might involve prescribing drugs or recommending topical treatments or lifestyle changes. For more serious conditions, a surgical or procedural intervention could be suggested.
- Surgical Procedures: Dermatologists perform a variety of surgical procedures, such as excision of skin lesions, moles, and skin cancers and removal of skin cancers with Mohs surgery (a technique that allows for the removal of cancerous tissue while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue).
- Cosmetic Procedures: Botox injections, dermal fillers, laser surgery, and chemical peels are the various types of cosmetic procedures that are provided by cosmetic dermatologists in order to improve the condition of the skin. Cosmetic surgery is aimed at improving the appearance of the skin, such as the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, scars, and pigmentation.
- Patient Education: Because patients often have questions about skincare, sun protection, and the management of chronic conditions, a large portion of the dermatologist’s time is spent educating patients on how to take care of their skin to prevent further complications and maintain healthy skin.
- Research and Development: Many dermatologists work in research to develop new approaches or improve existing treatments for skin disease, as well as the development of new cosmetic products and procedures.
- Collaborative Care: Collaborative care often works as part of a team of physicians, including oncologists, allergists, and immunologists, especially when treating complex or systemic diseases such as skin cancer or autoimmune disease.
Average Dermatologist Salary
The average salaries of dermatologists demonstrate why they are the highest earners among medical staff in the UK. It is a highly specialised profession requiring long years of training and expertise, and there is a high demand for their services. The salary of a dermatologist can be influenced by various factors such as experience, location, and whether they work in the NHS or private practise.
- Newly Qualified Dermatologists: The starting salary for a newly qualified dermatologist is 45,000–70,000 pounds per annum. If it’s an important job, why is the starting salary so low? Obviously, it takes a lot of training and qualifications to get into.
- Mid-level Dermatologist: After a few years of experience, a dermatologist’s salary can jump up considerably, to usually between £70,000 and £100,000 per year. Those with special skills or a well-known reputation can earn more.
- NHS Consultant Dermatologists: £82,000–£110,000. Private consultants and those running their practises can earn considerably more, depending on clientele and location. Up to £150,000 a year is not uncommon.
- Private practise: Dermatologists in private practise are likely to earn more, particularly in areas where cosmetic dermatology services are more prevalent and well sought after, and also in affluent areas. Again, private practise income can be significantly variable. Still, not uncommonly, the most successful private dermatologists earn in excess of £200,000 per year.
Dermatologist Skills
It would help if you were a dermatology doctor. You need to know medicine. You need to have certain technical skills, and you need to have certain personality traits. Here are the skills you will need to be a successful dermatologist:
- Medical Knowledge: A dermatologist must be knowledgeable in the diagnosis and basic competency to treat diseases of the skin, hair, nails, and oral and genital mucosa, as well as in the recognition of systemic manifestations of these conditions.
- Surgical Accuracy: A lot of dermatological procedures call for surgical precision and steady hands. From small surgeries, such as excising a mole, to more complex procedures, such as Mohs surgery, the ability and dexterity to use a scalpel is an important skill set for dermatologists.
- Analytical skills: Many skin diseases are present similarly, so dermatologists need to be able to diagnose them based on analysing clinical information, data from history, and laboratory results.
- Interpersonal Skills: Dermatologists treat people who might be anxious or embarrassed about their condition. Moreover, they must communicate closely with others, such as nurses and office staff. Good communication and empathy are therefore important.
- Attention to Detail: One of the most essential factors for success as a dermatologist is the ability to pay attention to detail. This involves spotting small changes in a patient’s skin or subtle symptoms that could be an early warning sign of a disease. Having the ability to notice these changes and actually see them, as well as connect the dots, means that dermatologists can identify and treat their patients in a timely fashion.
- Aesthetic Judgement: Aesthetic judgement is the ability to distinguish what is beautiful from what is not. A dermatologist needs to have this sense of aesthetics, especially dermatology, as they must also understand what beauty and symmetry are in order to achieve the best cosmetic outcome for their patients.
- Business Savvy: Dermatologists, especially those in private practise, must have strong business acumen to run the business aspect of their practise effectively. This includes managing the finances, marketing, and understanding regulations.
- Lifelong learning: Dermatology is a constantly evolving field in which new treatments and technologies are coming onto the market all the time. A commitment to upholding one’s knowledge and keeping abreast of the industry is key to achieving success in the profession.
Dermatologist Tips
Becoming a dermatologist is not easy, but it’s worth it. Here are some tips to help you succeed in this field.
- Start Preparing Early: if you want to be a dermatologist, you need to take science subjects early on in secondary school—especially biology and chemistry—because it’s important to get into medical school.
- Gain Related Experience: Look for shadowing opportunities with a dermatologist or work experience in a dermatology clinic. This can provide insight into the work of a dermatologist and be an added bonus to your medical school application.
- The Right Medical School: Pick the right medical school by identifying those with strong dermatology programs. Seek out schools that have strong affiliations with hospitals that have excellent dermatology departments, which will provide you with the best clinical training ground.
- Build Strong Networks: Join professional organisations such as the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) to network with other professionals, access resources, and stay informed about the latest developments in the field.
- Pursue Research Opportunities: Do some research in dermatology during your medical training. This can give you insight into the nature of skin diseases and make you more competitive in dermatology training programs.
- Consider subspecialisation: Within dermatology, there exists a number of subspecialties, including cosmetic dermatology, paediatric dermatology, and dermatopathology. Consider pursuing sub-specialty training in a field of interest.
- Stay Updated on Advances: Dermatology is an ever-evolving field. Stay up to date with new treatments and technologies by attending conferences, workshops, and continuing education courses.
- Cultivate Patient-Centred Care: Put your patients first. Good communication, empathy, and quality care will help you build a strong dermatology practise.
Dermatologist Requirements
Working in the UK as a dermatologist requires a high level of commitment to education and training, and it follows a structured pathway. Here you can find the steps you will need to follow in order to become a dermatologist:
- Good grades: You need good GCSEs and A-levels (or equivalent) in subjects such as biology, chemistry, and perhaps physics or mathematics. You will need top grades to get into a good medical school.
- Medical Degree (MBBS or Equivalent): A dermatologist is a medical doctor who has graduated from medical college with a five-year medical degree. This is the basic degree that all doctors must have and provides the basis for a career in medicine and surgery.
- Foundation Training: You’ve completed medical school and now need to complete your foundation training, which is a paid two-year period of rotations through a variety of medical specialties in order to gain some broad clinical experience.
- Core Medical Training (CMT) or Internal Medicine Training (IMT): After foundation training, you will have two to three years of training in general internal medicine, which is an important step before you specialise in the world of dermatology.
- Speciality training in dermatology: When you have completed your core medical training, you can apply for a four-year dermatology speciality training program where you receive in-depth training in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases.
- Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP): You have to pass the MRCP exams either during or before you train as a specialist. The MRCP qualification is mandatory for all physicians in the UK, and you need it to enter specialist training in dermatology.
- Consultant work: You can apply to be a consultant in dermatology when you have completed your speciality training, which usually means you have gained a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). As a consultant, you will be responsible for the care of patients, providing teaching and research, and performing general management duties within the NHS.
- Continuing professional development (CPD): You are required to stay up to date and maintain your registration at all times during your career as a dermatologist. This is achieved by attending conferences and completing courses, as well as keeping up to date with research.
How to Become a Dermatologist
It’s a tough, long journey to become a dermatologist in the UK, but if you have a passion for skin health, you won’t regret it. Here’s how to get there.
- Perform Well at Secondary School: Obtain the best possible grades in your GCSEs and A-levels, especially in the sciences such as biology and chemistry. These are the subjects most likely to get you into medical school.
- Apply to Medical School: Apply to medical schools that have good clinical training and research opportunities. It’s a competitive process, so make sure your GPA, personal statement, and letters of reference are strong.
- Complete a Medical Degree: A five-year MBBS/MD program will provide you with the basics of medicine and surgery. Try to get one or two electives or projects in dermatology during your studies.
- Undertake Foundation Training: After medical school, complete a two-year foundation training program. This is the period where you rotate around the various medical specialties, including dermatology, to gain broad clinical experience.
- Apply for Core Medical Training: Following the foundation training, you apply for two to three years of core medical training (CMT) or internal medicine training (IMT). This is the important training to get you the skills you need for dermatology.
- Apply for Dermatology Specialty Training: After completing your core training, apply for a dermatology specialty training program. This highly competitive program provides focused training in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions.
- Complete the MRCP Exams: During or before speciality training, you must pass the MRCP exams in order to qualify as a member of the Royal College of Physicians. This qualification is needed to progress further in your dermatology.
- Complete Specialist Dermatology Training: Over a four-year period, you will be fully trained as a dermatologist, learning how to diagnose and treat various dermatological conditions.
- Enter Consultant Status: Having gained your specialist training, you can now apply for a job as a dermatology consultant. In this role, you are responsible for all patient care, as well as teaching, research, and management duties.
- Continuing Professional Development: In order to keep your skills sharp and stay up-to-date with new advances in dermatology, make sure to participate in CPD throughout your career. Good luck with the exam!
Get Qualified as a Dermatologist
Dermatology Training Mastery, Dermatology Level 2 Certification, Dermatology Professional Training, Dermatology Mastery Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should You Be a Dermatologist?
Dermatology is a gratifying and eclectic field that utilises medicine’s science and aesthetics art to provide life-changing care for patients with a variety of conditions, from potentially lethal malignancies to cosmetic issues. Dermatologists command high salaries and stable employment and have the option to practise in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practise, and universities.
Is Dermatology a Good Career Choice for You?
Suppose you’re fascinated by skin health, like to solve problems, and have excellent hand-eye coordination and a great eye for detail. In that case, dermatology might be a good fit. It would help if you were equally adept at science and patient care, and the field provides an excellent work-life balance, particularly in private practise.
Dermatologist Salaries
UK salaries for dermatologists are among the highest in medicine. A newly qualified dermatologist can expect to earn between £45,000 and £70,000, while NHS consultants may earn up to £110,000. Those working in private practise with a specialist interest in cosmetics or working in a high-demand area can earn considerably more.
Which Qualifications Can Help with a Career in Dermatology?
It goes without saying that you need a medical degree (MBBS), a period of general medical training (foundation training and core medical training), and complete specialty dermatology training. You also need to sit and pass the MRCP exams and become a member of the Royal College of Physicians. Other qualifications may also be necessary to develop specialisation in a sub-specialty area (for example, dermatopathology or cosmetic dermatology).
Do I Need to Be an Experienced Dermatologist to Get Started?
However, you don’t need to be a dermatologist ready to start training—you can join the specialty after your medical degree and foundation training and then build your experience through core medical training and specialty training programs, gaining the skills and knowledge to become a qualified dermatologist.
Dermatology Career Outlook
Job prospects in the UK are very good, thanks to the steady demand for the maintenance of skin health and the rise of skin cancer. Other factors include enhanced cosmetic procedures as well as innovations in treatments and technologies.
Dermatologist Hierarchy and Progressing Within the Role
Dermatologists start as junior doctors and progress through a series of stages to become consultant dermatologists. With experience, they may progress to become more specialised doctors, senior medical leaders, or academic or research posts. Senior consultants have the opportunity to become heads of a department or clinic in a clinical and administrative role.
Dermatologist Exit Options and Opportunities
The exit options for a dermatologist are quite varied; many can go into private practise, others into academia and research, or deepen their knowledge into dermatological sub-fields (such as cosmetic dermatology and dermatopathology) or other medical fields, depending on their interests.