Dermatology Notes
Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin.[1][2] It is a speciality with both
medical and surgical aspects.[3][4][5] A dermatologist is a specialist medical doctor who
manages diseases related to skin, hair, nails, and some cosmetic problems.[2][6]
Etymology
Attested in English in 1819, the word "dermatology" derives from the Greek δέρματος
(dermatos), genitive of δέρμα (derma), "skin"[7] (itself from δέρω dero, "to flay"[8]) and -λογία
-logia. Neo-Latin dermatologia was coined in 1630, an anatomical term with various French and
German uses attested from the 1730s.[9]
History
Main article: History of dermatology
In 1708, the first great school of dermatology became a reality at the famous Hôpital Saint-Louis
in Paris, and the first textbooks (Willan's, 1798–1808) and atlases (Alibert's, 1806–1816)
appeared in print around the same time.[10]
Training
Dermatologist
Occupation
Names Doctor, Medical Specialist
Occupation type Specialty
Activity sectors Medicine, Surgery
Description
Education required Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) or
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
Fields of
employment Hospitals, Clinics
Globe icon.
The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with Western culture and do not
represent a worldwide view of the subject. You may improve this article, discuss the issue on the
talk page, or create a new article, as appropriate. (November 2012) (Learn how and when to
remove this template message)
United States
After earning a medical degree (M.D. or D.O.), the length of training in the United States for a
general dermatologist to be eligible for board certification by the American Academy of
Dermatology, American Board of Dermatology, or American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology
is four years.[11] This training consists of an initial medical, transitional, surgical, or pediatric
intern year followed by a three-year dermatology residency.[2][12][13] Following this training,
one- or two-year post-residency fellowships are available in immunodermatology, phototherapy,
laser medicine, Mohs micrographic surgery, cosmetic surgery, dermatopathology, or pediatric
dermatology. While these dermatology fellowships offer additional subspecialty training, many
, dermatologist proficiently provide these services without subspecialty fellowship training. For the
past several years, dermatology residency positions in the United States have been one of the
most competitive to obtain.[14][15][16]
The United States has been experiencing a national shortage of dermatologists for more than a
decade. A study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association reported fewer
than 3.4 dermatologists for every 100,000 people.[17]
United Kingdom
In the UK, a dermatologist is a medically qualified practitioner who has gone on to specialize in
medicine and then subspecialize in dermatology. This involves:
Medical school for five years to obtain an MBBS, MBBCh, MB, or BChir degree
Two years of foundation rotations in various specialties
Two to three years training in general medicine to obtain a higher degree in medicine and
become a member of the Royal College of Physicians
Having obtained the MRCP examination, applying to become a Specialty Registrar (StR) in
Dermatology and training for four years in dermatology
Passing the Specialty Certificate Examination in dermatology before the end of training
Upon successful completion of the four-year training period, the doctor becomes an accredited
dermatologist and is able to apply for a consultant hospital post as a consultant dermatologist.
Fields
Cosmetic dermatology
A Cosmetic dermatology unit in SM City North Edsa, Philippines
Dermatologists have been leaders in the field of cosmetic surgery.[18] Some dermatologists
complete fellowships in surgical dermatology. Many are trained in their residency on the use of
botulinum toxin, fillers, and laser surgery. Some dermatologists perform cosmetic procedures
including liposuction, blepharoplasty, and face lifts.[19][20] Most dermatologists limit their
cosmetic practice to minimally invasive procedures. Despite an absence of formal guidelines
from the American Board of Dermatology, many cosmetic fellowships are offered in both surgery
and laser medicine.[citation needed]
Dermatopathology
Main article: Dermatopathology
A dermatopathologist is a pathologist or dermatologist who specializes in the pathology of the
skin.[21] This field is shared by dermatologists and pathologists. Usually, a dermatologist or
pathologist completes one year of dermatopathology fellowship. This usually includes six
months of general pathology and six months of dermatopathology.[22] Alumni of both specialties
can qualify as dermatopathologists. At the completion of a standard residency in dermatology,
many dermatologists are also competent at dermatopathology. Some dermatopathologists
qualify to sit for their examinations by completing a residency in dermatology and one in
pathology.[citation needed]
Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin.[1][2] It is a speciality with both
medical and surgical aspects.[3][4][5] A dermatologist is a specialist medical doctor who
manages diseases related to skin, hair, nails, and some cosmetic problems.[2][6]
Etymology
Attested in English in 1819, the word "dermatology" derives from the Greek δέρματος
(dermatos), genitive of δέρμα (derma), "skin"[7] (itself from δέρω dero, "to flay"[8]) and -λογία
-logia. Neo-Latin dermatologia was coined in 1630, an anatomical term with various French and
German uses attested from the 1730s.[9]
History
Main article: History of dermatology
In 1708, the first great school of dermatology became a reality at the famous Hôpital Saint-Louis
in Paris, and the first textbooks (Willan's, 1798–1808) and atlases (Alibert's, 1806–1816)
appeared in print around the same time.[10]
Training
Dermatologist
Occupation
Names Doctor, Medical Specialist
Occupation type Specialty
Activity sectors Medicine, Surgery
Description
Education required Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) or
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
Fields of
employment Hospitals, Clinics
Globe icon.
The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with Western culture and do not
represent a worldwide view of the subject. You may improve this article, discuss the issue on the
talk page, or create a new article, as appropriate. (November 2012) (Learn how and when to
remove this template message)
United States
After earning a medical degree (M.D. or D.O.), the length of training in the United States for a
general dermatologist to be eligible for board certification by the American Academy of
Dermatology, American Board of Dermatology, or American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology
is four years.[11] This training consists of an initial medical, transitional, surgical, or pediatric
intern year followed by a three-year dermatology residency.[2][12][13] Following this training,
one- or two-year post-residency fellowships are available in immunodermatology, phototherapy,
laser medicine, Mohs micrographic surgery, cosmetic surgery, dermatopathology, or pediatric
dermatology. While these dermatology fellowships offer additional subspecialty training, many
, dermatologist proficiently provide these services without subspecialty fellowship training. For the
past several years, dermatology residency positions in the United States have been one of the
most competitive to obtain.[14][15][16]
The United States has been experiencing a national shortage of dermatologists for more than a
decade. A study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association reported fewer
than 3.4 dermatologists for every 100,000 people.[17]
United Kingdom
In the UK, a dermatologist is a medically qualified practitioner who has gone on to specialize in
medicine and then subspecialize in dermatology. This involves:
Medical school for five years to obtain an MBBS, MBBCh, MB, or BChir degree
Two years of foundation rotations in various specialties
Two to three years training in general medicine to obtain a higher degree in medicine and
become a member of the Royal College of Physicians
Having obtained the MRCP examination, applying to become a Specialty Registrar (StR) in
Dermatology and training for four years in dermatology
Passing the Specialty Certificate Examination in dermatology before the end of training
Upon successful completion of the four-year training period, the doctor becomes an accredited
dermatologist and is able to apply for a consultant hospital post as a consultant dermatologist.
Fields
Cosmetic dermatology
A Cosmetic dermatology unit in SM City North Edsa, Philippines
Dermatologists have been leaders in the field of cosmetic surgery.[18] Some dermatologists
complete fellowships in surgical dermatology. Many are trained in their residency on the use of
botulinum toxin, fillers, and laser surgery. Some dermatologists perform cosmetic procedures
including liposuction, blepharoplasty, and face lifts.[19][20] Most dermatologists limit their
cosmetic practice to minimally invasive procedures. Despite an absence of formal guidelines
from the American Board of Dermatology, many cosmetic fellowships are offered in both surgery
and laser medicine.[citation needed]
Dermatopathology
Main article: Dermatopathology
A dermatopathologist is a pathologist or dermatologist who specializes in the pathology of the
skin.[21] This field is shared by dermatologists and pathologists. Usually, a dermatologist or
pathologist completes one year of dermatopathology fellowship. This usually includes six
months of general pathology and six months of dermatopathology.[22] Alumni of both specialties
can qualify as dermatopathologists. At the completion of a standard residency in dermatology,
many dermatologists are also competent at dermatopathology. Some dermatopathologists
qualify to sit for their examinations by completing a residency in dermatology and one in
pathology.[citation needed]
