A Dermatologist, or Skin Doctor, is a medical specialist educated and experienced in the prevention, recognition, and treatment of skin, hair, and nail diseases. These professionals work in a variety of environments including hospitals, specialist skin clinics, and medical offices. Dermatologists sometimes choose to work in the academic field as professors or researchers, using their expertise to train Dermatologists in medical school. A Dermatologist’s day-to-day duties will vary depending on both the environment and subspecialty in which they work. Dermatologists examine and treat patients with skin problems, from sunburns to severe skin conditions or life-threatening illnesses like skin cancer.
A Dermatologist should be able to fulfill various duties and responsibilities. The following are some duties and responsibilities a Dermatologist should be able to execute:
- Assessing patients’ skin diseases, conditions, and ailments to determine appropriate treatment
- Prescribing medication and creating treatment plans, referring patients for surgery where necessary
- Monitoring patient progress
- Assessing and updating patients’ medical history, including keeping a record of patients’ symptoms
- Informing and educating patients on available treatments and preventative skincare
- Adhering to infection-control policies and protocols to protect patients and employees
A competitive Dermatologist will have certain skills and qualifications, including:
- Excellent attention to detail during consultations with patients and reviewing medical records
- Effective interpersonal skills within the medical team and also with patients
- Manual dexterity to examine the skin, apply treatments, and perform minor surgeries
- Commitment to a high standard of care through the promotion and maintenance of skin health
- Strong clinical diagnostic skills
