A dermatologist is a medical practitioner who specializes in diagnosing and treatment of various kinds of diseases and disorders - fungal infections, acne, eczema, psoriasis and skin cancer, cysts and birthmarks to name a few - related with the human skin and its appendages like nail and hair.
Dermatologist physically examines the affected area, and if necessary takes the blood samples, skin scrapings, or tissue samples for an in-depth chemical and biological testing by using advanced medical instruments to accurately identify disease-causing organisms. Once the diagnosis is made they prescribe the best possible treatment, whether medication, surgery, superficial radiotherapy or any other required specialized treatment.
Dermatologists are also trained to perform cosmetic procedures on the skin to make it better besides treating scars and wrinkles by using techniques like Dermabrasion (a technique that uses a wire brush or a diamond wheel with rough edges to remove the upper layer of the skin) and Botox injections. Laser therapy is the other technique which the Dermatologists use to remove age spots, treat visible veins, and reduce skin discolourations.
Use of contaminated natural resources like water and air and nutrient deficiency in the body due to fast food culture is largely responsible for increasing skin diseases in the recent time and this problem is likely to aggravate in the coming times. Thus there is an urgent need of Dermatologists both in rural as well as urban areas to cater to the need of patients of skin diseases.
As skin diseases are quite complicated, visibly alike and little tough to diagnose therefore Dermatologists should be specialized and have a detailed perspective to pinpoint the cause of the problem for administering the right kind of treatment. They should also be well qualified and have the knowledge of all the latest prevailing diseases relating to the skin.
Dermatologist Eligibility
The minimum qualification to become a Dermatologist in India is a 5½ years MBBS degree followed by 3 years MD (Dermatology) Course.
Dermatologist Required Skills
- Aspiring candidates should be very intelligent, hardworking and have the patience to study and treat their patients with utmost responsibility.
- They also possess self-motivation and good business sense in addition to the ability to work long hours.
- They must have the ability to master difficult science classes such as Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Pathology, Anatomy and Microbiology.
- They should also be able to perform procedures including biopsies, cryotherapy and the removal of skin lesions and the like.
How to become a Dermatologist?
Candidates interested in making their career in Dermatology have to follow the below given steps.
Step 1
Medical Students who have appeared or are going to appear in +2 exams (with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as main subjects) have to appear in an Medical Entrance Tests conducted by the various state and Independent bodies like PMT, taken by Punjab Government and CBSE-PMT (Pre Medical Test) taken by the Central board to admit candidates in various medical institutions affiliated with it providing MBBS degree course.
For taking admission in Top Medical Colleges like AIIMS, GMCH, AFMC Pune etc. the students have to take Entrance Exams Conducted by respective institutes separately.
Step 2
After doing MBBS degree course and one year and six months compulsory training the aspiring candidates have to get admission in M.D (Dermatology) – Master’s degree in Dermatology – must requirement to work as a Dermatologist.
Aspiring MBBS doctors have to appear in the Post Graduate Medical Entrance Tests like All India Post Graduate Medical/Dental Entrance Exam, and Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and Research Entrance Exam.
However, some institutes also provide admission on the basis of marks obtained in the MBBS course and work experience of the aspiring candidates.
Step 3
After completion of 2 years of MD (Dermatology) course and getting the requisite registration from Medical Council of India, the budding Dermatologist can get jobs in reputed Government and Private Hospitals like AIIMS etc. The dermatologist can also open their own Clinic and provide services to the patients.
Dermatologist Job Description
Dermatologist job description includes treating the skin and hair disorders by finding the root cause of the ailment. Besides this, Dermatologists are also responsible for designing a healthy diet for removing nutrient deficiency, recommending exercise to the patients, making patients aware about basic hygiene and hair care and maintaining their records for analysis in the future. Performs cosmetic surgery is also one of the main tasks of a Dermatologist.
Dermatologist Career Prospects
Increasing skin problems, especially to the people living in rural areas and awareness among the urban elite class about various skin improvement techniques, has increased the demand for Dermatologist in the whole society. Thus there are ample job opportunities for young Dermatologist in mushrooming skin care centres in the urban area and government dispensaries and hospital in rural as well as semi-urban areas. They can also get placed in the Dermatology department of reputed Hospitals like AIIMS, MAX etc. More enterprising Dermatologist can also open their Skin Care Centres. Teaching in Medical Colleges is another good option for those interested in academics and research activities.
Dermatologist Salary
Dermatologist in Government sector can expect to get nearly Rs.40,000 to Rs.50,000, depending upon his experience. Besides, they are also entitled to government accommodation and other perks as admissible. However, experienced Urologist working in the Corporate sector can expect anything between Rs.60,000 to Rs.80,000 per month. Private practitioners can make huge money working in their own clinics.
