Specialty Choice: Dermatology
A dermatologist is trained to diagnose and treat pediatric and adult patients with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, mouth, external genitalia, hair and nails, as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases. The dermatologist has had additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, melanomas, moles, and other tumors of the skin, the management of contact dermatitis, and other allergic and nonallergic skin disorders, and in the recognition of the skin manifestations of systemic (including internal malignancy) and infectious diseases. (Source: AAMC Careers in Medicine)
Associated Societies
Quick Facts
The following information comes from the National Resident Matching Program's Charting Outcomes in the Match 2014 (PDF) based on matched applicants in the United States.
- Step score averages:
- Mean Step 1 of U.S. Matched Applicants: 247
- Mean Step 2 CK of U.S. Matched Applicants: 255
- Average number of research experiences: 4.3
- Average number of abstracts, presentations and publications: 9.5
- Work and Volunteer:
- Average number of work experiences: 2.8
- Average number of volunteer experiences: 8.6
- Mean number of contiguous ranks of U.S. matched applicants: 8.9
Looking into the Future/Changes in Health Care
The multitude of major scientific advances in all areas of dermatology will add to the complexity involved in the management of patients with skin diseases. While it is not impossible for a solo practitioner to remain optimally well informed as these advances occur and still permit the delivery of the best possible care for all of his or her patients, it will certainly become more difficult in the future. Evidence that this trend has already begun can be found from a recent AAD dermatology practice survey showing a decline over the past 10 years in the percentage of solo dermatologists practicing in the United States. In 2007, 44 percent of dermatologists were in solo practice, but by 2014 that number had dropped to 35 percent. Further, the percentage of dermatologists in dermatology specialty group practices and multispecialty group practices averaged 50-60 percent. (Wheeland M.D., 2016)
With the rapid evolution of communication technology, [people] can now conduct high-resolution live video chats between mobile phones anywhere in the world. Not surprisingly, the notion of telemedicine has risen to prominence in recent years. Teledermatology, in particular, has been deemed the “next big thing” for quite some time. (Lio MD, 2014)
Additional Information
- Boonshoft School of Medicine Dermatology Residency Program
- Boonshoft School of Medicine Department Chair and Residency Program Director: Julian J. Trevino, M.D.
- Search for recent Wright State graduates who matched in dermatology
- Association of American Medical Colleges Careers in Medicine: Dermatology
See the Career Essentials Pilot Page regarding specialty specific advice for more detailed information and resources.
References
- Teledermatology: The Present State of Dermatology’s Future. (2014) Lio MD, P. A.
- Predicting the future of dermatology. (2016) Wheeland M.D., R. G.
