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What do I need to know to go into the medical field (Dermatology)?

Hi! I am currently a high-school sophomore and would like to pursue a career in medicine, more specifically becoming a dermatologist. I know its a very competitive field and was wondering what high-school classes I should take and what I should be ready for on my path to college and med-school. Thank you!

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Doc’s Answer

Dermatologists, like all physicians, need to completed a great deal of education. It can
take 11-12 years to become a dermatologist, depending on your level of specialization post-residency. This includes time spent as an undergraduate (4 years), in medical school
(4 years) and completing residency (3 years). You should realize that after high school your education will continue on through college, medical school, and a residency in your specialty. In high school you can start preparing for both college and your medical studies by taking science classes such as biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy. Mathematics classes, such as algebra and geometry, will give you experience in working with numbers and formulas, both important skills for this career. Make sure your high school education is well rounded and college preparatory by taking English and history classes as well as a foreign language. Also, psychology classes and other social science classes may give you a background in understanding people—an important skill for any doctor.

4 YEAR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
Your next step after high school is to earn a bachelors degree, typically with a major in a science field such as biology or chemistry, from an accredited four-year college. Some schools may offer well-defined premedical courses of study, while others will allow you to structure your own education. In either case, your college studies should concentrate on the sciences, including biology, physics, organic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry. In addition, you should continue to take mathematics, English, and social science courses. Language classes, particular Latin, may help you in your medical school studies.

4 YEAR MEDICAL SCHOOL
To pursue a career in dermatology, consider attending an accredited medical school. There are two main types of schools you can consider, which are allopathic and osteopathic. Allopathic schools award Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees, and they often focus more on treating conditions with surgery or medication. Osteopathic schools often have a more holistic approach that focuses on prevention and wellness, and they award Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degrees. Regardless of which school you attend, the first two years often include mostly classroom study and laboratory sessions, which can help you learn the basics of practicing medicine.
Common coursework includes anatomy, biochemistry, pathology and pharmacology. After your second year, you take the first part of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). During your third and fourth years in medical school, you can expect to join clinical rotations with experienced doctors. During this time, you practice diagnosing and treating patients under professional supervision and rotate through various clinical areas, such as emergency care, obstetrics, internal medicine and psychiatry. Before your final year of medical school, you take the second part of the USMLE. After medical school, all physicians must pass an examination given by the National Board of Medical Examiners in order to receive a license from the state in which you intend to practice. There 3 specialties: dermatopathology, micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology, and pediatric dermatology. Most physicians then begin their residency to learn a specialty. Only about half of the applicants for the accredited residency programs in the United States are accepted, and dermatology is very competitive.

3 YEARS DERMATOLOGY RESIDENCY
Residency training for dermatologists lasts a minimum of four years, three of which are spent specializing in dermatology. The first year is a clinical residency program in internal medicine, family practice, general surgery, or pediatrics. The next three years are spent studying and practicing dermatology. Residents are closely supervised as they study skin pathology, bacteriology, radiology, surgery, biochemistry, allergy and immunology, and other basics. Intensive laboratory work in mycology (the study of the fungi that infect humans) is usually required. Following the residency, dermatologists can become certified by the American Board of Dermatology and have full professional standing.

Hope this was helpful Ava
Thank you comment icon Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action! Ava
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Shelia’s Answer

Hi Ava,
Embark on an exciting journey to become a doctor if you have a deep love for the sciences. Consider volunteering at a hospital to experience firsthand what being a doctor involves and discover what kind of doctor you might want to be. Check if local dermatologists allow shadowing, which is a great way to learn about the profession by observing them at work. Take and excel at high school subjects in biology, chemistry and physics.

Select a university that offers a biomedical sciences program to introduce you to a wide range of subjects you'll encounter in medical school. Excel in your academic pursuits, assume leadership positions, and accumulate hours of experience in a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office. For example, my daughter served as a medical scribe during her undergraduate studies. Prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and aim for a score of 510 or above. Apply to multiple medical schools, crafting an outstanding personal statement, obtaining letters of recommendation, and completing both primary and secondary applications. Nail the interview to make a lasting impression and distinguish yourself from others.

Upon acceptance into medical school, devote two years to gaining comprehensive knowledge about the human body and mastering the art of diagnosing patients. Spend the next two years on clinical rotations, passing Step 1 to commence your third year and Step 2 for your fourth year. Clearing the medical boards is essential to launch your residency. A dermatology residency lasts between three to four years. Good luck on your journey!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your help! Ava
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Caleb’s Answer

Hi Ava,

It's great that you are thinking about this now. And I will do my best to answer your question based on my experience!

In terms of high school classes, I would recommend taking any high-level science coursework that your school offers, such as AP Chemistry, AP Biology, and AP Environmental Science. Medicine is a science-based field and showing that you are a strong performer in those courses will impress to college admissions that you are interested in science and prepare you for the level of academic rigor in college and medical school. You may also consider joining any science-based clubs at your school, but I would also advise you to do things that enrich your life (ex. sports, reading, music, etc.) outside of science. Doing these things show colleges you are a well-rounded individual and can serve as buffers against stress and develop interpersonal skills and problem-solving that are crucial to a career in medicine. I would also recommend you reach out to local hospitals and doctors' offices in your area and ask about shadowing doctors, where you basically follow a doctor around and see what they do in a typical day.

Additional things you should be ready for in college and medical school are being challenged beyond your comfort zone with your classes and learning how YOU learn best (a great professor once called it "learning how to learn"). It can be overwhelming, especially if you are strong academically in high school and are struggling in pre-med courses in college, such as organic chemistry and biochemistry. This was my experience in college, but over time you learn what strategies you can use to learn more efficiently (such as the Pomodoro Technique, blurting, active recall, and spaced repetition). But that is part of the journey: by taking those difficult classes, you are showing perseverance and an ability to grow in the face of adversity (WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT IN MEDICAL SCHOOL).

One big thing medical schools look for is clinical experience and MCAT scores. The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a multiple choice test that you must take in order to attend medical school. From what I've heard in talking to colleagues, advisors, and pre-med students, it takes around 5-6 months of studying for 5+ hours/day to perform well, although this varies from person to person. It's a tough test, but very achievable to do well on. In terms, of clinical experience, jobs like working as a medical assistant, a patient care technician, medical scribe, EMT, phlebotomist, or pharmacy technician give you insight into day-to-day lives of a healthcare professional, give you skills that you cannot learn in a classroom that also carry over into your life, and inform you as to whether or not medicine is something you really want to do.

Dermatology is a very competitive specialty and the pathway to becoming a dermatologist is to attend 4 years of medical school, where you learn more advanced science and the basics of being a doctor, and then apply and get accepted to a dermatology residency program, where you learn in a dermatology practice for 3 years. This explanation is by no means comprehensive, but this should give you the idea of a timeline for becoming a dermatologist.

I realize this is a lot so I've made a few short notes as to what I would do if I were in your shoes:

1. Take upper level science courses, do extracurriculars that you are passionate about, and shadow doctors in your area (if you are able)
- OPTIONAL: KEEP A JOURNAL SO YOU CAN WRITE DOWN MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES THAT YOU CAN TALK ABOUT IN COLLEGE ESSAYS!!

2. Complete pre-medical science coursework (biology, chemistry, physics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, psychology, & sociology) & take the MCAT
- WHEN YOU TAKE IT WILL VARY, SOME STUDY DURING THEIR SOPHOMORE YEAR AND TAKE IT THE SUMMER BEFORE THEIR JUNIOR YEAR BUT YOU CAN TAKE IT WHENEVER IT MAKES THE MOST SENSE FOR YOU!

3. Gain clinical experience and/or shadowing experience to inform your decision to answer the question, "Why do you want to pursue medicine?"
- OPTIONAL: KEEP A JOURNAL TO WRITE DOWN MEMORABLE HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCES (MED SCHOOLS WILL ASK YOU TO PROVIDE MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES TO GAUGE "WHY YOU WANT TO DO MEDICINE?")

4. Do things you enjoy in high school and college to gain valuable life experiences and look more appealing to medical schools
- MEDICAL SCHOOLS SEE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF APPLICATIONS, ALL WITH HIGH GPAs AND HIGH MCAT SCORES, BUT DOING THINGS THAT ARE UNIQUE TO YOU (CLUBS, WORK EXPERIENCES, HOBBIES, ETC.) WILL MAKE YOU STAND OUT IN THE POOL OF APPLICANTS AND GIVE YOU A MORE FULFILLING COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

That is a lot of information and I apologize if its overwhelming, but this should give you a baseline as to things you can do to learn more about medicine and set yourself up for success.

Thank you for your question and I wish you the best of luck on your journey!
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Ava
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James Constantine’s Answer

A Very Good Bit Of Assistance Tailored Just For You, Ava!

Pathway to a Career in Dermatology

1. Understanding the Field of Dermatology Dermatology is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. As a dermatologist, you will deal with various conditions ranging from acne and eczema to skin cancers. The field requires a strong foundation in medical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and an understanding of patient care.

2. High School Course Recommendations To prepare for a career in dermatology, it is essential to build a solid academic foundation during high school. Here are some recommended courses:

Biology: A fundamental understanding of biological processes is crucial. Focus on human biology and anatomy.
Chemistry: Both general and organic chemistry are important as they provide insight into drug interactions and biochemical processes.
Physics: Understanding basic principles of physics can help in comprehending medical imaging techniques used in dermatology.
Mathematics: Proficiency in math is necessary for problem-solving and analytical skills; consider taking advanced courses if available.
Health Sciences or Anatomy Courses: If your school offers them, these classes can give you an early insight into medical terminology and body systems.

3. Extracurricular Activities Engaging in extracurricular activities can enhance your application to college and medical school:

Volunteer Work: Look for opportunities at hospitals, clinics, or community health organizations to gain exposure to healthcare settings.
Shadowing Professionals: Try to shadow dermatologists or other healthcare professionals to understand their daily responsibilities.
Science Clubs or Competitions: Participate in science fairs or clubs that focus on biology or health sciences.

4. College Preparation Once you complete high school, you will need to pursue an undergraduate degree:

Choosing a Major: While many pre-med students choose biology or chemistry as their major, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the required pre-med coursework (biology, chemistry, physics).
Maintaining a High GPA: Medical schools are competitive; aim for a GPA above 3.5.
Preparing for the MCAT: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required for admission to medical school. Start preparing early by taking practice exams and reviewing content areas.

5. Medical School Application Process After completing your undergraduate degree:

Applying to Medical Schools: Research schools that have strong programs in dermatology. Prepare your application materials carefully, including personal statements and letters of recommendation.
Interviews: Be prepared for interviews by practicing common questions related to your motivation for pursuing medicine.

6. Residency Training Upon acceptance into medical school:

Medical School Curriculum: The first two years typically involve classroom learning followed by clinical rotations in various specialties during the last two years.
Residency in Dermatology: After graduating from medical school, you will need to complete a residency program specifically in dermatology which usually lasts about four years.

7. Board Certification After completing residency training:

You must pass the American Board of Dermatology examination to become board-certified.

8. Continuous Education Dermatologists must engage in lifelong learning through continuing education courses and staying updated with advancements in the field.

By following these steps diligently throughout high school, college, and beyond, you will be well-prepared for a successful career as a dermatologist.

Probability this answer is correct: 95%

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) - A leading organization representing dermatologists that provides resources on education pathways and professional development within dermatology.

Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - Offers comprehensive information about medical education requirements including pre-medical coursework needed for aspiring physicians.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Provides research-based information regarding health careers including insights into various specialties like dermatology along with educational resources.

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Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your help! Ava
Thank you comment icon We can help you here at Career Village! GOD CAN EVEN DO MORE FOR YOU! James Constantine Frangos
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Kleber’s Answer

What You Need to Know to Pursue Dermatology:

1. Academic Path:

High School: Focus on biology, chemistry, and physics.

Undergraduate Degree: Complete pre-med courses or a related degree (if required in your country).

Medical School: Study medicine (4-6 years, depending on the country).

Residency: Complete 3-4 years of specialized training in dermatology.



2. Essential Knowledge:

Skin Anatomy and Physiology: Understand the structure and function of skin, hair, and nails.

Common Skin Conditions: Acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, and skin cancer.

Dermatological Procedures: Learn biopsies, excisions, chemical peels, laser treatments, and cosmetic procedures (like Botox and fillers).

Dermatopathology: Study skin samples to diagnose diseases.



3. Skills Required:

Strong communication for patient care.

Attention to detail for accurate diagnoses and treatments.

Interest in aesthetics and cosmetic skin treatments.



I hope I helped you
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Ava
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