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What should I major in if my career choice is a Dermatologist? What are some Med Schools that I should attend if my career choice was a Dermatologist?

What should I major in if my career choice is a Dermatologist? What are some Med Schools that I should attend if my career choice was a Dermatologist?

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Karin’s Answer

Hi Lorissa,

To become a dermatologist, you need to go to med school. You can major in anything for undergrad, but something in the bio or chemistry field would make the most sense. Psychology is also a good choice. Follow your interests.

Check the requirements for med schools you would consider. They are similar but not identical for different schools. There are some courses that are pre-requisites for admission. If they are not part of your undergrad program, you need to take them in addition to your program.

You also need to start some extracurricular activities if you are not doing them already. For med school admission you'll need experience in the medical field. You can start volunteering or interning while in high-school and continue in college. If your college has a pre-med program they can assist you with placement.

I have added some admission information from Harvard med school as an example. Check out this and similar information from other schools. You can also contact their admission office if you have specific questions. They are there to help.

Good luck in your studies. You got this!

KP

Karin recommends the following next steps:

https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/admissions-selection-factors
https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/admissions-prerequisite-courses
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Lorissa !

I am happy to say that I may be able to provide some information that you can look further into for your journey to become a Dermatologist.

In undergraduate school for your Bachelors Degree, choose one of the human sciences like Biology, Anatomy or Chemistry to Major in. Take these subjects in high school, too, if you haven't already.

You should explore all medical schools based on if you want to stay in Florida or if you are willing to relocate to go to Medical School. If relocating for Medical School is an option for you, I do have one that I could suggest - the New York University - NYU Grossman School of Medicine. They offer a residency in Dermatology. Part of the school has the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at which you can be trained, do research and work on patients.

At NYU, there is also a residency in and fellowship training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery through their Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Residency Training Program, so they offer a lot. When seeking out medical schools to apply to, try to see the ones that offer the most and in a large city. This will provide you with credible experience and the opportunity to work with a very diverse group of patients.

New York University is certainly not the only Medical School with an outstanding reputation for academic excellence, research opportunities, and clinical education. There are others you can look into as well. Some of these are Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Yale School of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School and Baylor College of Medicine.

If you rather stay in-state for Medical School, there are some Medical Schools in your state of Florida. Here is the link for a list of medical schools in Florida: https://bold.org/blog/best-medical-schools-in-florida/

I hope this helps out and I wish you all the best !

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

MEDICAL SCHOOLS IN FLORIDA https://bold.org/blog/best-medical-schools-in-florida/
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Lorissa!

What Should I Major In?

To become a dermatologist, you should pursue a major that provides a strong foundation in the sciences. Common undergraduate majors for aspiring dermatologists include:

Biology: This major covers essential topics such as human anatomy, physiology, and cellular biology, which are crucial for understanding skin diseases and treatments.
Chemistry: A solid understanding of chemistry is vital since dermatology involves pharmacology and the chemical properties of various treatments.
Biochemistry: This combines biology and chemistry, focusing on the chemical processes within living organisms, which is particularly relevant to understanding skin health and disease.
Health Sciences or Pre-Med Programs: These programs often include coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics while also preparing students for medical school applications.

Regardless of your major, it is important to complete the prerequisite courses required for medical school admission, typically including biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

What Medical Schools Should I Attend?

After completing your undergraduate degree with the necessary prerequisites, you will need to apply to medical schools. Here are some highly regarded medical schools known for their programs in dermatology:

Harvard Medical School (HMS): Located in Boston, Massachusetts, HMS is renowned for its research opportunities and clinical training in dermatology.
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine: Based in Baltimore, Maryland, this institution has a strong emphasis on research and offers excellent training in dermatological sciences.
Stanford University School of Medicine: Stanford’s program is known for its innovative approach to medicine and strong focus on research in dermatology.
University of California—San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine: UCSF has a top-ranked dermatology residency program that emphasizes both clinical practice and research.
Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine: This school offers comprehensive training in dermatology with access to cutting-edge research facilities.

In addition to these schools, consider factors such as location, faculty expertise in dermatology, residency match rates for dermatology positions after graduation, and available resources for research.

The path to becoming a dermatologist involves completing an undergraduate degree (typically 4 years), attending medical school (another 4 years), followed by a residency in dermatology (usually 3 years). After completing your residency training, you may also choose to pursue fellowship training if you wish to specialize further.

The overall process requires dedication and commitment but can lead to a rewarding career as a dermatologist.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used

American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): A leading organization representing dermatologists that provides extensive resources about education pathways and career options within dermatology.
U.S. News & World Report - Best Medical Schools Rankings: Offers rankings and detailed information about various medical schools across the United States based on multiple criteria including specialty programs like dermatology.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): Provides comprehensive data about medical education requirements including necessary undergraduate coursework for aspiring medical students.

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Dr’s Answer

Hey Lorissa! 🌟

So, you want to be a dermatologist, huh? Well, let me just say—skin is in! You’re looking at a career where you’ll be diagnosing and treating all things skin-related (and trust me, there’s a LOT going on under there). It’s an amazing choice if you’re into science, helping people, and keeping things spotless (pun intended!). Let’s dive into what you need to do to make this dream a reality:

Step 1: What Should You Major In?

To get into dermatology, you’ll first need to graduate from college (duh, right? 😉). Most dermatologists start with a Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, such as:

1. Biology – This is probably the most common major for pre-med students because it covers a lot of the essential courses like anatomy, physiology, and genetics.


2. Chemistry – Some go with chemistry since it’s all about how chemicals interact, and dermatology deals a lot with substances that affect the skin.


3. Health Sciences – This one’s a more general approach to health, but it’s still a solid pre-med foundation.


4. Biomedical Science – A perfect match for anyone interested in the biological aspects of health and medicine.



Make sure to take courses like organic chemistry, biology, physics, and math because they’ll help you build the foundation for your medical studies.

Pro Tip: Keep your GPA high! Med schools are competitive and they want to see that you’ve got the brains to handle the rigorous coursework.


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Step 2: What Medical Schools Should You Attend?

So, after you complete your undergrad, you’ll need to attend medical school to become a dermatologist. Here's the thing: Dermatology is one of the most competitive specialties in medicine, so you’ll want to go to a top-tier med school to set yourself up for success.

Some of the best medical schools for dermatology are:

1. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Baltimore, MD) – They have an excellent dermatology program and are known for groundbreaking research in skin diseases.


2. Harvard Medical School (Boston, MA) – Harvard's med school is highly prestigious, and they have an awesome dermatology department that’s big on research.


3. Stanford University School of Medicine (Stanford, CA) – Known for its innovative medical research and top-rated dermatology program.


4. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine – UCSF is known for its excellent clinical and research programs.


5. Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine (Rochester, MN) – A major name in the world of medicine, and their dermatology department is outstanding.



Pro Tip: Look into research and clinical exposure during your med school years. Dermatology requires a solid understanding of skin diseases, cosmetic procedures, and surgical techniques.


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Step 3: Dermatology Residency

After you complete med school, it’s time for your residency. This is where you specialize in dermatology. It typically lasts 3-4 years, where you’ll get hands-on experience treating patients with various skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer. During this time, you’ll learn everything you need to know about dermatology.

Pro Tip: Residency can be competitive, so make sure to network, get experience in dermatology during med school, and perhaps even participate in research on skin diseases.


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Step 4: Additional Training & Certifications

Once your residency is over, you can pursue fellowships if you want to specialize even further, for example, in cosmetic dermatology or pediatric dermatology.

Pro Tip: Dermatologists can earn a lot in the field, especially with a specialization in cosmetic treatments like botox or laser surgery. The money is in those fancy facials and wrinkle-reducing treatments! 💵💉


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Skills & Advice:

Scientific Curiosity: You’ll need to be fascinated by biology, skin science, and treatments. Dermatologists are often at the cutting edge of cosmetic and therapeutic medicine.

Communication: You’ll be dealing with patients who may feel self-conscious about their skin, so empathy and communication are key!

Attention to Detail: Your job involves looking closely at skin, noticing tiny details to diagnose conditions that might be easy to miss.

Surgical Skills: Many dermatologists perform minor surgeries to remove moles or treat skin cancers, so getting comfortable with a scalpel is essential.



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Bonus: Fun Dermatology Facts

Did you know your skin is the largest organ in your body? It’s also pretty good at repairing itself. But hey, it needs a little help sometimes (that’s where you come in!).

Dermatologists get to treat things like rashes, eczema, and even celebrity acne (we all know even famous faces get pimples!).

The demand for cosmetic dermatology is growing, meaning people are always looking for ways to look young or glow up. You could become the go-to person for flawless skin. ✨



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Keep Going, Lorissa!

You've got this! Becoming a dermatologist is a journey, but with hard work, a sprinkle of humor, and a passion for helping people, you'll be looking at your future patients with a smile (and maybe a magnifying glass for that perfect skin analysis). Keep pushing forward and remember, you’ll be the one people come to when they need to "face" the world with confidence!

If you need more advice, I’m always here for you. Go get that flawless career! 💪
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hello Lorissa,

It’s amazing that you’re considering becoming a dermatologist! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you decide what to major in and which med schools to consider:

1. What to Major in for Dermatology
There’s no specific “dermatology” major, but you’ll need to complete pre-med requirements to get into medical school. Choose a major that interests you and aligns with pre-med coursework. Some popular options include:
- Biology: Covers many pre-med topics like anatomy and physiology.
- Chemistry or Biochemistry: Builds a strong foundation for the medical school curriculum.
- Psychology: Helpful for understanding patient behavior and mental health.
- Health Sciences: Offers a broad view of medicine and healthcare.
- Any Major You’re Passionate About: You can major in non-science fields (like English or Art) as long as you complete the required pre-med courses (biology, chemistry, physics, and math).

2. Preparing for Medical School
- Take Pre-Med Courses: Regardless of your major, ensure you complete the core pre-med classes.
- Gain Clinical Experience: Shadow a dermatologist, volunteer in a clinic, or work in healthcare-related jobs.
- Take the MCAT: This standardized test is required for med school applications.

3. Medical Schools to Consider
When applying to med school, focus on institutions with strong dermatology departments or research opportunities in dermatology. Some top med schools include:
- Harvard Medical School (Boston, MA): Known for cutting-edge research and a highly competitive dermatology residency program.
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Baltimore, MD): Offers extensive dermatology research opportunities.
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (Philadelphia, PA): Home to one of the best dermatology departments in the U.S.
- Stanford University School of Medicine (Stanford, CA): Renowned for research and innovation in dermatology.
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF): A leader in dermatology training and research.
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine (Rochester, MN): Offers excellent clinical training in dermatology.
- University of Michigan Medical School (Ann Arbor, MI): Highly ranked for dermatology training programs.

4. Dermatology Residency
After med school, you’ll need to complete a 4-year dermatology residency. Programs like those at Mayo Clinic, UCSF, and NYU Langone are some of the best.

5. Tips for Standing Out
- Research Opportunities: Get involved in research projects, especially those related to dermatology.
- High Grades: Keep your GPA strong, especially in science courses.
- Volunteer Work: Show your passion for helping others by volunteering in healthcare settings.
- Strong MCAT Score: Aim for a competitive score (510+).
- Build Connections: Network with dermatologists and join pre-med or dermatology interest groups.

Dermatology is a highly competitive field, but with your focus and determination, you can absolutely achieve your goal! Start by excelling in undergrad and building a strong foundation for med school. You’ve got this!

Best wishes!
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Michael’s Answer

Hi Lorissa:

Here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Dermatology:

- Harvard University
- Harvard Medical School
- University of Pennsylvania
- Northwestern University
- University of Miami
- Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (New York)
- University of California (San Francisco)
- John Hopkins University
- Yale University
- University of California (San Diego)
- Stanford University

While in college, here are some undergraduate degrees to major in order to become a Dermatologist:

- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry

It will be best to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor as well as teachers to help you focus your interests for a specific major in college. Once you are in college, you will be assigned an academic advisor to help guide your educational pathway to become a Dermatologist. Also, professors and fellow dermatology students will be great resources for information, guidance, etc.

While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare to be a Dermatologist. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.

Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Dermatologist, communication is essential and critical when dealing with clinical staff and patients. A college course in Public Speaking, Communication and English will help with one's communication and writing skills.

To become a Dermatologist, a Bachelor Degree in Biology, Chemistry, pre-med or another science related field has to be earned at a college or university. Afterwards, a Doctorate Degree from an accredited medical school has to be obtained. The next phase will be training through a medical residency as well as medical certification and licensing.

For education and training, it will take up to 12 years to become a Dermatologist. The Bachelor Degree will be between 4-5 years. Medical school (Allopathic (MD Degree)) or Osteopathic (DO Degree) will be another 4-5 years. Medical residency, medical certification and licensing can take up to 3-4 years. Dermatology Certification is obtained via governing entities such as the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology or the American Board of Dermatology.

When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:

- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral

There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.

There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.

College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.

You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and gain the entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.

Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:

https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/

https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships

Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.

There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.

Best wishes for your education and career path as a Dermatologist!
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