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Nia
Student
Red Oak, Texas
1
Question
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How to become a dermatologist
Hi I want to know how to become a dermatologist but I'm 11 so I have a long way to go can you help me I kinda want to become the next dr. pimple popper.
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Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
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California, CA
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Doc’s Answer
Nia 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)
BACHELOR'S DEGREE (4-YEARS)
Most medical schools require the following prerequisite courses: mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, anatomy, and English. To be competitive, medical admissions specialists suggest earning a B or higher in all classes. In addition to receiving good grades, other experiences such as volunteering, leadership roles, research, and shadowing are definitely taken into account by admissions specialists. Having a pre-med or healthcare related degree is not required by the majority of Med schools.
MEDICAL SCHOOL (4-YEARS)
After undergraduate prerequisites are complete, students wanting to become Dermatologists must apply and be accepted to an Allopathic (MD degree) or Osteopathic (DO degree) medical school. Because Medical school admission is highly competitive, high grade point averages and MCAT scores are very important. Most med schools use computer-based algorithms to screen applicants, so it's vital to have good scores in order to even be considered for admission. Medical school curriculum is broken down into two distinct parts. The first two years of med school are spent doing classwork, where the basic sciences of Medicine are learned. The last two years of Medical school are spent in teaching hospitals where students become familiar with clinical skills and procedures. During Medical school, all students must pass two national board examinations. For Allopathy students these are the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 exams. There are similar board examinations for D.O. students, called the COMLEX tests.
DERMATOLOGIST RESIDENCY (3-YEARS)
After Medical school is officially complete, graduates now get a limited license to practice and see patients. However, they must do so under supervision. All future Dermatology residents must complete a one year Internship, also known as transitional or preliminary year. During this time, trained students, who now have a M.D. or D.O. degree work in teaching hospitals, clinics, and emergency departments to see patients and learn skills for a broad understanding of medicine. The USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3 must also be completed during this time.
BACHELOR'S DEGREE (4-YEARS)
Most medical schools require the following prerequisite courses: mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, anatomy, and English. To be competitive, medical admissions specialists suggest earning a B or higher in all classes. In addition to receiving good grades, other experiences such as volunteering, leadership roles, research, and shadowing are definitely taken into account by admissions specialists. Having a pre-med or healthcare related degree is not required by the majority of Med schools.
MEDICAL SCHOOL (4-YEARS)
After undergraduate prerequisites are complete, students wanting to become Dermatologists must apply and be accepted to an Allopathic (MD degree) or Osteopathic (DO degree) medical school. Because Medical school admission is highly competitive, high grade point averages and MCAT scores are very important. Most med schools use computer-based algorithms to screen applicants, so it's vital to have good scores in order to even be considered for admission. Medical school curriculum is broken down into two distinct parts. The first two years of med school are spent doing classwork, where the basic sciences of Medicine are learned. The last two years of Medical school are spent in teaching hospitals where students become familiar with clinical skills and procedures. During Medical school, all students must pass two national board examinations. For Allopathy students these are the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 exams. There are similar board examinations for D.O. students, called the COMLEX tests.
DERMATOLOGIST RESIDENCY (3-YEARS)
After Medical school is officially complete, graduates now get a limited license to practice and see patients. However, they must do so under supervision. All future Dermatology residents must complete a one year Internship, also known as transitional or preliminary year. During this time, trained students, who now have a M.D. or D.O. degree work in teaching hospitals, clinics, and emergency departments to see patients and learn skills for a broad understanding of medicine. The USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3 must also be completed during this time.
Hi Doc Frick
She's just 11, can this be simplified for her?
Mavis Bajah