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How different is medical school for dermatologists than for physicians?

I am in the 10th grade and I wanted to know the difference in experiences of residency and medical school for aspiring dermatologists than for physicians that would work in a hospital.

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Karin’s Answer

Hi Ebony,

All medical doctors go through medical school for 4 years (that comes after earning an undergrad degree). After passing exams they do further hands-on training in a specialty. Depending on the specialty they choose, residency can be between 3 and 7 years.

An aspiring dermatologist would do a residency in dermatology which is 4 years. I assume by physician you mean a regular primary care doctor? They might do a residency in family medicine.

I have attached a link with more information on residencies. I hope this helps! Good luck!

KP

Karin recommends the following next steps:

https://medschoolinsiders.com/medical-student/how-long-is-residency-by-specialty/
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Ebony,

As per the information available on www.iAsk.ai Ask Ai Questions Search Engine, let's explore the differences between the medical schooling for dermatologists and physicians who work in hospitals.

Medical School Curriculum:

Both dermatologists and physicians, irrespective of their chosen specialty, go through a similar foundational medical education during their time in medical school. This encompasses basic sciences, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology.

However, dermatology residents get an extra layer of specialized training in dermatopathology, which is the microscopic diagnosis of skin diseases, and dermatologic surgery techniques.

Residency Training:

Upon finishing medical school, both dermatologists and physicians intending to work in hospitals must complete residency training. Dermatology residency programs usually span three years and are solely focused on dermatology-related topics. Meanwhile, physicians specializing in other areas may have residencies of varying lengths based on their chosen field. For instance, a general surgeon's residency typically extends to five years, while a pediatrician's residency is generally three years.

Clinical Experience:

During their residency training, dermatologists acquire significant experience in diagnosing and treating a variety of skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, and more. They also get trained in cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections and laser treatments. On the other hand, physicians working in hospitals gain a more diverse clinical exposure across various medical specialties. They rotate through departments like internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, etc., to develop a comprehensive understanding of different patient populations and conditions.

Board Certification:

After completing their residency training, dermatologists are required to pass the board certification exam conducted by the American Board of Dermatology to become board-certified dermatologists. Physicians working in hospitals can seek board certification in their respective specialties through organizations like the American Board of Internal Medicine or the American Board of Surgery.

Practice Settings:

Dermatologists usually work in outpatient settings such as private practices or dermatology clinics where they attend to patients with skin-related issues. They might also work in academic institutions or research settings. Physicians working in hospitals have the opportunity to practice in various settings including emergency departments, intensive care units, surgical suites, and general medical wards. They might also work as hospitalists, providing care for hospitalized patients.

To sum up, although both dermatologists and physicians working in hospitals undergo intensive medical training, their educational paths, clinical experiences, and practice settings have unique differences that cater to their specific areas of expertise.

The top three authoritative sources used for this information are:

1. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) - A leading professional organization for dermatologists that provides information on education and training requirements for aspiring dermatologists.
2. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - The AAMC provides insights into medical education pathways for physicians pursuing different specialties.
3. American Board of Dermatology (ABD) - The ABD is responsible for certifying dermatologists and sets the standards for board certification in dermatology.

GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Ebony
Thank you comment icon This was the exact information I was looking for! Ebony
Thank you comment icon Good Ebony, Ask and you will receive! James C. James Constantine Frangos
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Karissa’s Answer

All doctors spend 4 years in medical school regardless of what specialty they choose. Every doctor is called a physician.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it. Haylee
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Abiola’s Answer

The medical is the same across all specialties. Once you graduate from medical school the training (residency) is determined by the type of doctor that you wish to become
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