Dermatologists

Also called: Clinical Dermatologist, Dermatological Surgeon, Dermatologist, Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist, Dermatologist, Clinical Investigator, Dermatopathologist

Dermatologists

Varies

estimated salary

Dermatologists diagnose and treat diseases relating to the skin, hair, and nails. May perform both medical and dermatological surgery functions.

  • Diagnose and treat pigmented lesions such as common acquired nevi, congenital nevi, dysplastic nevi, Spitz nevi, blue nevi, or melanoma.
  • Conduct complete skin examinations.
  • Counsel patients on topics such as the need for annual dermatologic screenings, sun protection, skin cancer awareness, or skin and lymph node self-examinations.
  • Record patients' health histories.
  • Diagnose and treat skin conditions such as acne, dandruff, athlete's foot, moles, psoriasis, or skin cancer.
  • Perform incisional biopsies to diagnose melanoma.
  • Perform skin surgery to improve appearance, make early diagnoses, or control diseases such as skin cancer.
  • Prescribe hormonal agents or topical treatments such as contraceptives, spironolactone, antiandrogens, oral corticosteroids, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or antibiotics.
  • Recommend diagnostic tests based on patients' histories and physical examination findings.
  • Provide dermatologic consultation to other health professionals.
  • Read current literature, talk with colleagues, and participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in dermatology.
  • Refer patients to other specialists, as needed.
  • Conduct or order diagnostic tests such as chest radiographs (x-rays), microbiologic tests, or endocrinologic tests.
  • Provide therapies such as intralesional steroids, chemical peels, or comodo removal to treat age spots, sun damage, rough skin, discolored skin, or oily skin.
  • Evaluate patients to determine eligibility for cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, laser resurfacing, or microdermabrasion.
  • Instruct interns or residents in diagnosis and treatment of dermatological diseases.
  • Provide liposuction treatment to patients.
  • Provide dermabrasion or laser abrasion to treat atrophic scars, elevated scars, or other skin conditions.
  • Conduct clinical or basic research.
Work Context
  • Frequency of Decision Making — 99% responded "Every day".
  • Contact With Others — 98% responded "Constant contact with others".
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 96% responded "Every day".
  • Telephone — 93% responded "Every day".
  • Physical Proximity — 92% responded "Very close (near touching)".
  • Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — 93% responded "Very high responsibility".
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 86% responded "Very important results".
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Work Activities
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources.
  • Record patient medical histories.
  • Advise medical personnel regarding healthcare issues.
  • Operate on patients to treat conditions.
  • Maintain medical or professional knowledge.
  • Train medical providers.
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Knowledge

Medicine and Dentistry
  • Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Customer and Personal Service
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Skills

Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Service Orientation
  • Actively looking for ways to help people.
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Abilities

Problem Sensitivity
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Inductive Reasoning
  • The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word Hot Technology
Medical software
  • Allscripts PM
  • HealthFusion MediTouch
  • IOS Health Systems Medios EHR
  • Kareo Practice Management
  • McKesson Practice Plus
  • Modernizing Medicine Practice Management
  • NexTech EMR & PM
  • NextGen Healthcare NextGen Practice Management
  • Nuesoft Technologies NueMD
  • simplifyMD
  • Vitera Healthcare Solutions Vitera Intergy
  • Greenway Medical Technologies PrimeSUITE
  • GE Healthcare Centricity Practice Solution
  • GalacTek ECLIPSE
  • athenahealth athenaCollector
  • Automatic Data Processing AdvancedMD EHR
  • Benchmark Systems Benchmark Clinical EHR
  • Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR
  • CareCloud Central
  • Cerner PowerWorks Practice Management
  • doc2MD
  • eClinicalWorks Practice Management
  • Encite Dermatology Electronic Health Records EHR Software
  • Epic Practice Management
  • WRSHealth EMR
Electronic mail software
  • Email software

Education

Get started on your career:

Job Outlook

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
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