Career as Dermatologist

Dermatologists make an excellent remuneration between Rs 1.5 lakh - 3 lakh per annum in the beginning which can go up to Rs 5 lakh per annum with gain in experience. A fresh postgraduate of MD Dermatology courses in a central government hospital can earn around Rs 60,000 to 75,000 per month. A senior position such as Professor or Department Head or Director fetches around Rs 1.5 lakh per month.

In the private sector, the pay package entirely depends on the doctor’s proficiency as well as the number of man-hours spent on the practice, and is generally over Rs 35,000-  40,000 per month.

Apart from that, degree holders can start their own clinic and can practice privately. In the US, the salary of a dermatologist is around 300,000 USD a year.

Pros

• Less emergency situations in the hospitals for dermatologists.

• Flexible hours, lucrative, rewarding profession among doctoRs

• Treating a variety of broader medical conditions affecting skin and hair.
  
  

Cons

• It takes years of schooling, dedication and determination to become a dermatologist.

• One of the most demanding professions as a doctor.

• The associated cost of the course may be high.

Dermatology requires intensive education and training for many years and is considered to be among one of the highly competitive medical fields. The eligibility criteria for becoming a dermatologist in India comprises MBBS degree (5.5 years) followed by MD (Dermatology) course (3 years). Candidates interested in becoming a dermatologist have to follow below steps:

• Students in +2 with PCB as major subjects have to appear in Medical entrance examination i.e. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate or NEET in India to study undergraduate medical courses in government or private medical colleges in India. 

• Post completion of the MBBS degree course, the aspiring candidates have to get admission in MD (Dermatology) which is must work as a dermatologist. For this, MBBS doctors need to appear for Post graduate medical entrance tests conducted by NEET as well as various states and colleges. Some institutes, however, provide admissions on the basis of marks obtained in the MBBS course and work experience of the candidates.

• The Dermatologists, after completing the MD (Dermatology) course and getting the requisite registration from Medical Council of India, can get opportunities in reputed government and private hospitals in India. They can open their private practice also.

Students can opt for various courses that are available in Dermatology. Below is the list of some of these courses:

• Diploma in Dermatology – 2 years

• Certificate Courses in Dermatology – 6 to 12 months

• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Dermatology – 3 years

• Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy –2 years

• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology – 2 years

• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in Dermatology & Venereology – 3 years

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Dermatology & Venereology – 3 years
  
  

Apart from generic Dermatology courses, there are many Dermatology specialisations available for the candidates. One can select following specialisations in dermatology as per their choice and  liking of the subject:

• Dermatopathology

• Dermatoimmunology

• Mohs surgery

• Tele dermatology

• Pediatric dermatology

• Cosmetic dermatology

Demand for Dermatologists is on the rise at present times due to the impact of bad environmental levels on people and so the course fees for Dermatology are at par with other medical courses. You can check the average course fees below for the courses in Dermatology:

Some of the books that are recommended for Dermatology are:

• Cunningham’s Manual of Practical Anatomy by G. L. Romanes 

• Clinical Anatomy for Medical Students by R. S. Snell

• Thomson and Thompson Genetics in Medicine by Robert L. Nussbaum, Roderick R.  Mc. Innes Huntington, E. Willard

• Dermatology for Skin of Color by A. Paul Kelly, Susan C. Taylor

There are other job profiles for Dermatologists which have been mentioned below:

• Dermatology Professor

• Skin Specialist

• Medical Representative

• Clinical Application specialist

• Therapy Manager – IVF Artificial Reproduction

• Dermatology Consultant

• Sales Coordinator

• Product Manager