Dermatology: An Excellent Career in Waiting!

Dermatology encompasses diagnosis, investigation, treatment and prevention of various skin problems. A professional dermatologist holds postgraduate qualifications and expertise in curing different ailments, including skin cancers. Apart from this, a dermatologist is also proficient in rectifying disorders related with mucous membrane, hair and also nails.

The treatment done by these professionals includes procedures like laser surgery, liposuction, excisions, sclerotherapy, hair transplants and tissue augmentation therapies. A dermatologist also performs photodynamic and radiotherapy and treatment of photoaging (caused due to damage done to the skin from prolonged exposure to UV rays) skin. All these new therapies have brought a sea change in not only dermatological therapies but also dermatology as a career.

How To Become a Dermatologist?

Every dermatologist takes up a routine degree in medicine and trained as doctors. After this, he or she is required to undertake six or more years of formal education to gain their Doctor Of Medicine In Dermatology. This might be followed by full-time practice in hospitals, where students work as a junior doctor. It is only after this, that a doctor gains specialization as a dermatologist.

In addition to this, one can apply for post-graduate diploma in Dermatology, which is a two-year PG diploma course. Candidates possessing an MBBS degree from a recognized institute, registered permanently with Medical Council of India (MCI) or any other State Medical Councils are eligible for this course.

A lot of students also go for further research to study scientific dermatology.

Key Jobs of a Dermatologist

Dermatologists are experts in treating the following:

• Acne
• Eczema
• Psoriasis (skin condition causing skin redness and irritation)
• Skin infections
• Hair and nail disorders
• Occupational dermatitis (inflammation of the skin causing pain and itching)
• Cosmetic problems
• Broken blood vessels
• Autoimmune diseases
• Contact dermatitis (skin reaction due to allergents)

Apart from gaining expertise in treating the above, a success for dermatologists lies in upholding his professional standards. This is possible only when they develop new skills through consistent research in the field.

With shortage of qualified dermatologist, rising skin ailments, and lack of awareness among people about skin, professionals in this field are in high demand.

Colleges Offering Dermatology:

• Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute
• MS Ramaiah Medical College
• University College of Medical Sciences
• B. J. Medical College
• Institute Of Medical Sciences - Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• Armed Forces Medical College - Pune, Maharashtra
• Smt. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College - Ahmedabad, Gujarat
• Guahati Medical College And Hospital - Guwahati, Assam
• Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College - Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Dr. N.T.R University of Health Sciences - Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

 

- Compiled by Prachi Srivastava (Shiksha.com)