Essay Sample: A Career in Dermatology

📌Category: Business, Career, Health, Medicine
📌Words: 806
📌Pages: 3
📌Published: 20 February 2022

The medical field is broad, full of specialties and subspecialties. It ranges from family practitioners specializing in overall health to physicians concentrating on specific health issues. As part of its history, dermatology had its beginnings in the early 1800s when a physician named Robert Willan published On Cutaneous Diseases, one of the first textbooks of skin diseases and a landmark in modern medicine. As a career, dermatology can be simultaneously challenging and fulfilling.

Although Dermatology is a specialized practice, it covers a wide range of issues. In terms of responsibilities, only a fraction of dermatologists’ duties solely involves the skin. According to the Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance, the responsibilities of a dermatologist are to “study, diagnose and treat ailments of the largest and most visible organ of the body, the skin, and its related tissues and structures: hair, mucous membranes, and nails” (Morkes 667). Because dermatology covers various disorders and bodily structures, many subspecialties such as cosmetic and pediatric dermatology have emerged. Subspecialties offer more specific responsibilities to individual dermatologists, which may improve their efficiency and overall contentedness. 

Additionally, the occupational outlook of dermatology is positive. Dermatology is an increasingly in-demand profession. In direct correspondence to the increase in public resources regarding physical health, the “demand for dermatologists has increased as people have become aware of the effects of radiation exposure from the sun and of air pollutants on the skin” (Dermatologists  NP). As people become more informed about the impacts of the environment on their skin, illnesses and questions that can only be diagnosed by medical professionals arise. As a result, the demand for dermatologists increases accordingly. Additionally, employment is growing at a steady rate within the field of dermatology. Per the  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions are projected to grow at a rate of 12% from 2020-2030 (Physicians). A growth rate above 8%  is considered faster than the average US job growth rate. The higher the growth rate, the easier it is to get employed in that particular job. A 12% growth rate can be an incentive for those interested in the field.

The educational process to become a dermatologist is lengthy and competitive. Like many other medical specialties, school is required beyond an undergraduate education. In order to become a dermatologist, one would “need a bachelor’s degree as well as a degree from a medical school, which takes an additional four years to complete. (Physicians and Surgeons). In addition, “they also need 3 to 9 years in internship and residency programs” (Physicians and Surgeons). The total amount of education required for a dermatology degree is a minimum of 11 years; however, it could be higher depending on whether one participates in internships or residential programs. In addition to that, the competitive nature of the educational process can lead to burnout. Something to take into consideration is that “medical schools are highly competitive. Applicants usually must submit transcripts, scores from the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and letters of recommendation. Medical schools also consider an applicant’s personality, leadership qualities, and participation in extracurricular activities” (Physicians and Surgeons). While under high levels of stress, such as when applying for medical school, academic burnout can occur. Academic burnout can be described as a feeling of lack of motivation and exhaustion in response to prolonged and intensive workloads. Although burnout is not detrimental to the medical school application process, it can be an obstacle for those who struggle with substantial amounts of work.  

In addition, dermatology may be sought after for its work environment. The workplace conditions are often private. On average, dermatologists are solo practitioners. They work in well-light, air-conditioned offices, and they are usually assisted by clerical and nursing staff (Dermatologists). Factors such as location and whether one chooses to work as a solo practitioner or in a hospital-based setting may affect these conditions. Furthermore, dermatologists tend to work scheduled, regular hours. Only slightly higher than the average American, “Dermatologists work 40-50 hours a week” (Morkes 670). Due to the setting of the job and services provided, “Working hours are usually regular since dermatologists see patients by appointment in their offices. They schedule surgeries and follow-up visits both at their offices and at hospitals” (Morkes 670). 

Even in a hospital-based work setting, emergency dermatologist visits may be rarely needed; therefore, dermatologists seldom need to be on call. This can be either a deterrent or motivation depending on one's desired work environment. 

Physician annual earnings are relatively high. Dermatologist salaries vary significantly depending on the amount of experience they have. As stated by the Physicians Compensation Survey, first-year graduates’ salaries “ranged from “$120,000 to $200,000” (Morkes 670). As dermatologists gain experience, their salaries grow as well: “Dermatologists who had been practicing for more than three years earned an average of 232,000 and ranged to 407,000” (Morkes 670). These salaries are the national average. Depending on the state one is hired in and how many years they have been in practice, the salary may be higher or lower.

All in all, dermatology can be a satisfactory career, but one may find certain aspects to be demanding. The overall conditions of the career may be an optimal choice for those who enjoy a challenge, high pay grade, and look to work long but regular hours.

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