What is a dermatologist?

In plain English

Dermatology is its own residency. The specialty spans medical dermatology, surgical work including excisions and Mohs surgery, dermatopathology, and cosmetic procedures - an unusually wide commercial range for one specialty.

It is small, competitive and high in procedure volume, most of it done in the office rather than a hospital. Private-equity-backed groups have consolidated a substantial share of independent practice, so ownership and employer on a dermatology record often say more than the location.

Advanced practice providers deliver a large share of dermatology visits in the United States, so a dermatology audience built only from physician records will miss much of the clinical population.

Training and credentials

Medical school, a year of general clinical training and three years of dermatology residency, then board certification; Mohs surgery and dermatopathology are further fellowships.

Where they practise

Office-based single-specialty practice, consolidated dermatology groups, hospital and academic departments, cosmetic clinics.