What is a Dermatologist?


A dermatologist is a physician certified by the American Board of Dermatology (ABD). Each dermatologists has completed the following education and training:

  1. Graduated from an accredited medical or osteopathic school in the United States. If graduated from a foreign medical school, the standard foreign graduate certificate must have been obtained.
  2. Completed a first-year residency program of broad-based clinical training in one of the following areas: internal medicine, general surgery, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, or emergency medicine.
  3. Completed a 3-year accredited dermatology residency program. At least 75% of the resident’s time must be directly related to outpatient or inpatient dermatology patient care during each of the 3 years.

A dermatologist is trained to evaluate and manage pediatric and adult patients with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, hair, nails and adjacent mucous membranes. A dermatologist has had additional training and experience in the following:

  1. The diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, melanomas, moles, and other tumors of the skin.
  2. The management of contact dermatitis and other inflammatory skin disorders.
  3. The recognition of the skin manifestations of systemic and infectious diseases.
  4. Dermatopathology.
  5. Surgical techniques used in dermatology.

Dermatologists also manage cosmetic disorders of the skin, including hair loss, scars, and the skin changes associated with aging.

Skin Condition’s Treated by a Dermatologist

In-depth information about skin, hair and nail conditions.