Dermatologist

Diagnose and treat diseases relating to the skin, hair, and nails. May perform both medical and dermatological surgery functions.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Board Certified Dermatologist; Dermatologist MD (Dermatologist Medical Doctor); Dermatologist Physician; Dermatopathologist; Doctor; MD (Medical Doctor); Mohs Micrographic Surgeon; Mohs Surgeon; Pediatric Dermatologist; Practicing Dermatologist

Tasks

• Conduct complete skin examinations.
• Diagnose and treat pigmented lesions such as common acquired nevi, congenital nevi, dysplastic nevi, Spitz nevi, blue nevi, or melanoma.
• Perform incisional biopsies to diagnose melanoma.
• Perform skin surgery to improve appearance, make early diagnoses, or control diseases such as skin cancer.
• Counsel patients on topics such as the need for annual dermatologic screenings, sun protection, skin cancer awareness, or skin and lymph node self-examinations.
• Diagnose and treat skin conditions such as acne, dandruff, athlete's foot, moles, psoriasis, or skin cancer.
• Record patients' health histories.
• Recommend diagnostic tests based on patients' histories and physical examination findings.
• Prescribe hormonal agents or topical treatments such as contraceptives, spironolactone, antiandrogens, oral corticosteroids, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or antibiotics.
• Conduct or order diagnostic tests such as chest radiographs (x-rays), microbiologic tests, or endocrinologic tests.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, and participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in dermatology.
• Provide dermatologic consultation to other health professionals.
• Refer patients to other specialists, as needed.
• Instruct interns or residents in diagnosis and treatment of dermatological diseases.
• Provide therapies such as intralesional steroids, chemical peels, or comodo removal to treat age spots, sun damage, rough skin, discolored skin, or oily skin.

Knowledge

• Medicine and Dentistry
• Customer and Personal Service
• English Language
• Administration and Management
• Education and Training
• Biology
• Personnel and Human Resources
• Psychology
• Computers and Electronics

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Reading Comprehension
• Speaking
• Active Learning
• Science
• Writing
• Monitoring
• Learning Strategies

Abilities

• Oral Expression
• Problem Sensitivity
• Oral Comprehension
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Written Comprehension
• Near Vision
• Written Expression
• Information Ordering
• Speech Clarity
• Speech Recognition
• Category Flexibility
• Flexibility of Closure
• Selective Attention
• Visual Color Discrimination
• Fluency of Ideas
• Originality
• Memorization
• Perceptual Speed
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Finger Dexterity
• Far Vision