A dermatologist is a health professional who has graduated in medicine and specialized in skin care. The studies to become a dermatologist last on average 8 years, including undergraduate medical training and residency in dermatology. Although it requires extensive education, dermatology is one of the most lucrative fields for medical students, which increasingly attracts young professionals.

Women in the Dermatology Market

Historically, women have always been the majority among dermatologists, and the current numbers continue to show this. They represent 74.4% of professionals in the field, and the number is growing, especially among the younger generation. It is interesting to note that the job market for dermatologists, even though it is accustomed to a female presence, has been expanding and creating new opportunities for these physicians.

Greater Interest of Women in the Field

No one knows exactly why so many women choose to specialize in dermatology. It is widely speculated that, due to a lack of interest from male doctors in skin care, the field ended up being more accessible to women, but it is also possible that female professionals generally have a much greater interest in skin care.

The job market for dermatologists in Brazil today is not bad. In many regions, there is a great need for this type of professional in public hospitals, as well as new markets and opportunities opening up in recent years, such as aesthetics, where many female dermatologists are building their careers. In addition, academia always needs new members, especially for research related to skin cancer.

What is the Profile of a Dermatologist?

A physician who chooses to specialize in dermatology usually prefers to work in clinics rather than hospitals. The number of dermatologists who have this preference is 96.4%, a number much higher than the average of other specialties, which is around 36%.

This may be one of the reasons for a woman to choose to specialize in dermatology, but personal interest in skin care is also a major factor. Dermatologists, in general, are very attentive professionals who closely follow their patients’ treatments.

Professional Characteristics

Another common feature among dermatologists is a fondness for aesthetics and beauty. These are two aspects that rely greatly on health and, above all, knowledge in dermatology to ensure that cosmetic treatments have the desired effect.

What Does a Dermatologist Do?

As mentioned above, all types of skin care fall under the responsibility of a dermatologist, from blemishes and freckles to scalp conditions and more serious diseases such as skin cancer and leprosy (Hansen’s disease), for example. In addition to these, dermatologists also prevent and treat certain diseases involving the mouth, hair, nails, hair, and even genital organs, as long as they are related to the skin.

Specializations within Dermatology

Although dermatology is already a specialization for physicians, there are further specialties within this field, which provide even more career opportunities. Some of these include:

  • Cosmiatry
  • Leprology
  • Dermatologic Surgery

These specialties can provide dermatologists with a new perspective on their careers, especially in terms of workplace options, as their field of work expands.

Cosmiatry

Cosmiatry is the area of dermatology that deals with cosmetic changes to the skin. The cosmiatry specialist helps prevent and treat skin diseases with an eye on beauty and aesthetics.

This professional will analyze skin changes in their patients and prescribe the correct products for each skin type. The importance of cosmiatry is increasingly recognized by patients, who understand that beauty and health always go hand in hand.

As the aesthetics market has been growing considerably in Brazil, many professionals who specialize in cosmiatry are finding a receptive market with many opportunities.

This growth is due to the social changes we have seen in recent years: in the past, only women sought professionals for aesthetic concerns, but today the number of men seeking this type of treatment is multiplying every year.

Leprology

This is the branch of dermatology that studies leprosy (Hansen’s disease), one of the most serious skin diseases in humans. The specialist in this disease knows all its causes, possible complications, and different types of treatment in depth.

A specialist in leprology can work both in hospitals and private clinics or in health organizations dedicated to public health, promoting campaigns for prevention and treatment of the disease.

Dermatologic Surgery

The specialist in dermatologic surgery can work in both health and cosmetic fields. Often in dermatology, the two areas merge and are inseparable.

Those who master dermatologic surgical techniques are qualified to remove moles and lesions, perform filler surgery, nail surgery, laser procedures, and even hair transplants. With a specific area of practice, but one that includes different types of surgery, it is common for professionals to also deepen their knowledge in physiology, to provide their patients with comprehensive care.

How to Become a Dermatologist?

The first step for those wishing to become a dermatologist is to enroll in a medical school. The first six years will train a general practitioner, capable of diagnosing diseases and seeing patients, referring them to specialists.

After obtaining a degree and registering with the CRM (Regional Council of Medicine), the doctor must complete a residency in dermatology or a specialization course in dermatology.

Both the specialization course and the residency have an average duration of 2 to 3 years. Upon completion, the doctor will also need a certificate issued by the CNRM (National Medical Residency Commission).

Main Medical Schools in Brazil

  • University of São Paulo – São Paulo (SP)
  • Faculty of Medical Sciences of Santa Casa São Paulo – São Paulo (SP)
  • Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul – Porto Alegre (RS)
  • University of Brasília – Brasília (DF)
  • State University of Londrina – Londrina (PR)
  • Federal University of São Paulo – São Paulo (SP)
  • State University of Maringá – Maringá (PR)
  • State University of Campinas – Campinas (SP)
  • Catholic University of Pelotas – Pelotas (RS)
  • PUC RS – Porto Alegre (RS)

Main Dermatology Postgraduate Institutions in Brazil

Almost all of the schools listed above offer postgraduate programs that prepare students to become dermatologists. In addition to Brazilian institutions, a student may also specialize in dermatology abroad, thereby broadening their knowledge. Some of the main ones are:

  • Cardiff University – Cardiff – Wales
  • University College Dublin – Dublin – Ireland
  • Utrecht University – Utrecht – Netherlands
  • Central South University – Changsha – China
  • University of Nottingham – Nottingham – England
  • Texas State University – San Marcos – United States

Of course, there are many other opportunities elsewhere in the world, but these are certainly institutions recognized for excellence in their specific areas.

How Much Does a Dermatologist Earn?

Dermatologists’ salaries are among the highest in the field of medicine. The reason for this may be the possibility for dermatologists to work in various ways within health care, being able to supplement their income and achieve a high average salary. The average salary for clinical dermatologists is R$ 9,384.00.

This is a high average compared to other professions in Brazil. For those entering the field, salaries are around R$ 3,350.00, which is excellent for beginners. Resident physicians earn a salary of R$ 2,975.00.

However, it is important to know that sources of income vary from one dermatologist to another. Some work shifts and are paid extra for that, some work only in clinics, and others do both. Therefore, a dermatologist’s earnings can be even higher than reported in surveys.

Specializing in dermatology is a good choice for women who want to be able to work in different areas of medicine. With opportunities in clinics, on-call shifts, surgeries, and even in the aesthetics field, dermatology is certainly attractive for those seeking job market security, while at the same time having the freedom to change environments and explore new paths within the profession.

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Photo: Agencia Brasilia