• Dermatologists are physicians who specialize in skin ailments. They also treat diseases and disorders of the hair and nails. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a dermatologist, you will initially follow the path taken by all doctors: you will obtain a degree from a four-year college, attend four years of medical school and complete a residency. Steps taken early in your life can help to prepare you for the demanding work of a dermatologist.

• If you are considering a career in medicine, you should begin preparations in high school. Take advanced placement courses and maintain a high GPA. Effort made now can go a long way toward furthering your education in medicine.

1. Take advanced courses in science and mathematics, including:
   1. Chemistry
   2. Biology
   3. Physics
   4. Calculus
2. Advanced placement courses will help you with your college admissions.
3. Begin thinking about the college or colleges you are interested in early in your high school career.
4. Find out the admissions requirements for each college and strive to fulfill them.
5. Get high scores on your SAT. In addition to helping you get accepted into the college of your choice, you could also qualify for scholarships.Peterson's: Prepping for Med School in High School
6. Consider volunteering at a hospital or in a dermatologist's office to learn about the field of medicine overall, and about dermatology specifically.

• Physicians are required to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college. While most students choose to major in math or science, it is not a requirement. If you do choose to major in liberal arts or humanities, you will have to take courses outside your major.

1. Many aspiring doctors major in biology.
2. Recommended courses include:
   1. Organic chemistry
   2. Physics
   3. Calculus
3. A high GPA can make a big difference in helping you get into medical school.
   1. Some medical schools require a minimum GPA of 3.0
   2. Other schools require a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higherStudentDoc: Medical School Requirements
4. Begin thinking about where you would like to attend medical school. Dermatology is an extremely popular specialty.The New York Times: For Top Medical Students, an Attractive Field (March 19, 2008)

• The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) should be taken while you pursue your undergraduate degree. MCAT scores, along with GPA averages, are the primary determiners of whether you'll be accepted into medical school. The MCAT is comprised of four sections:

1. Physical sciences
2. Verbal reasoning
3. Biological sciences
4. A writing sample

• The Medical College Admissions Test's official website contains valuable tips and instructions for those preparing to take the MCAT, including an MCAT online practice test. You can take the test more than once if necessary, but keep in mind some schools will only look at the most recent exam score.The Princeton Review: Strategies for Second-Time Applicants Consider a school's policies before taking the MCAT multiple times.

• Once you have obtained a four-year degree from an accredited school and taken the MCAT, you should apply to medical school. Most medical schools use the American Medical College Application Service's online medical service to screen first-round applicants. Deadlines for submitting your applications vary among medical schools, so be safe and submit yours early.

Once you have filled out and submitted the application:

1. You will be contacted if any of your chosen schools are interested. A second application will then be requested.
2. On the second application, you will likely be asked to write a detailed essay.
3. You will also be asked to submit any letters of recommendation you may have.
4. There will likely be a fee to submit a second application.The Princeton Review: Medical School Applications If you are unable to afford the application fee, the Association of American Medical Colleges offers a fee assistance program (FAP) for qualified applicants.
5. Upon acceptance of your second application, an on-campus interview is usually scheduled at the medical school. A final decision on your application is typically made after this interview.

1. University of California San Francisco School of Medicine
2. University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
3. Stanford University School of Medicine
4. New York University School of Medicine
5. University of Michigan Medical School
6. Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons
7. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
8. Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University
9. Emory University School of Medicine
10. Case Western Reserve University School of MedicineResident Physician: Official Ranking of U.S. Dermatology Departments

• Once you have been accepted to medical school, you can expect to spend four very intense years studying all aspects of medicine. The first two years are typically spent in the classroom, attending numerous lectures and labs. The science-based curriculum will likely include classes in:

1. Clinical human anatomy and gross anatomy
2. Biochemistry
3. Physiology
4. Histology
5. Microbiology
6. PathologyMedSchoolReady.com: A Taste of Medical School - What You Do

• During year two of medical school, you will take the first part of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). This exam helps to gauge how well a student can apply basic sciences to the practice of medicine. The second part of the USMLE is typically taken during a medical school student's senior year; the third part of the exam is taken during the first year of residency.UW Medicine: United States Medical Licensing Examination...

• Before you can become a board-certified dermatologist, the American Board of Dermatology requires that you complete a three- or four-year residency training program.The American Board of Dermatology: Requirements for Elegibility... Residency training typically involves both inpatient and outpatient clinical rounds. During a residency, dermatology students will receive training in:

1. Phototherapy
2. Dermatopathology
3. Mohs and cutaneous surgeryStanford School of Medicine: Residency Education - Dermatology

• Residents may also receive training in various subspecialties, including:

1. Pediatric dermatology
2. Laser and cosmetic surgery
3. Cutaneous lymphoma
4. Pigmented lesion and melanomaStanford School of Medicine: Subspecialties

• Once the residency is completed, candidates must take a three-part exam administered by the American Board of Dermatology. A candidate who passes the exam is then considered a board-certified dermatologist.