Dermatology Specialty Profile

Dermatology

Dr Alana Tuxen - Dermatology Registrar, Melbourne

A far broader field than many realise, dermatology deals with a range of diseases involving the skin, nails, hair and visible mucous membranes. A broad spectrum of pathology is encountered across patients of all ages, including both primary diseases of the skin and external manifestations of systemic disorders (e.g endocrine/ rheumatological). Dermatologists employ a vast array of treatment modalities for their patients, from topical and oral medications to intricate surgical procedures, lasers, light and ionizing radiation. Dermatology is a very “visual” specialty, whereby outcomes of treatment are obvious to both patient and physician, and are a source of great satisfaction.

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Dermatology Training Program

Training Program

Dermatology training and assessment is conducted by the Australasian College of Dermatologists. A comprehensive discussion of the training program is available in the Training Program Handbook on the college website.... more

Application process

A minimum of two postgraduate years of “acceptable” training is required prior to application (applicants often have considerably more experience). Acceptable training generally involves terms in general medicine (adult and paediatric) and general surgery, medical and surgical subspecialties and psychiatry.... more

Length of Training

A minimum of four years full-time (or equivalent) training is required.... more

Cost of Training

Application fee $990.00 (including GST) Annual Trainee Levy $1,334.00 (plus GST) Clinical Sciences Examination and Clinical Pharmacology Examination $1,967.00 (GST free) Clinical Pharmacology Examination $1,620.00 (GST free) Fellowship Examination - written and clinical $2,894.00 (GST free) Fellowship Examination - clinical... more

Availability/Competition for training positions

Entry to the program is highly competitive and generally many more applications are received than positions available. In 2006, there were 70 applicants for 20 positions Australia-wide.... more

Flexibility in Training

Shared and part-time training at a minimum 50% workload for a maximum of two years (excluding first year trainees) is available subject to approval by the college. 12 months leave or deferment of the commencement of training may also be... more

Dermatology Case Study

Dr. Tim Rutherford

Dr. Tim Rutherford

Name: Dr. Tim Rutherford

Career stage: Consultant

Location: Perth, Western Australia

Medical Specialty: Dermatology

What are some of the things you enjoy most about being in your area/specialty?

I have recently completed my speciality training in dermatology and am currently undertaking a fellowship year in advanced cutaneous surgery, Mohs and laser surgery. I enjoy the variety of my work. A typical week would include consulting, performing a range of minor procedures, laser surgery and Mohs surgery as well as writing research papers, attending meetings and teaching other doctors/students. ...

What are some of the challenges of being in your specialty?

Maintaining the profile and high standards of dermatologists as experts in diseases of the skin, which requires considerable ongoing medical education given the plethora of rare skin diseases we come across in clinical practice. Also triaging and managing the high patient load given the Australia-wide shortage of dermatologists....

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Dermatology Workplace

The workplace

Dermatology is a consultative specialty which is primarily outpatient-based. Along with patient consultations, dermatologists often perform a number of procedures in this setting such as biopsies, cryotherapy and removal of skin lesions. Clinics may also be equipped to deliver laser... more

The doctor-patient relationship

Dermatology involves a high level of patient contact, and in many cases there is long term ongoing care for patients with chronic skin conditions. Patients of all ages are encountered, from a baby with nappy rash to a young woman... more

Intellectual content

Dermatology is based upon a sound theoretical knowledge of skin and subcutaneous tissue anatomy, cutaneous microanatomy and biology, clinical pharmacology, basic immunology, basic radiation physics and radiobiology, and basic laser physics. The common association between skin disease and other disorders... more

Medical indemnity

Medico-legal issues are not generally felt to have a significant impact on dermatology practice. Poor outcomes related to missed skin lesions or cosmetic dermatology may be associated with a higher litigation risk. Use our risk category tool to see what... more

Lifestyle and Practice Options

Dermatologists generally work in an outpatient setting during regular business hours and are handsomely remunerated. There are few dermatological emergencies and minimal on-call requirements. Dermatology is predominantly practiced in private consulting rooms, although a significant number of specialists also work... more

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