The dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in the care of the skin and related tissues. The path to becoming a dermatologist lasts at least 11 years, since it is first necessary to obtain a degree in Medicine and Surgery to acquire a general education in the field. Becoming a dermatologist requires great commitment, motivation and a strong interest in everything related to the skin!
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Preparing for Medical School
Step 1. Start your studies by focusing on science subjects
The scientific high school is the best choice for those who want to undertake a path in the medical sector. Subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Latin will prove to be particularly helpful during your path, and will allow you to face the admission exam to the Faculty of Medicine more easily. The more you know, the better your chances will be.
Step 2. Make a commitment to getting good grades in high school
Over the next 15 years, you will be tackling a challenging curriculum, so it's best to start working on it right away. If you get used to studying and being comfortable with books, you will be better able to cope with stress when you start medical courses.
Having good grades will also allow you to choose better universities and will give you more opportunities to do internships and to obtain a scholarship. Without good grades, your journey will certainly be more complicated
Step 3. Prepare to take the medical school admission test
Sign up as soon as you get the chance, so if it goes wrong you'll have the chance to try it again the following year. Different institutions have different minimum scores, so consider if your skills and knowledge are sufficient to be admitted to the university you would like to enter.
It is advisable to take the admission test at a young age, before it is too late. Make sure you study, study and study again. Only then will you have more opportunities to be admitted
Step 4. Earn your degree
Most medical schools take particular account of the candidate's good grades and background in the natural sciences. Try to do your best and, if possible, attend a science or research lab. The more experiences you have, the better it will be for you. Moreover, in this way you can immediately understand if it is the right path for you!
If you have already graduated but haven't studied science, don't be discouraged. Those who realize that they have such a vocation late can attend post-secondary school lessons to improve their knowledge and, later, try to take the admission test. It is feasible
Part 2 of 4: Attending the medical school
Step 1. Attend all the courses of the faculty
Over a period of at least six years you will face particularly demanding exams, such as Anatomy, Pharmacology and Biochemistry. You will have a better chance of success if you manage to get your medical degree brilliantly. The planned activities include theoretical lessons, practical activities and internship / internship.
Step 2. Keep your head on the books
The medical school is not for the faint of heart. If you can't stand up to a fast pace, a high study load and a poor social life, this path may not be for you. And rightly so, since people's lives will be in your hands. Do you think you can handle the pressure?
You have to make an absolute commitment to getting good grades. Doing things roughly won't help you if you want this to become your profession. Unlike in high school, you can't go out for a drink every weekend and guess on multiple-choice tests and hope it's okay. Instead, these are topics to be taken really seriously
Step 3. Take advantage of your summers
For medical students, the period between June and August is not for drinking beer or watching sports on TV. You have to stay active constantly. Use this time to take extra classes or find a job in the field. The more experience you have, the less effort you will have to do in the future.
Find a course to take abroad or find out if there is a basic medical program in a Third World country to participate in as a volunteer. Find something that is related to what you want to do for the rest of your life. Become part of a commission, organize events. Do something that sets you apart from others
Step 4. Choose your specialization
After spending six years in medical school, you can decide to stop or get a specialization. To be able to practice as a dermatologist, you must necessarily specialize in Dermatology (another five years of study).
Step 5. Take the state exam
To enroll in a specialization you must first take the state exam for the qualification to practice, which closes the cycle of the Faculty of Medicine. This is a particularly complicated exam but it will allow you to enroll in the Order of Doctors, and without which it will not be possible to practice the profession.
Part 3 of 4: Getting the Training
Step 1. Choose the graduate school in Dermatology and Venereology
Throughout Italy there are numerous institutes that offer the opportunity to undertake a course of study in Dermatology (which also includes Venereology, the branch linked to sexually transmitted diseases). Apply at the universities you consider best and sign up for the admission call (many specialization courses have a limited number).
Step 2. Prepare for an internship
The school of specialization in Dermatology and Venereology normally provides for 200 hours divided between courses, seminars and internship activities in affiliated universities and hospitals. Show everyone that you have been busy over the past few years, and that you have what it takes to excel in the industry.
Step 3. The internship is your chance to get noticed by already professional doctors and your teachers
You will be able to learn a lot from your mentors and you will be able to find your niche. You will be supervised, sure, but still a doctor.
Step 4. Get a scholarship
Some postgraduates, even if they are almost in the pipeline, decide to try to obtain a scholarship through a particular choice of specialization thesis or through parallel activities. Such a commitment is considered as a further gesture of devotion to the profession one has chosen to do.
Step 5. Prepare to take the final exam
The final exam of the graduate school will give you the opportunity to legally start practicing the profession. Once you pass the test you will be a dermatologist in all respects, congratulations!
For more information go to the website of the National Federation of Medical Orders. There you will find details regarding exam dates and procedures you need to know to become a medical professional
Step 6. Attend courses and seminars constantly to stay updated on the latest procedures and industry news
It will be very useful, to you and your patients.
Part 4 of 4: Starting Your Career
Step 1. Find someone to hire you
Now that you are a professional dermatologist, there are a number of work environments that you can consider. The range of possibilities varies according to the specialization. Where do you see yourself inserted and with what kind of people?
You could work in a private clinic, or in hospitals, spas, research laboratories. Don't forget that you can also teach
Step 2. Learn to handle any situation, even a serious one
In addition to being success oriented, you will also need to be able to treat the body in all its glory. You will see a lot of not particularly pleasant things to see, especially after lunch.
Your life will be characterized by seeing patients with rashes, skin conditions, moles, blood, pus and other unsightly things. If you think you don't have enough hair on your stomach, this career choice may not be feasible. You will soon realize if this is the case
Step 3. Master the subject
The human body is very complicated, and skin problems are just symptoms. You need to know how the whole body works: you may have patients with rashes due to problems in their digestive system. In this case the problem will be the responsibility of other doctors, and you must be able to recognize it exactly.
You also need to have a clear idea of the questions to ask. Each person's skin is different and, depending on their genes, lifestyle and habits of each, reacts differently. Given the large amount of skin problems, you will need to be able to pinpoint the possible causes and start narrowing down from there. So learn to ask the right questions
Step 4. Enjoy your success
Dermatologists certainly don't go hungry. If you are good, you will be able to earn considerable sums and increase your reputation.
- The demand for dermatologists seems to be on the rise. As more and more people are sensitive to skin problems, the growth trend can only improve.
- Being a dermatologist is not only rewarding, it is also rewarding. You will help many people feel better about themselves and healthier. It is a particularly pleasant feeling.
