Dermatology is a respected and rewarding medical field focused on diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions. Dermatologists help people with everything from acne and eczema to more serious issues like skin cancer. If you’re interested in science, medicine, and skincare, becoming a dermatologist may be the right path for you. However, it requires dedication, years of study, and a strong passion for helping others. Here is how to become a dermatologist.
- Complete High School With Strong Grades
The first step is to finish high school with a strong academic record, especially in subjects like mathematics, physical sciences, and life sciences. These subjects are important for gaining entry into a medical degree at university. It also helps to participate in science fairs, volunteer work, or health-related extracurricular activities to show your commitment and interest in the field.
- Study for a Medical Degree
In South Africa, aspiring dermatologists must first complete a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree. This program typically takes six years and is offered at several universities such as the University of Cape Town, Wits University, and Stellenbosch University.
Admission into these programs is competitive, so excellent grades in matric and strong National Benchmark Test (NBT) results are essential. During your medical degree, you’ll learn the basics of human biology, anatomy, physiology, and clinical medicine.
- Complete an Internship and Community Service
After earning the MBChB degree, you must complete a two-year internship at a government hospital. This gives you practical experience across various medical departments, including surgery, internal medicine, and paediatrics.
Following the internship, you’ll need to do one year of community service. During this year, you’ll work as a junior doctor in a rural or underserved area in South Africa. This experience helps you grow as a healthcare provider and prepare for more specialised training.
- Specialise in Dermatology
To become a dermatologist, you need to apply for a registrar post in dermatology at an accredited university hospital. This is a four-year postgraduate training program where you’ll work under experienced dermatologists, handle real patients, and learn specialised knowledge about skin diseases, treatments, and surgical techniques.
While working as a registrar, you’ll also need to study for and pass the examinations of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) to become a certified dermatologist.
- Register and Practice
After completing your specialisation and passing the exams, you must register as a dermatologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Once registered, you can work in a hospital, join a private practice, open your own clinic, or even teach dermatology at a university.
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