Advocate. Protect. Support.

Our strategic priorities and our commitment to you

In the coming years, we will continue to identify tactical measures to advocate, protect and support the interests of Certified Dermatologists and the specialty of dermatology. We invite you to bookmark this webpage, and visit often, as we will continue to provide updates on our progress and access to resources to help support our members.

2023 Advocacy Highlights

  • Outreach to provincial/regional dermatology societies as a first step towards collaboration on our shared priorities.
  • Relationship-building with federal and provincial stakeholders to elevate the issues concerning the specialty.
  • Actively engaging with provincial Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons on cases of misrepresentation.
  • Continued monitoring and preparation of reimbursement recommendations to government regulatory bodies.
  • Offer support to stakeholders raising awareness on health system inequities for dermatologic patients in underserved areas.

Dermatologist Resources

Report a misrepresentation

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Social Media Toolkit

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Provide your feedback to the CDA

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Patient Resources

CDA Recognized
Sunscreen Product List

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CDA Recognized
Skin Health Product List

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Skin Conditions

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Hair Conditions

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Nail Conditions

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What is a Certified Dermatologist?

All dermatologists must be certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

In Canada the title “Dermatologist” is reserved for medical specialists who have earned a medical degree and have completed an intensive five-year program of advanced medical and surgical training in the prevention, recognition and treatment of diseases of the skin, hair, and nails.

4 YEARS OF MEDICAL SCHOOL

Enroll in university and complete an honours undergraduate program that provides a strong pre-medical education. Pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and apply to medical school. Medical School consists of another four years of study, after which the designation of MD is awarded.

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5 YEAR SPECIALTY TRAINING

Once accepted into one of the nine accredited Canadian universities that offer a dermatology residency program, all dermatology residents receive five years of advanced medical and surgical training.

Accredited Universities Dermatology Residency Programs
+ Two years of foundational clinical training.
+ Three years of approved residency training in Dermatology which must include a minimum of 1.5 years in an academic health sciences centre, and up to one year in research related to Dermatology.

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MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS

After successful completion of 3-day dermatology specific medical examination, a Specialist Certificate in Dermatology is awarded, earning the designation of FRCPC.

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LIFELONG MAINTENANCE OF CERTIFICATION

To maintain their medical license, all certified dermatologists are required to complete a mandatory Maintenance of Certification Program established by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada consisting of an annual minimum of 40 credits and 5-year cycle minimum of 400 credits of Continuing Professional Development. This additional training is over and above the daily practice of medicine.

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