In Canada the name “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, as well as the improvement of skin appearance and health.
The skin plays a major role in protecting the body from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature. Dermatologists diagnose and treat more than 3,000 different diseases in both children and adults. They combine medical knowledge with surgical expertise to provide comprehensive care for a wide range of concerns, from common issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis to more complex conditions such as skin cancer and autoimmune disorders.
What Does it Take to Become a Dermatologist in Canada?
Step 1 — Post Secondary School
Enroll in university and complete an honours undergraduate program that provides a strong pre-medical education.
Step 2 — Medical School
Complete a three- or four-year Medical School program to earn an MD designation.
Step 3 — After Medical School
Complete a five-year Dermatology residency training program to develop knowledge, skills, and expertise in diagnosing and treating over 3,000 dermatological conditions, as well as to undertake research projects.
Step 4 — Certification
Pass a series of medical examinations to obtain a Specialist Certificate in Dermatology.
Step 5 — Licensure
Apply for a provincial licence to practice as a Dermatologist.
Step 6 — Post Certification
Participate in a mandatory Maintenance of Certification program to ensure ongoing proficiency. This involves additional training over and above the daily practice of medicine.
Step 7 — Fellowship
Option to pursue a fellowship opportunity to further specialize in an area of dermatology interest, such as pediatric dermatology, dermatopathology, or dermatologic surgery.
What Does a Dermatologist Do?
A dermatologist is an expert doctor able to diagnose and treat a range of skin conditions, but their work covers a broad range of health issues:
Dermatologists treat a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and dermatitis, but they also manage more complex skin diseases like autoimmune skin disorders, and infections (bacterial, viral, fungal). In addition, dermatologists treat severe drug reactions and provide care for hospitalized patients, particularly those in oncology, helping them manage medication side effects.
A dermatologist plays a vital role in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer. For patients showing initial symptoms, this includes conducting skin checks to detect suspicious moles or lesions and performing biopsies to diagnose skin cancer early. If cancer is detected, dermatologists develop and implement a treatment plan, which may involve surgical removal, topical therapies, or more advanced procedures like Mohs surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.
Dermatologists are trained in dermatologic surgery to remove skin cancers, moles, warts, cysts, and other skin growths. They may also perform biopsies to diagnose various skin conditions and use lasers to treat birthmarks and scars.
Dermatologists diagnose and treat hair and nail disorders, including hair loss (alopecia), fungal infections, and other abnormalities.
Some dermatologists specialize in treating skin conditions in children, including birthmarks, eczema, and genetic skin disorders.
They also address skin problems caused by allergies, immune system disorders, and other systemic diseases.
Dermatologists perform cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of the skin. These can include treatments for wrinkles, age spots, and scars, as well as procedures like Botox injections, fillers, chemical peels, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion.
Dermatologists provide guidance on skincare routines, sun protection, and the prevention of skin damage and disease. Their guidance is individualized to the patient and their skin-disease.
Many dermatologists participate in research and development activities, including clinical trials and work within research centres, contributing to the advancement of innovations in dermatological care.
Dermatologists are also able to detect other underlying conditions and can refer patients to other specialists when necessary. They take a multidisciplinary approach to care, focusing on both preventative measures and effective skincare routines. Patient education is a key aspect of their practice, ensuring that individuals are well-informed about their skin health and the steps they can take to maintain it.
What are the Specialties in Dermatology?
Dermatologists have been leaders in the field of cosmetic surgery, having gone on to complete specialized fellowships. Many are trained in the use of botox, fillers, and laser surgery. Some dermatologists also perform cosmetic procedures including liposuction, blepharoplasty, and face lifts. Most dermatologists limit their cosmetic practice to minimally invasive procedures.
A dermatopathologist is a pathologist or dermatologist who specializes in the pathology of the skin. A dermatologist or pathologist will complete one year of dermatopathology fellowship. This usually includes six months of general pathology, and six months of dermatopathology.
This field specializes in the treatment of immune-mediated skin diseases such as lupus, bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, and other immune-mediated skin disorders. Specialists in this field often run their own immunopathology labs.
The dermatologic subspecialty called Mohs surgery focuses on the excision of skin cancers using a tissue-sparing technique that allows intraoperative assessment of 100% of the peripheral and deep tumor margins developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs. Physicians trained in this technique must be familiar with both pathology and surgery — dermatologists receive extensive training in both during their residency programs. Physicians who perform Mohs surgery can receive training in this specialized technique during their dermatology residency, but may also complete a fellowship in Mohs surgery.
Dermatologists can qualify for this specialization by completing both a pediatric residency and a dermatology residency, or elect to complete a post-residency fellowship. This field encompasses the complex diseases of the neonates, hereditary skin diseases or genodermatoses, and the many difficulties of working with the pediatric population.
Teledermatology is a form of dermatology where telecommunication technologies are used to exchange medical information via all kinds of media (audio, visual and also data communication, but typically photos of dermatologic conditions) usually made by non-dermatologists for evaluation off-site by dermatologists. This subspecialty deals with options to view skin conditions over a large distance to provide knowledge exchange, to establish second-opinion services for experts or to use this for follow-up of individuals with chronic skin conditions.