Dermatologists

Board Certified Dermatologist

Dermatologist MD (Dermatologist Medical Doctor)

Dermatologist Physician

Dermatopathologist

Doctor

MD (Medical Doctor)

Mohs Micrographic Surgeon

Mohs Surgeon

Pediatric Dermatologist

Practicing Dermatologist

What is a Dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a medical professional specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. They play a crucial role in managing conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancers, and infections. Dermatologists are trained to perform a variety of procedures, from cosmetic enhancements like Botox and laser treatments to surgical interventions for removing tumors or cysts. Their expertise extends to the management of complex cases involving systemic diseases that manifest through dermatological symptoms. Additionally, dermatologists often engage in research to explore innovative treatments and advancements in skin health.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Conduct complete skin examinations.
Diagnose and treat pigmented lesions such as common acquired nevi, congenital nevi, dysplastic nevi, Spitz nevi, blue nevi, or melanoma.
Perform incisional biopsies to diagnose melanoma.
Perform skin surgery to improve appearance, make early diagnoses, or control diseases such as skin cancer.
Counsel patients on topics such as the need for annual dermatologic screenings, sun protection, skin cancer awareness, or skin and lymph node self-examinations.

Technology Skills

Medical software
- Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- GE Healthcare Centricity Practice Solution
- Greenway Medical Technologies PrimeSUITE
Video conferencing software
- Cisco Webex
- Zoom
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
- Email software
Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software

Tools Used

Surgical clamps or clips or forceps
Cryosurgery units
Surgical isolation or surgical masks
- Medical masks
- Protective face shields
Surgical punches or punch holders
- Biopsy punches
- Hair transplant punches
Electrosurgical or electrocautery accessories or attachments
- Cauterizers
- Electrode pencils

Knowledge

Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

2 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R85,566pm

How to Know if You Are Ready to Be a Dermatologist in South Africa

Choosing a medical speciality is a significant milestone in any South African medical professional's journey. Dermatology, specifically, is a field that blends clinical medicine, pathology, and surgical precision. Currently, the market remains robust with 2 Active Jobs available. The financial rewards are equally compelling; the average salary is R85,566pm, with a clear upward trajectory in the local market. Data indicates that average monthly earnings for specialists have risen from R75,298 in early 2024 to a projected R94,123 by December 2024, reflecting the high demand for skin health experts in our sun-intensive climate.

Is Dermatology Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to the years of rigorous training required, consider if your personality and cognitive strengths align with the demands of the profession. Ask yourself if you possess the following:

Exceptional Visual Pattern Recognition: Can you distinguish subtle variations in colour, texture, and shape? Dermatology is primarily a visual discipline.
High Emotional Intelligence: Skin conditions often carry significant psychological weight. You must be able to treat patients with empathy and sensitivity regarding their physical appearance.
Meticulous Attention to Detail: Whether you are identifying a microscopic melanoma or performing a delicate biopsy, precision is non-negotiable.
Manual Dexterity: A significant portion of the work involves minor surgical procedures, requiring steady hands and excellent hand-eye coordination.
Inquisitive Mindset: Many dermatological cases are systemic issues manifesting on the skin; you must enjoy "detective work" and complex problem-solving.

A Day in the Life of a South African Dermatologist

In a South African context, your day typically begins early, whether you are in private practice in a hub like Rosebank or Umhlanga, or serving in a public facility like Groote Schuur or Chris Hani Baragwanath. The morning often involves a series of consultations ranging from paediatric eczema and severe acne to complex autoimmune disorders.

Mid-day might be reserved for procedures. You will switch from a diagnostic role to a surgical one, performing excisions of skin cancers or conducting cryotherapy. Given South Africa’s high UV index, a large portion of your workload involves skin cancer screening and prevention. The afternoon might shift towards aesthetic medicine—administering chemical peels or laser treatments—followed by administrative work, reviewing pathology reports, and collaborating with oncologists or rheumatologists. It is a diverse, fast-paced environment that requires you to pivot between roles constantly.

Education & Upskilling

The path to becoming a Dermatologist in South Africa is extensive and requires unwavering dedication. To practice as a specialist, you must follow a regulated educational "Programme":

Formal Degree: You must first complete a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), followed by your two-year internship and one year of community service.
Specialisation: You must then secure a registrar post and complete a four-year residency, culminating in a Master of Medicine (MMed) in Dermatology and the Fellowship of the College of Dermatologists of South Africa (FC Derm(SA)).
Short Courses & Certifications: While your degree provides the foundation, short courses in aesthetic medicine, dermoscopy, and advanced laser therapy are essential to remain competitive in the private sector.

It is crucial to remember that medicine is an evolving field. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is not just a regulatory requirement by the HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa); it is the hallmark of a successful specialist. You must stay abreast of global dermatological breakthroughs and new pharmacological treatments to provide the best care for your patients.

Next Steps

Are you prepared to take on the challenge of protecting South Africa’s skin health? The journey is demanding, but the combination of clinical variety and financial stability makes it one of the most rewarding paths in the medical field. The first step to clarity is self-reflection and objective evaluation. Test your readiness now by taking our comprehensive career assessment to see if you have the aptitude and drive to excel as a Dermatologist.

Skills

Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Abilities

Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Doctoral degree

56 %
Post-doctoral training

31 %
Associate's degree

6 %

Work Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Detailed Work Activities

Examine patients to assess general physical condition.
Treat chronic diseases or disorders.
Diagnose medical conditions.
Operate on patients to treat conditions.
Advise patients on preventive care techniques.

Work Interests

Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.