What is a Dermatologist?
Dermatologist Facts
A dermatologist is a physician certified by the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) to treat conditions and diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. A dermatologist is a qualified specialist who, through additional training, has obtained postgraduate qualifications in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of skin disease and skin cancers. Dermatologists are initially trained as doctors, undertaking six or more years of university study to gain their medical degrees. A dermatologist must complete at least three years of dermatology training after graduating from medical school and completing a medical internship. This focused study, research, and training makes a dermatologist the most qualified medical professional for treating and managing your skin conditions.
Dermatologists treat patients of all ages, from babies and children to adolescents and adults. Although diseases of the skin are numerous and varied, dermatologists spend much of their time treating diseases caused by exposure to the sun. These include skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Other potential skin problems that are typical dermatologist treatments are for acne, eczema, skin infections, psoriasis, occupational dermatitis, hair and nail disorders, surveillance of moles, and cosmetic problems of the skin.
Some facts regarding certified dermatologists include:
• A dermatologist must have graduated from an accredited medical or osteopathic school.
• A dermatologist must have completed a first-year residency program of broad-based clinical training in one of the following areas: internal medicine, general surgery, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, or emergency medicine.
• A dermatologist must have completed a 3-year accredited dermatology residency program. At least 75% of the resident’s time must be directly related to outpatient or inpatient dermatology patient care during each of the 3 years. Training must be completed within 5 years.
• Dermatologists are experts in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of skin cancers and skin diseases.
• Dermatologists specialize in the management of skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin infections, hair and nail disorders, and occupational dermatitis.
• Dermatologists provide advice concerning skin health and they treat cosmetic problems of the skin.
The dermatology residency program includes the study of basic sciences: allergy, anatomy, bacteriology, biochemistry, embryology, entomology, genetics, histology, immunology, molecular biology, mycology, oncology, parasitology, pathology, pharmacology, photobiology, physiology, serology, virology. Dermatologic microbiology, dermatopathology, and immunodermatology are also emphasized. A dermatologist will learn analysis and interpretation of biologic and histologic specimens, and in culturing microbes such as fungi, bacteria, viruses.
Training for dermatology must also be obtained in skin allergy, immunology, and in the relevant aspects of environmental and industrial medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, pediatrics, preventive medicine, radiology, and surgery.
Knowledge and competence for a dermatologist is acquired in performing dermatologic surgery, laser surgery, cryosurgery, procedures in allergy and immunology, clinical pathology, parasitology, dermatopathology, topical and systemic pharmacotherapy, and microbiology. Dermatologic surgical training must include: anesthesia, electro surgery, cryosurgery, laser surgery, nail surgery, biopsy, and excisional surgery.
Experience in outpatient service as well as inpatient, daycare, and extended care facilities is essential for opportunities to treat serious diseases daily, perform follow-up care, and to provide consultation for patients whose skin diseases are secondary to other types of conditions.
Understanding of the many diagnostic procedures and therapeutic techniques is required, including: chemical peel, dermabrasion, hair transplantation, laser resurfacing, liposuction, sclerotherapy, and tissue augmentation. Understanding of the disease implications and therapeutic applications of electron beam, x-ray, and laser energy is required. Only board-certified dermatologists have the medical training and experience needed to properly diagnose the disease and determine the most appropriate treatments for each patient.
Dermatologist Overview
Dermatology is the study of investigation, diagnosing, treatment, and prevention of skin problems of all kinds. Dermatologist as a profession is a specialty focusing on diverse disorders and diseases of the skin, mucous membrane, hair, nails, and a number of diseases. Treatment ranges from performing a wide variety of dermatologic and cosmetic surgical procedures, dermatohistopathology, topical, and systemic medications immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and photodynamic therapy, care for normal skin, prevention of skin diseases and cancers, and treatment of photo aging skin
Dermatologists, have expertise in the care of normal skin as well as in the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of skin conditions, including skin cancers. Dermatologists also diagnose and treat people with disorders affecting the hair and nails and they are knowledgeable in the management of cosmetic disorders of the skin.
The American Academy of is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of over 16,000, it represents almost all practicing dermatologists in the United States. The Academy is committed to excellence in patient care, medical and public education, research, professionalism, and member service and support.
Dr. Maxine Tabas, a Board Certified dermatologist, works in a state-of-the-art facility that uses updated medical technology and procedures to effectively treat a cosmetic skin disorders and skin cancers requiring Mohs surgery. Dr. Tabas has been performing Mohs micrographic surgery for nearly 20 years. She completed a prestigious Fellowship in Mohs Surgery & Dermatologic Surgery at Barnes Hospital, St. Louis and has an excellent reputation amongst her colleagues. Dr. Tabas was on faculty of Washington University Medical School and Head of Dermatology Surgery and Mohs Micrographic Surgery at Stanford University Medical Center.
For cosmetic procedures, she utilizes a comprehensive, yet minimally invasive approach to enhance your appearance. Her methods of aesthetic rejuvenation are perfect if you are seeking a way to look younger but don’t want to spend valuable time recovering from an invasive surgical procedure. Dr.Tabas uses a combination of cosmetic fillers including Juvederm, and Sculptra Aesthetics as well as BOTOX® Cosmetic injections or laser treatments to produce amazing results in your appearance. Dr. Tabas will address your goals with a customized plan to meet your individual needs so please contact Winter Park Dermatology today.
