Overview of the Specialty
Dermatology is a diverse specialty encompassing disorders and diseases of the skin, mucous membrane, hair and nails and a number of sexually transmitted diseases. Dermatologists deal with a wide variety of diseases including acne, warts, multiple inflammatory dermatoses, skin cancers, autoimmune diseases, occupational dermatoses and contact dermatitis. The treatment ranges from performing a wide variety of surgical procedures (e.g., excisions, sclerotherapy, laser surgery, liposuction, hair transplants and tissue augmentation therapies) to the care of normal skin, prevention of skin diseases and cancers and treatment of photoaging skin.
Training Requirements
Training consists of a minimum of four years of postgraduate education. Entry into a three-year dermatology residency program must be preceded by a broad-based clinical year of training in an ACGME-accredited program or similar program accredited in Canada. A four-year training program must provide a broad-based clinical experience during the first year and three years of dermatology education in the second through fourth years of the training program. There were 117 dermatology residency training programs accredited by the ACGME for 2014/15 that offered 407 categorical/advanced positions.
At a Glance
Training
- 1 transitional/preliminary year
- 3 years of residency
- Categorical and advanced positions available
These are minimum requirements. Some programs may have longer residencies.
Fellowships
| Subspecialty | Length |
|---|---|
| Dermatopathology | 1 year |
| Pediatric Dermatology | 1 year |
| Procedural Dermatology | 1 year |
Lifestyle
| Median, Academic Salary | $315,000 |
| Median, Clinical Salary | $450,000 |
Source: Association of American Medical Colleges
Matching Program Information and Match Statistics
Dermatology residency training programs participate in the NRMP. Match results through the NRMP and competitiveness information for dermatology residency training programs are summarized in the US Match Statistics table below. Most U.S. seniors applying for dermatology training programs also chose to apply to training programs in another specialty (or specialties).
US Match Statistics |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
| Competitiveness* | High | Interm | Interm | Interm |
| # Categorical/ Advanced positions available for U.S. Seniors | 407 | 400 | 369 | 363 |
| % U.S. Seniors matched* | 76% | 91% | 93% | 92% |
| # Unfilled Categorical/ Advanced Positions | 4 | 6 | 6 | 11 |
| # Unmatched U.S. seniors | 20 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
Source: NRMP Match results for U.S. seniors applying in a single specialty. *Competitiveness is based upon the percentage of U.S. Seniors who ranked each specialty as their only choice.
WUSM Match Statistics
For a list of WUSM match statistics for the past several years, please visit Search for WUSM Statistics. (password protected)
Subspecialty/Fellowship Training
Subspecialty/fellowship training upon completion of a dermatology residency training program is available in dermatopathology; this special qualification certification can be obtained after being certified in dermatology or pathology or both and completing a year of training in dermatopathology. This certification is given jointly by the American Board of Dermatology and the American Board of Pathology. Subspecialty training is also available in clinical and laboratory dermatological immunology (CLDI) after a year of postcertification (in dermatology training in CLDI). Detailed information about the scope of these subspecialty training programs, number of positions offered, and length of training is available at the FREIDA website.
Visit AMA website »
Visit FREIDA website »
Career Information
FREIDA physician workforce information for each specialty includes statistical information on the number of positions/programs for residency training, resident work hours, resident work environment and compensation, employment status upon completion of program and work environment for those entering practice in each specialty.
Washington University Resources
- Washington University Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME): Information about graduate medical education at Washington University
- Division of Dermatology
- Dermatology Elective Recommendations
- Database of WUSM alumni searchable by Specialty, Year, and/or State (password protected)
Faculty Contacts
| Milan Anadkat, MD | 362-9859 |
| Carrie Coughlin, MD | 454-6190 |
| Laurin Council, MD | 996-8822 |
| Susan Bayliss, MD | 454-2714 |
| Amy Musiek, MD | 362-8187 |
| David Sheinbein, MD | 996-8010 |
| Ilana Rosman, MD | 362-5757 |