Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsConcentrationsTechniquesTrainingFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Concentrations
Techniques
Training
Frequently Asked Questions
This article reviews what type of skin diseases dermatopathologists investigate, as well as techniques and training.
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The main focus of a dermatopathologist is to aid in diagnosing skin diseases. Unlike dermatologists, who work directly with patients to examine and treat skin diseases, dermatopathologists are tasked with examining samples orbiopsiesof a person’s skin underneath a microscope to help determine what is happening on a cellular level.
While their job is different from that of a dermatologist, the two professions are linked. While the dermatologist works with patients, collects samples, and formulates a treatment plan, the dermatopathologist is designed to help with the diagnostic process. The two work together to help serve people with various skin conditions.
Dermatopathologists do not treat skin conditions, though they can identify the microscopic patterns of various skin conditions, such as:
Dermatopathologists and Skin Cancer
How Skin Cancer Is Diagnosed
How Are Dermatopathologists Trained?
Dermatopathologists have the degree of either doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO).
To obtain an MD degree, they have to complete an undergraduate four-year college program and take premedical courses to be able to apply to medical school upon graduation. Passing the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is also a requirement to be accepted into medical school.
Medical school is split up into two categories, which are:
After graduating from medical school, a person is awarded their degree as a doctor of medicine.
New doctors must also obtain a license to practice medicine in their state, as well as complete a residency program of their choosing. A person looking to become a dermatopathologist has two routes they can take during their residency: practice dermatology or practicepathology.
To become a dermatopathologist, you must have certification with either the American Board of Dermatology as a dermatologist or the American Board of Pathology as a pathologist prior to taking a one-year training course specializing in dermatopathology.
After all schooling and training is complete, those looking to become dermatopathologists must complete a final exam.
Summary
While they do not treat diseases, dermatopathologists are vital to the diagnosis process. Because of this, they require the same level of schooling and training as other doctors. That said, they also have to take an extra year of specialized training to be able to work in the highly specialized area of dermatopathology.
A Word From Verywell
A career in dermatopathology requires a lot of dedication and a significant time commitment, but it is an admirable and interesting career path. If you do decide to take this route, you can help dermatologists diagnose various skin diseases. Since many skin diseases, including skin cancer, can be fatal, becoming a dermatopathologist means you could make a positive change in people’s lives.
Learn MoreWhat Is a Dermatologist?
Becoming a doctor of any kind is considered to be one of the most difficult, yet rewarding, career options there is. The journey toward becoming a dermatopathologist is long and can take a minimum of 12 years. However, if you are passionate about skin health and pathology, it’s an excellent career option.
While a dermatopathologist doesn’t work with patients directly, they are real doctors. They are required to go through all the same medical training as any other doctor. They have chosen to practice in a subspecialty of pathology as opposed to a patient-centered field of medicine.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
DermNet NZ.Dermatopathology.
Sheikh UA, Sufficool KE, Buchanan P, Armbrecht ES, Burkemper NM, Vidal CI.Dermatopathologist assessment of “pathologist-to-dermatologist” communication for dermatopathology services.J Cutan Pathol.2020;47(4):328-338. doi:10.1111/cup.13626
DermNet NZ.Dermatopathology: special stains and tests.
American Board of Dermatology.Dermatopathology.
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