How long does it take to become a dermatologist?

Residency training program in North America:


A minimum of 12 years of college and post graduate training is required to become a dermatologist in the United States and Canada. This includes graduation from a 4-year college, a 4-year medical school followed by a year of post graduate training in medicine, surgery or pediatrics (called an internship) after which a physician may apply for admission to graduate dermatology residency training. Dermatology residencies are among the most competitive in terms of admission criteria. Following the successful completion of formal residency training in dermatology (3 years) the physician is qualified to take certifying board examinations (written and oral) by the American Board of Dermatology or the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Once board certified, dermatologists become Diplomates of the American Board of Dermatology or the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology AOCD. They are then eligible to apply for fellowship status in the American Academy of Dermatology. Some dermatologists undertake advanced subspecialty training in programs known as fellowships after completion of their residency training. These fellowships are either one or two years in duration. Fellowships in dermatology include pediatric dermatology, surgical dermatology including MOHS micrographic surgery, dermatopathology (pathology of skin diseases) and dermatological immunology.








Training program in Australia:


An Australian specialist dermatologist will have completed 6 years of medical school, one internship year and at least one year of general medical or surgical service in the public hospital system, prior to becoming eligible for specialist training in dermatology. The selection process is rigorous and transparent; candidates must pass science and pharmacology exams and engage in monitored and assessed practical training in medical and surgical dermatology. At the completion of the 5 year training programme, trainees sit a national written examination held over two days. Successful candidates may then proceed to the practical viva examination (held over 2 days) after which they may apply for fellowship status with the Australasian College of Dermatologists.





Training program in India:


To be a dermatologist in India, a minimum of 3 years of training is required after graduation from medical school and internship. The period involves rigorous training in all aspects of general dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, venereal diseases (including HIV) and leprosy. At the end of the training period the resident has to go through written tests and clinical exams. The degree awarded is MD (dermatology, venereology and leprosy). Most specialists also go for certification by the national board (for the award of 'diplomate of national board').How long does it take to become a dermatologist?
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