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Dermatopathologists are licensed medical doctors who work
in hospital laboratories, studying samples of human skin tissue to identify and
diagnose diseases. They utilize microscopes, cell counters, and other
sophisticated pieces of equipment to analyze physical and chemical
abnormalities. A person who wants to become a dermatopathologist usually needs
to complete four years of medical school and five years of residency and
fellowship training to gain the skills necessary to perform the job. In
addition, he or she must pass a series of examinations to earn a license and
start working independently.An individual who believes he or she wants to become
a dermatopathologist can pursue a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year
college or university. Most prospective dermatopathologists choose to major in
premedical studies, biology, or health science. A student usually takes several
advanced courses in human anatomy and physiology to become familiar with medical
terminology. Laboratory classes in chemistry and biology provide the basics of
scientific research, and statistics classes teach the fundamentals of study
design and analysis. Near the end of a bachelor's degree program, a student can
begin applying to medical schools and take the requisite entrance examinations.
Guidance counselors can help an individual identify and apply to programs. Once
a student is accepted into a medical school, academic advisers and mentoring
professors can help him or her decide which courses will be most beneficial in
the quest to become a dermatopathologist. A new student typically spends the
first two years of medical school in classrooms and laboratories, receiving
detailed instruction from knowledgeable professors. The remaining two years are
spent conducting actual research with students and professors. By composing a
dissertation based on an original research project, an individual can earn his
or her degree and begin applying to residency programs at hospitals. A
three-year residency in dermatology or pathology is generally necessary to
become a dermatopathologist. During a residency program, a new doctor has the
opportunity to practice dermatological medicine and engage in laboratory
research under the supervision of experienced professionals. A successful
resident can then participate in a two-year fellowship dedicated specifically to
dermatopathology. A fellow spends most of his or her time in the laboratory,
preparing biopsy tissue slides, writing diagnostic reports and scientific
papers, and assisting established doctors in their work. Following a fellowship
program, a doctor can take licensing tests administered by national or
international governing boards to officially become a dermatopathologist. Most
European and Asian countries honor certification from the International Board of
Dermatopathology, while doctors in the United States must pass exams given by
both the American Board of Pathology and the American Board of Dermatology. Once
an individual earns a license, he or she is eligible to obtain a permanent
position at a hospital, specialty clinic, or private
laboratory. |
