In 1708, the first great school of dermatology became a reality at the famous Hôpital Saint-Louis in Paris, and the first textbooks (Willan’s, 1798–1808) and atlases (Alibert’s, 1806–1816) appeared in print around the same time.^[10]

United States[edit]

After earning a medical degree (M.D. or D.O.), the length of training in the United States for a general dermatologist to be eligible for board certification by the American Academy of Dermatology, American Board of Dermatology, or American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology is four years.^[11] This training consists of an initial medical, transitional, surgical, or pediatric intern year followed by a three-year dermatology residency.^[2][12][13] Following this training, one- or two-year post-residency fellowships are available in immunodermatology, phototherapy, laser medicine, Mohs micrographic surgery, cosmetic surgery, dermatopathology, or pediatric dermatology. While these dermatology fellowships offer additional subspecialty training, many dermatologist proficiently provide these services without subspecialty fellowship training. For the past several years, dermatology residency positions in the United States have been one of the most competitive to obtain.^[14][15][16]

The United States has been experiencing a national shortage of dermatologists for more than a decade. A study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association reported fewer than 3.4 dermatologists for every 100,000 people.^[17]

United Kingdom[edit]

In the UK, a dermatologist is a medically qualified practitioner who has gone on to specialize in medicine and then subspecialize in dermatology. This involves:

• Medical school for five years to obtain an MBBS, MBBCh, MB, or BChir degree
• Two years of foundation rotations in various specialties
• Two to three years training in general medicine to obtain a higher degree in medicine and become a member of the Royal College of Physicians
• Having obtained the MRCP examination, applying to become a Specialty Registrar (StR) in Dermatology and training for four years in dermatology
• Passing the Specialty in dermatology before the end of training

Upon successful completion of the four-year training period, the doctor becomes an accredited dermatologist and is able to apply for a consultant hospital post as a consultant dermatologist.