Jarische Frances S. Lao-Ang
What is a dermatologist?
A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in managing skin, hair and nail conditions.
Dermatologists undergo several years of training to be able to help people. They take care of both adults and children. They manage not only eczemas and skin infections, but also cosmetic concerns.
What training does a dermatologist undergo?
- 4 years of medical school
- 1 year of medical internship
- 3 years of residency training
- Fellowship (for subspecialty training)
What is a board-certified dermatologist?
After accomplishing the residency training, dermatologists take the diplomate board exam under the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS). Once they pass the exam, they are board-certified dermatologists and are considered diplomate of PDS. They can now practice and hold clinics.
A person will be able to know if a practitioner is a board-certified dermatologist of PDS by looking at the attached DPDS or FPDS after their name. Aside from checking the names, one may verify by checking at the PDS website.
Subspecialty under dermatology
- Dermatopathology
A dermatopathologist has one more year of training in pathology in which he or she is trained to identify biopsied skin samples under a microscope and make differential diagnosis of the skin concern involving the biopsied area.
- Immunodermatology
An immunodermatogist is an expert in diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders characterized by defective responses of the body’s immune system. The most common immunologic skin condition are bullous diseases. They are also experts in evaluating immunofluoresnce readings for the correct diagnosis and treatment.
- Photodermatology
A photodermatologist has further training in UV-induced skin conditions and phototherapy (the use of UV light in managing skin conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis).
- Dermatologic surgery
A dermatologic surgeon has expertise in doing surgical medical and cosmetic procedures.
Mohs surgery is a further subspecialty in dermatologic surgery where the expert performs surgery to manage skin cancer. It is a method wherein thin layers of skin are removed sequentially after examining in the microscope until the area is cancer-free. It aims to lessen the removal of normal healthy skin.
- Laser
A laser specialist is an expert in using energy-based devices for managing skin conditions. They evaluate people and determine the recommended laser and wavelength to manage the particular skin concern.
- Pediatric dermatology
A pediatric dermatologist is an expert in managing infants and children. Some conditions are encountered more in children such as a unique birthmark, vascular anomalies or neurocutaneous disease among others.
- Contact dermatitis and Environmental dermatology
An environmental dermatologist specializes in the external triggers for skin irritation and allergy. They are experts in occupational and recreational related skin conditions and are also trained in performing clinic-based patch testing.
- Leprosy
A leprosy subspecialty is an expert in handling and managing this mycobacterial infection.
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI) dermatology
STI experts are keen in diagnosing and managing sexually-transmitted condition. They handle cases such as syphilis, herpes, and HIV.
Why choose a board-certified dermatologist?
A board-certified dermatologist is a well-trained medical professional who gives evidence-based management to any skin, hair or nail concerns. It is best to seek consult with them for any skin concern for timely and proper treatment.