A career in dermatology offers brilliant prospects. Most folks lack knowledge about getting started in this amazing field. The UK faces rising skin, nail, and hair damage risks from UV rays. This boosts the demand for skin doctors. Let’s explore the path to becoming a dermatologist in the UK.
This guide covers the basics for both locals and foreigners aiming to build a career here. You’ll get the lowdown on what it takes to join this sought-after profession. You only have to understand these details and start your journey to becoming one of the best.
How to Become a Dermatologist in the UK?
Dermatology is a medical field. Therefore, only bright and hardworking students can get admission into it.
Education
You have to be brilliant in the basic subjects from the very beginning along with having a strong analytical skill to diagnose the disease. The educational details of becoming a dermatologist in the UK are the following.
Undergraduate Education
Firstly, you have to get a medical degree to become a dermatologist in the UK. You should enroll yourself in the MBBS in any medical school. The only requirement is that the General Medical Council has registered the institute in which you have enrolled. The following requirements are necessary to get admission to the MBBS.
- High grades in A-levels, especially in Biology and Chemistry
- Passing the entrance exams like UKCAT and BMAT.
Medical School
In medical schools, students usually have to work hard and undergo training to learn about different aspects of the medical field. Generally, the curriculum offered by many universities, includes lectures, practicals, and clinical attendance. In the 5-years MBBS program, the first two years will help you learn the basics, while the remaining three are essential for hands-on experience.
Foundation Training
After completing the graduation from medical school, doctors have to undergo the two-year Foundation Programme, shortly known as FP. It is important to get the experience of several fields of medicine. During the first year, the students are directed to build their basic clinical skills. However, the second year usually involves taking the responsibility of working in different fields.
Here is the outline of the application procedure for getting enrolled into a Foundation Programme. It is necessary to know that the UK Foundation Programme Office manages these applications.
- Submit an online application including your details and clinical experience.
- Situational Judgement Test
Specialty Training in Dermatology
Following the FP, doctors who are looking forward to becoming dermatologists should get further training by choosing from one of the two dedicated programs, Core Medical Training or Acute Care Common Stem. Both are two years old and can help doctors get in-depth knowledge of different medical fields.
Dermatology Specialist Training is of 4 years in which the doctors can gain a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of this field.
Professional Examinations and Certification
In the United Kingdom, doctors must get a Membership of the Royal College of Physicians before entering the dermatology specialty training. It generally contains three parts:
- Written examination assessing basic medical knowledge.
- Written examination evaluating clinical knowledge and skills.
- Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills
Next, the doctors should pass the Specialty Certificate Examination in Dermatology during specialty training. It will help you get the Certificate of Completion of Training.
Certification and Registration
After completing the dermatology specialty training in dermatology and passing the SCE, doctors will receive the Certificate of Completion of Training. GMS issues this certificate which confirms that the doctor has successfully passed the required tests and is currently meeting the standards to start practicing in dermatology.
Afterward, the dermatology doctors will be listed on the official Specialist Register of the GMC. It will allow them to start working as a consultant dermatologist in the United Kingdom. It requires the following:
- CCT
- Application to the GMC
Continuing Professional Development
Dermatology is one of the most wide fields of medical science. It is evolving at a rapid pace, making it crucial for dermatologists to learn about new developments and techniques to treat their patients. Hence, continuous learning is the primary key in this regard. Additionally, these professionals should
- Participate in national and international dermatology conferences.
- Enroll in specialized workshops and courses to enhance clinical skills.
- Conduct research and publish findings in popular journals.
Revalidation
GMC has made it compulsory for all doctors in the United Kingdom including dermatologists to revalidate their registration. This procedure has to be repeated every five years. As a result, they can continue practicing as dermatologists in the UK.
- Annual appraisals to review performance and professional development.
- Submission of evidence demonstrating ongoing CPD activities and professional growth.
What We Anticipate?
These are the details on how to become a dermatologist in the UK. Although it requires severe hard work, you can have an excellent career in this field, especially in the United Kingdom. Besides obtaining a medical degree, you must go for higher education to improve your knowledge of the subject and become the best.
Above all, you must have empathy towards the patients to make sure they will recover from skin or hair damage. In this way, you can not only build your worth but also receive blessings from a large number of people.
FAQs
How many years is dermatology training in the UK?
Generally, it takes 4 years to get a certificate of completion in dermatology in the United Kingdom.
Is dermatology in demand in the UK?
Yes. As the UV rays are increasing skin damage, people are actively looking for skin specialists for treatment.
Can you go straight to a dermatologist UK?
Simply No. You don’t have to visit any other doctor in order to see a dermatologist. In this way, you can get quick treatment in emergency situations.
What is the least amount of years to become a dermatologist?
12 years is the minimal amount of time required to become a dermatologist in the United Kingdom and other Western countries.