Additional information

body or mind	Body
Field	Medical Field
Boss or Team	Own Boss & Team
Communication	Good Communicator
Work With	People
Math & Science	Maths & Science
Study Length	Prepared to Study for Years
Environment	Alone

Specialist Dermatologist

Dermatologists deal with all issues, diseases and problems related to our skin. They treat and diagnose skin problems, from mild issues like sunburn to serious diseases like skin cancer. As a dermatologist, you’ll conduct screenings and skin evaluations, while at the same time investigating your patient’s medical history to determine appropriate treatments.

Dermatologists also perform biopsies to diagnose melanoma and perform skin surgery.

How to be a Specialist Dermatologist in South Africa

Get the Required Qualifications

To become a dermatologist in South Africa, you will need the following qualifications:

Certificate (National Senior Certificate or National Certificate (V) with Bachelor’s Degree Pass)
Bachelor’s Degree (Bachelor of Medicine:)
Post-graduate Degree (Master of Medicine in Dermatology)

Demonstrate Competence in the Required Subjects

Entry requirements may differ per institution, but you will generally be expected to show competency in the following subjects:

Accumulate Years of Relevant Study and Experience

Dermatologists in South Africa typically study for about 10 years.

The first 6 years are spent on theoretical training to obtain a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and the other four years in post-grad studies to obtain a Master of Medicine in Dermatology degree.

In addition to the 6 years of undergraduate study and four years of post-graduate study, specialist psychiatrists also usually spend 1 year in student internship and 1 year in community service.

Find Relevant Employment Opportunities

Dermatologists have many opportunities for employment in South Africa and often work in the following places:

State hospitals
Clinics
Private practice

Find More Information from Relevant Regulatory Bodies

To find more information about specialist dermatologists, contact the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) or the Dermatology Society of South Africa.