Dermatology - Subspecialties of
Dermatology
Subspecialties of Dermatology
Cosmetic Dermatology
Dermatologists have been leaders in the field of cosmetic
surgery. Some
dermatologists complete fellowships in surgical dermatology. Many are trained in
their residency on the use of botox, fillers, and laser
surgery. Some
dermatologists perform cosmetic procedures including liposuction,
blepharoplasty, and face lifts. Most dermatologists limit their cosmetic
practice to minimally invasive procedures. Despite an absence of formal
guidelines from the American Board of Dermatology, many cosmetic fellowships are
offered in both surgery and laser medicine.
Dermatopathology
A dermatolopathologist is a
pathologist or dermatologist who specializes in the
pathology
of the skin. This field is shared by dermatologists and pathologists. Usually a
dermatologist or pathologist will complete one year of dermatopathology
fellowship. This usually includes six months of general
pathology, and six
months of dermatopathology. Alumni of both specialties can qualify as
dermatopathologists. At the completion of a standard residency in dermatology,
many dermatologists are also competent at dermatopathology. Some
dermatopathologists qualify to sit for their examinations by completing a
residency in dermatology and one in pathology.
Immunodermatology
This field specializes in the treatment of immune-mediated skin diseases such as
lupus, bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, and other immune-mediated skin
disorders. Specialists in this field often run their own immunopathology labs.
Mohs Surgery
The dermatologic subspecialty called Mohs
surgery focuses on the excision of
skin cancers using a tissue-sparing technique that allows intraoperative
assessment of 100% of the peripheral and deep tumor margins developed in the
1930s by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs. The procedure is defined as a type of CCPDMA
processing. Physicians trained in this technique must be comfortable with both
pathology and
surgery, and dermatologists receive extensive training in both
during their residency. Physicians who perform Mohs
surgery can receive training
in this specialized technique during their dermatology residency, but many will
seek additional training either through preceptorships to join the American
Society for Mohs Surgery or through formal one- to two-year Mohs
surgery
fellowship training programs administered by the American College of Mohs
Surgery.
Pediatric Dermatology
Physicians can qualify for this specialization by completing both a pediatric
residency and a dermatology residency. Or they might elect to complete a
post-residency fellowship. This field encompasses the complex diseases of
the neonates, hereditary skin diseases or genodermatoses, and the many
difficulties of working with the pediatric population.[
Teledermatology
Teledermatology is a form of dermatology where telecommunication technologies
are used to exchange medical information via all kinds of media (audio, visual
and also data communication, but typically photos of dermatologic conditions)
usually made by non-dermatologists for evaluation off-site by dermatologists).
This subspecialty deals with options to view skin conditions over a large
distance to provide knowledge exchange, to establish second-opinion services for
experts or to use this for follow-up of individuals with chronic skin
conditions.
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