A Dermatologist specialises in treating and resolving conditions of the hair, nails, and skin. The study of Dermatology is varied, involving the identification, therapy, and prevention of over 3,000 skin diseases and skin cancers. A significant focus of Dermatologists is treating diseases caused by sun exposure, for example melanoma diagnosis and treatment. 

The skin problems Dermatologists treat and prevent include skin infections, monitoring of moles, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, problematic sweating, hair and nail disorders, and acne. Some Dermatologists also perform cosmetic procedures or treatments to recover the skin from damage from the sun, such as removing or enhancing the appearance of sunspots. Dermatologists can treat patients from newborns to adolescents to senior adults. 

Most clinical Dermatology pathway programs are completed over several consistent years of training, and there’s good reason for this. While it is possible to break up your training across a longer time-frame, it is not recommended. When trainees break for periods greater than 12-24 months, some examinations and course materials will need to be re-completed or re-examined.  

Approximately 3 trainees were chosen for the Dermatology training program in 2021 out of 89 eligible applicants. There are currently 552 specialists in Australia.