To help you choose a skin care specialist that you can trust, below is a list of advices on what to look for:
1. Certification of passing the board
Take note that any doctor can declare that they are a skin specialist. This means that there are some doctors who can claim that they are a registered dermatologist even if they are not.
In the United States, becoming a dermatologist requires three years of studying skin, nails, and hair disorders at any authorized medical school in the country. Special trainings for different types of skin surgeries are also required on dermatologists.
When all the required trainings and studies are completed, the doctor is then expected to take the board exam, which consists of comprehensive sets of skill assessment tests. The board exam is conducted by the American Board of Dermatology. This academic body sets the standards for the competency level of a dermatologist or a skin specialist.
However, passing the board does not always guarantee that a doctor is sure to become a good skin specialist. It is more of a proof that a doctor completed all the required trainings and curriculums on dermatology as well as learned enough to pass the board exam.
If you already have a doctor in mind, you can check out at the American Board of Dermatology website if the name is one of those that pass the board exam.
2. Specific area of expertise
It is a must to check first the expertise of your chosen dermatologist or skin specialist, for while majority of dermatologists know how to treat all skin-related problems, there are other licensed skin specialists today that hold additional certifications on special areas of dermatology namely the Pediatric Dermatology, Clinical and Laboratory Dermatological Immunology, and Dermatopathology.
Apart from the three special areas of dermatology, doctors can also practice their area of specialty. For instance, dermatologists can be known for handling patients with allergy, those with severe acne, and people with skin-related cancer condition.
3. Attitude towards his/her profession
A doctor cannot be considered a good doctor (even if he is a competent one) if his attitude towards his patients is unprofessional or contemptible. Avoid doctors who are inattentive and do not really seem to care whatever treatment would be best for their patients. Go for the ones who are willing to give you the proper treatment that you need and are interested to hear your ideas, thoughts, and questions regarding the skin care treatment, procedure, and consultation.
4. Clinic ambiance
The ambiance of the clinic doesn’t necessarily have to be the fancy decors or the number of flashy certificates posted on the walls. The clinic’s ambiance is more on the environment. Better trust clinics of formidable and well-experienced doctors that have clean waiting areas and offices. A plus, of course, is the presence of helpful, attentive, and friendly medical staff inside the clinic.
