What is a consultant dermatologist?

A consultant dermatologist is the most qualified and educated medical doctor in the field of skin, hair and nails. Dermatologists are medical professionals who work to treat conditions and issues using cosmetic, medical and surgical avenues.

You can find out more about our team of Dermatologists here.

What training does a consultant dermatologist have?

In order to become a dermatologist, a doctor will undergo extensive education and training, which takes a total of 13 years after leaving school at the age of 18y.

Years 0-5: Medical Degree 

Look for  the following qualifications – MB ChB, MBBCh, MB BChir, MB BS,  BM BCh,  BM BS or BM)

A dermatologist first will have to become a medical doctor. This is accomplished by completing a 5-year medical degree. Over this time, they start to learn the basics and essential information about medicine of the whole body.

A medical doctor in the UK will receive the degrees of  Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery. You should look for one of the following qualifications after their name: MB ChB, MBBCh, MB BChir, MB BS,  BM BCh,  BM BS or BM

Years 6 & 7: Foundation training

2 years of working in hospital and primary care, around the clock, dealing with patients admitted to hospitals and seen in the emergency room.

Years 8 & 9: Internal medicine training and MRCP diploma

A minimum of 2 years further specialising in general medicine with jobs in medical specialities like cardiology, endocrinology, respiratory medicine, acute medicine etc. A doctor has to pass the MRCP diploma exam to show that they have high levels of knowledge and skills in treating all parts of the body.

Years 10 to 13: Specialist training in Dermatology and Specialty Certificate Examination (SCE) leading to MRCP(UK) (Dermatology).

A minimum of 4 years are spent training in Dermatology – this is the treatment of skin and hair conditions in adults and children. Doctors work at various hospitals and clinics under the supervision of more experienced dermatologists to really learn the day-to-day skills of working as an independent Dermatologist at a high level. Training in medical, surgical and laser procedures is acquired.

Doctors will carry out research projects during this period to further advance the science of Dermatology.

Doctors have to sit another exam to be classified as a specialist in Dermatology, and they can use the letters MRCP (UK) (Dermatology) after their name.

Years 13: Entry into the GMC Specialist Register for Dermatology

After a minimum of 13 years, if doctors have completed the above steps and passed all examinations and knowledge requirements, they will be assessed by an independent committee and granted a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Dermatology. They are then able to enter the Specialist Register of the GMC as a fully qualified Consultant Dermatologists. You can check the register of Specialists by going to gmc-uk.org and clicking “search the register”.

FRCP (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians)

Senior consultants, usually after several years of clinical experience, who are leaders in their field, and have a demonstrated track record in leadership, training, research, innovation and enhancing the speciality are granted an FRCP (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians). An independent committee assesses and awards FRCP and this is offered to only distinguished doctors.

How do you know you are seeing a consultant dermatologist?

You should check for:

  • A medical qualification – in the UK, this is MB ChB, MBBCh, MB BChir, MB BS,  BM BCh,  BM BS or BM
  • MRCP (UK), MRCP (UK) (Derm), FRCP
  • Entry into the specialist register (See gmc-uk.org)

What do dermatologists treat?

Dermatologists work to diagnose and treat a whole host of conditions and issues that affect the skin, hair and nails, such as; acne, lesions, pigmentation issues and many more. Anything that affects the skin will be diagnosed and potentially treated by a dermatologist, from discolouration to cancer.

Medical dermatologists also work to maintain healthy skin and work with an individual to ensure that their skin is in good shape.

Dermatologists can help keep skin looking healthy by preventing the signs of ageing and maintaining good skin structure and function.

Some dermatologists, like our doctors,  may also offer additional specialist services like Mohs surgery, Laser treatment and skin lesion removal.

What is the difference between a consultant dermatologist, a skin doctor, a GP with an interest in skin, and a cosmetic dermatologist?

Anyone can call themselves a dermatologist as in the UK this is not a protected title.

A consultant dermatologist is someone who has fulfilled the rigorous training of 13 years or more.

How do I see a consultant dermatologist?

Those who have skin concerns and would like to see a Consultant Dermatologist have two choices – they can go via the NHS or go to a private Dermatology clinic.

In the UK, NHS referrals to consultant dermatologists are made by the General Practitioner. The normal waiting time to be seen is between 4 to 12 months, depending on the current waiting list in your area.

Alternatively, you can see a private consultant dermatologist. The usual waiting time is a few weeks at the most.

For private treatment at Midland Skin, patients can either be referred by their General practitioner or self-refer. Those wishing to refer themselves should ring 0121 285 4540 to arrange an appointment with one of our expert dermatologists.

Why is it best to see a consultant dermatologist?

A dermatologist is the best person to consult on issues of the skin, nails and hair as they live and breathe all things to do with this area of expertise.

Dermatologists work with a patient to treat their concerns in a way that is best for the skin.

Working with a dermatologist allows the skin to undergo a thorough examination in order to ensure it is as healthy as possible.

Services range from mole mapping to procedures, treatments and general skin advice. This is ideal if you want to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.

Those asking themselves, “where can I get more information on Dermatology?” can find more information on the field of dermatology, and a wealth of information on skin concerns, issues and diseases from The British Association of Dermatologists.

Should I visit a consultant dermatologist?

Those with worries or concerns surrounding their skin should consider visiting a dermatologist for a consultation. Doing so can not only help put the mind at rest, but it also helps a doctor identify any issues that could become concerning in the future.

Visiting a Dermatologist can also be like going for a health check or MOT. A skin check can help pick up the signs of skin cancer before they are a problem. A skin health consultation can help you understand the measures you should take for your skin to age well.

Benefits of consulting a Dermatologist

What does a Dermatologist treat?

The range of patients seen by dermatologists is wide and extends from the cradle to the grave. Common conditions seen include:

  • Skin cancer, including Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma and Melanoma
  • Skin ageing – redness, sun spots, lines, wrinkles, poor skin texture
  • Acne and acne scarring
  • Rosacea
  • Sun damage
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Other inflammatory disorders of the skin
  • Hair loss
  • Abnormal nails
  • Cosmetic and aesthetic treatments

Dermatologists are trained in the following:

  • General Internal Medicine
  • Knowledge of the skin, hair and nails
  • Diagnosis and treatment of the whole range of skin, hair and nail disorders – more than 2000 dermatological diagnoses exist!
  • Diagnosis, screening, prevention and treatment of skin cancers – the most common cancer in the UK
  • Cosmetic and rejuvenation procedures
  • Performing dermatologic surgery, including electrosurgery, cryosurgery, nail surgery, biopsy, and excisional surgery for cancer and benign growths
  • Providing laser treatments