5 steps to be a consultant dermatologist in the UK
Recent data from the National Institutes of Health(NIH), UK, indicates that 37% of the total doctors in the region are non-UK graduates, of which 26% are IMGs, a.k.a International Medical Graduates. NIH also says that there is a rise in demand for dermatologists in the UK because 54% of the population is affected by skin diseases each year.
So if you’re an IMG planning to be a future dermatologist, the UK is the right place for you.
Steps to Become a Consultant Dermatologist in the UK
Currently the specialty training period for a Dermatologist in the UK is 4 years. This is in addition to the foundational training (2 years) and core training (2-4 years). So it can take you anywhere between 6-8 years after graduation to become a consultant dermatologist in the UK.
Here are the steps you need to follow after graduation to become a practising dermatologist:
Step 1
Graduate Degree: You'll need to complete a medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) at a recognised medical school. This typically takes five to six years of study.
Step 2
Foundation training: This training aims at bridging the gap between being fresh out of medical school and being a specialty/general practising doctor. In the UK, the Foundation training is usually of 2 years.
During the first year of foundation training (F1), you'll work as a junior doctor, rotating through different medical specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, and others. This rotation allows you to gain a broad understanding of various areas of medicine and develop essential clinical skills.
The second year (F2) has more responsibilities and provides an opportunity to consolidate your clinical skills and gain further exposure to different medical settings.
Step 3
Core training: After completing foundation training, doctors interested in pursuing a career in dermatology can apply for Core medical training (CMT). You will have to opt for any ONE of these programs:
🔹2-3 years Internal Medicine + MRCP exam
- This pathway requires 2-3 years of core medical training, emphasizing internal medicine. You’ll gain experience across specialties like general medicine, cardiology, respiratory medicine, and gastroenterology.
🔹3 years Paediatrics + 1 year in adult Internal Medicine + MRCPCH
- This path involves 3 years of specialized training in acute medicine, dealing with urgent medical cases in hospitals. Candidates must also pass the MRCP exam, testing their competency in internal medicine.
Both these core programs require the completion of the MRCP exam. It consists of three parts: Part 1, Part 2 Written, and PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills).
🔹3 years Paediatrics + 1 year in adult Internal Medicine + MRCPCH
- This pathway consists of 3 years of specialized training in pediatrics, focusing on the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. Additionally, candidates spend 1 year gaining experience in adult internal medicine.
- Upon completing this training, candidates must pass the MRCPCH exam, which is specific to pediatric medicine and consists of two parts: Foundation of Practice (FOP) and Theory and Science (TAS).
After these steps, you become eligible for the specialty dermatologist training.
Step 4
Higher Specialty training: In the UK, specialty training in dermatology typically lasts for four years. During this period, trainees undergo a structured program designed to develop expertise in diagnosing, treating, and managing various dermatological conditions.
Step 5
Following the specialty training to become a consultant dermatologist in the UK, you will need to pass the SCE Derm test, which stands for the Specialty Certificate Examination in Dermatology. It's an assessment conducted for doctors aiming to specialize in dermatology in the UK. The exam evaluates their knowledge and skills in diagnosing and managing dermatological conditions. Passing this exam is a significant step towards becoming a certified dermatologist in the UK.
After the completion of these steps and exams, a dermatologist is awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). This makes the doctor eligible for GMC Specialist registration following which, they become recognised as a consultant dermatologist in the UK.
If you’ve read this far, do try Medlogbook to log your medical experiences. I’ve created this to organise your competencies which could help with moving abroad. You can be better prepared for submitting work evidence, a requirement in most countries for practising.
