The pathway to becoming a dermatology consultant begins with completing medical school, which typically takes 5-6 years, followed by a 2-year foundation programme (FY1 and FY2). After this, Doctors proceed to Internal Medicine Training (IMT) for 2 years, during which they must pass the MRCP exams (Part 1, Part 2, and PACES). IMT is usually a 3-year programme; however, due to dermatology being a group 2 specialty, candidates can apply for a National Training Number after completing 2 years. Following IMT, they enter Higher Specialty Training in Dermatology at the ST3 level, which lasts for 4 years, providing comprehensive training in clinical, procedural, and surgical aspects of dermatology. During this period, candidates must also pass the Specialty Certificate Examination (SCE) in Dermatology.

Several candidates naturally take career breaks, taking up opportunities as dermatology clinical or research fellows, which can be invaluable for careers and great interview talking points.

There are alternative pathways into dermatology higher specialty training via core surgical training and paediatric training; however, candidates must complete a year of general medical training to proceed. Traditionally, most trainees enter via the internal medicine training route.

• Completing taster days, elective or student-selected components (SSC) in Dermatology
•  Clinical rotations in Dermatology, which provide hands-on experience and insight into the field
• Involvement in dermatology-related research, publications, or audits is highly valued as it shows a proactive approach to gaining knowledge and contributing to the specialty.
• Attending conferences like those organized by the British Association of Dermatology (BAD) is beneficial.

• A PhD or MD by research earns the highest score (4 points) if it involves original work over 2-3 years.
• Master’s degrees like MSc or MRes score 3 points if they last at least 8 months.
• Postgraduate diplomas or certificates relevant to the specialty lasting 1-10 months, score 1 point.

Note: qualifications required for specialty entry, such as MRCP(UK), cannot be claimed in this

• 8 points for being the first author, joint-first author, or corresponding author of one or more PubMed-cited original research publications.
• Co-authorship of PubMed-cited original research earns 6 points.
• 5 points are awarded for being a first author, joint-first author, corresponding author, or co-author of multiple PubMed-cited editorials, reviews, case reports, or book chapters.
• 3 points: A single PubMed-cited editorial, review, or case report
• 1 point: non-peer-reviewed articles, abstracts, or non-PubMed-cited publications.
• Other entries, including unpublished works, receive no points at the application stage.

• 6 points for an oral presentation as a first or second author at a national or international medical meeting
• 4 points for a poster at a national or international meeting or an oral presentation at a regional meeting
• 3 points for an oral presentation if you are first or second author at a regional medical meeting
• 2 points for an oral presentation at a local meeting or a poster at a regional or local meeting.

• 4 points for leading and supervising a team in all aspects of two cycles of an original QI project. Candidates must demonstrate significant leadership, including project design, execution, and team supervision.
• 3 points for involvement in all aspects of two cycles of a QI project without necessarily leading. This includes participating in planning, data collection, analysis, and implementing changes in both cycles.
• 1 point for participating in one aspect of a multi-cycle QI project or two or more aspects of a single-cycle project. For instance, being involved in data collection and analysis in one cycle would qualify.
• 0 points for any other activities that do not fit the above criteria, though these may still be considered during interviews.

• 5 points for organising a teaching programme with local tutors, teaching regularly for at least three months, and providing evidence of formal feedback (e.g., certificates or teaching observation forms).
• 3 points for providing regular teaching as part of a defined programme for a similar duration, with formal feedback.
• 1 point for teaching occasionally (minimum of three sessions) with evidence of formal feedback.
• 0 points for other unspecified activities, which may still be considered during interviews.

• 3 points for a higher qualification, such as a PG Cert or PG Diploma.
• 1 point for training below the PG Cert or PG Diploma level, which must be additional to primary medical qualification training.
• 0 points for no formal training in teaching methods.

Additional achievement and Leadership domains have been removed for applications for 2025 onwards.

Below is a list of the clinics you may have as part of your work schedule and some common conditions you may see in each one.

Surgical dermatology can be pursued as a sub-specialty and includes Mohs Micrographic Surgery. Centres with a Mohs service may offer scheduled lists alongside these surgeons to develop skills.

At the beginning of training, you may see 8 patients per general clinic; however, by ST6, you will be expected to see up to 14 patients per general clinic. Sub-specialty clinics often have lower patient numbers as more time is required for complex diagnoses and treatment plans. Skin cancer clinics may have higher patient numbers (up to 20 in some Trusts!). Templates and good infrastructure can make these assessments more straightforward.

Referral quantity (and quality) will vary by Trust. In some, the registrar will only take inpatient referrals from their hospital. However, others may require you to cover multiple hospital sites and GP referrals.

The on-call is an excellent source of learning, and the cases vary significantly from those seen in the clinic. Drug reactions, severe inflammatory/immunobullous eruptions and viral/bacterial infections are commonly referred. On-call shifts can be busy and challenging but will always be done under the supervision of a consultant. Teledermatology is featuring more as part of the on-call service and is a useful practice for advice and guidance.

Other non-patient facing clinical activities include MDT (for skin cancer cases), clinicopathological case discussion [CPC] (for complex medical dermatology cases) and research. These should all be included in your job plan and will vary in frequency depending on your Trust and training programme (e.g. academic trainees). MDT and CPC are great learning activities, and you should aim to lead an MDT before the end of training, though it is not a requirement. These will often alternate with clinical governance and management meetings.

Dermatology is a very academic specialty, and a vast amount of research over the last few decades has revolutionised our understanding of diseases and provided new treatment options. Research can span audit/QIP, clinical trials, literature reviews and even laboratory work. Having a good understanding of research practice is vital to critically evaluate papers upon which you may determine your clinical practice. Most departments will have research activity and local research nurses, but seek out a specialist centre if you have a specific topic/sub-specialty in mind.

Local and regional training sessions will often be scheduled within your job plan. The remainder of your 30 days of study leave can be used for external courses. There are no mandatory courses for Dermatology, so you have great flexibility to pursue courses in your area of interest, however, funding varies between deaneries.

Life as a Dermatology Registrar is varied and exciting. It presents different challenges to Internal Medicine Training and can be a steep learning curve as there is little exposure to the range of Dermatological diagnoses and treatments before entering training. As a registrar, you will be the first port of advice for inpatient queries, and in the clinic, you are alone (with a consultant next door!), meaning you take more responsibility for patient care than as an SHO. Ultimately, it’s great to finally be practising a specialty that you would have worked so hard to get into – not having night shifts helps too!

Good Luck!

Written by Dr Portia Amoako-Tawiah (FY2) and Dr Nihull Jakharia-Shah (Dermatology ST5)