How to Hire a Dermatologist

Why hire a dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats skin issues. They are trained to examine patients and also advise them on preventive techniques to avoid future skin issues. A qualified dermatologist can:

• Apply their knowledge to diagnose and suggest treatment for skin ailments of patients
• Review and monitor the effectiveness of skin treatments over time and take necessary changes
• Coordinate with dermatology team members to make sure all medications are being administered as recommended

What are the ranks of dermatologists?

When you want to hire a dermatologist, it’s important to understand what type of dermatologist will best complement your practice or hospital. While dermatologists are responsible for the skin health of patients, their responsibilities can vary depending on their speciality and level of experience or education. Here are the common ranks and specialities of dermatologists:

• Board certified dermatologist: After earning a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) or Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree, has completed additional education and training in their chosen speciality and has passed the board exam.
• Dermatopathologist: One who has received training in both dermatology or pathology. Examines biopsy tissue to make a diagnosis.
• Mohs surgeon: Treats skin cancer through a technique called Mohs surgery.
• Pediatric dermatologist: Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of children, including newborns.
• Cosmetic dermatologist: Focuses on performing treatments and procedures (e.g., soft tissue injectable fillers, microdermabrasion) for cosmetic purposes.

Where to find dermatologists

To find the right dermatologist for your medical practice or hospital, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

• Attend a career fair: Meet with dermatology students and new grads ready to launch their dermatology career.
• Networking: Use medical and dermatology events, conferences and tradeshows to chat with practicing dermatologists in person who are looking for a new opportunity.
• Join an association: Become a member of a dermatology association or society to connect with other dermatologists in your area.
• Post your job online: Try posting your dermatology job on Indeed to find and attract quality dermatologist candidates.

Skills to look for in a great dermatologist

Finding a suitable dermatologist candidate can be done by evaluating their skills and qualifications. Here are common qualifications to look for in a dermatologist: 

• Degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) or Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in Dermatology
• Board Certification in dermatology and a state license
• Advanced written and oral communication skills
• Strong ability to empathize with patients
• Possess attention to detail with manual dexterity
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills

Writing a dermatologist job description

To find suitable dermatologist candidates, a detailed job description with a list of job duties, responsibilities and necessary skills is required.

When writing your dermatologist job description, consider including some or all of the following keywords to improve the visibility of your job posting. These are the most popular search terms leading to clicks on dermatologist jobs, according to Indeed data:

• Dermatologist
• Dermatology
• Physician
• Pharmaceutical sales
• Medical scribe
• Dermatology physician assistant

Interviewing dermatologist candidates

Strong candidates for a dermatologist position will be confident answering questions regarding:

• Dermatology procedures and diagnosis
• Knowledge and experience of interacting with patients and suggesting preventive skin practices
• Resolving patient issues and providing appropriate treatments

Need help coming up with interview questions? See our list of dermatologist interview questions for examples (with sample answers).