Dermatopathology is the study of skin diseases at the cellular level. Most patients have not heard of this specialty until they have an undiagnosed epidermis disorder. When the family doctor cannot handle a dermis condition, the patient goes to the dermatologist. When the dermatologist cannot handle a skin condition, what is the next option? When dermatologists cannot determine the cause of a rash or tumor, they will send a epidermis biopsy to the dermatopathologist for diagnosis. This specialist studies the specimen at the microscopic level to determine the specific disease. It may also be necessary to conduct other tests on the specimen.
Those that enter the field of dermatopathology do so through medical school. After completing medical school, they take residency training in anatomic pathology or dermatology. That lasts for an additional three years. Once completing their residency, they must complete 12 to 24 months of training in dermatopathology. Upon completing all the training, the dermatopathologist goes for certification from the American Board of Pathology as well as the subspecialty board in this field.
For those interested in dermatopathology in Arkansas, the University of Arkansas' Department of Dermatology provides fellowship opportunities for qualified persons. The fellowship lasts for two years and allows that person to work with three full time dermatopathologists in a working environment. The laboratory offers the fellow the opportunity to work with a variety of conditions in a professional working laboratory.
The practice of dermatopathology involves more than just looking under a microscope to figure out a skin disease. There are currently over 1500 identified diseases, cancers, and other conditions that effect the body's biggest organ. This requires the specialist to understand these diseases and to know a variety of testing options to determine which one is involved in a specific specimen. The specialist is someone whom the doctor consults for specific information on unfamiliar dermis conditions. After diagnosis, the specialist can offer the doctor advice on which therapies are appropriate for the specific condition.
Most dermatopathologists work in laboratory environments where doctors send specimens for analysis. After conducting tests, the specialist sends a report to the referring doctor outlining the findings and providing other information as requested. In special cases, the doctor may request further testing or consultation for treating the condition.
Dermatopathologists can find opportunities in many locations in North American and other parts of the world. New medical conditions provide research opportunities as well as new diagnosis options. Those that choose this field must remain on top of the latest identified conditions in order to remain viable in the field.
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