What is a dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a doctor who specialises in treating the skin, hair, nails and the mucous membranes (lining inside the mouth, nose and eyelids). Dermatologists diagnose and treat more than 3,000 different types of skin diseases. These diseases include eczema, psoriasis, acne, skin infections, skin cancers, hair and nail diseases.. Dermatologists also treat leprosy and sexually transmitted infections. Dermatologists improve the appearance of their patients' skin. For example, dermatologists can help to reduce wrinkles, aging spots and pigmentary problems. They are also experts in improving acne scars. Dermatologists treat patients of all ages from newborns to the elderly.

How to become a dermatologist in Malaysia

Becoming a dermatologist requires many years of education.
A person must successfully complete the following:

Medical School becoming a medical doctor
Housemanship (2 years)
Master of Internal Medicine, MRCP or equivalent
Dermatology Training Program either Advanced Master of Dermatology or Fellowship in Dermatology

Advanced Masters of Dermatology

Entry Requirements
Basic medical degree: MBBS, MD, MBBCh or equivalent
Master of Internal Medicine, MRCP or equivalent
For Ministry of Health (MOH) doctors

Gazettement as Internal Medicine Physician
2 years post gazettement waiting period
Scholarship (optional)

The course is offered only to Malaysians.

Training

All candidates are required to undergo a full-time 3-year structured dermatology training which consists of 1½ in a regional training centre followed by 1½ year in Hospital Kuala Lumpur. The programme includes taught courses (lectures, seminars, and conference), bedside dermatology procedures and clinical research thesis. The written and clinical examinations are conducted at the end of the 3-year programme. The candidates are required to complete one thesis within the 3-year training period.

Fellowship in Dermatology

This is the proposed parallel pathway whereby 3 years of dermatology training by accredited trainer at accredited training centre in Malaysia. The trainee is expected to complete the 3 years training, have a log book and published one original research paper in a peer reviewed journal followed by the Advanced Master of Dermatology final examination.