5 Ways to Succeed in a Dermatology Degree
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Posted By: Dixie Somers on November 21, 2017 Life as a dermatologist can be very rewarding both personally and as a lucrative career. But becoming a doctor in any field is only possible after years of study and hard work. Graduating from medical school requires an exhausting amount of learning, lab work, testing, research, and practice. Because skin and related problems are so varied and so visible, it also requires dedication to your patients and to medical ethics. Focus on Your FutureGetting through medical school requires some strong motivation. Don’t think in terms of just passing exams and getting good grades. Start thinking of yourself as doctor-in-training, not an aspiring student. When you feel frustrated or discouraged, think about the reasons you decided to get into dermatology in the first place. You’ll be treating conditions from brittle finger nails to skin cancer. Imagine the appreciation and thanks of the many people you’ll be helping over the course of your career. Hang on to your passion. Use More Than Your BrainsYour IQ may help you to get through some of the more difficult courses like biochemistry and mathematics, but unless you’re determined on a career in research, there’s a lot more to becoming a doctor. It takes good communication, people skills, leadership qualities, and a very high degree of problem solving. It also takes some self-discipline and a high emotional IQ. That’s the ability to remain rational, empathetic, and focused even when there’s a dire situation, negative outcomes, or you’re forced to deal with difficult patients under trying circumstances. Be sure your professional and personal qualities develop along with your knowledge. Stay OrganizedYou’ll have a heavy load of course work and a lot of activity to keep up with. To avoid getting overwhelmed and stressed, it’s important to keep yourself organized. This should involve both effective time management and organization of your academic materials. You’ll want to consistently show up on time for each class with the correct books and tools to maximize your learning opportunity. It you’re also working to earn an income, or raise kids, this becomes even more difficult. Try creating a daily schedule and outlining priorities. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, and classmates. Find some personal outlets for maintaining an effective work-life balance and activities that help to reduce stress in someone on the go. Know the FieldAt some point it will pay to go beyond your mandatory study materials and understand what’s happening in dermatology in the real world. After all, your next challenge is a real-life residency to complete. Consult medical journals or attend seminars on new techniques and ideas. Be familiar with the latest commercial products so you can relate to your patients. There are always new lotions, cosmetics, and supplements. Look through the offerings from global enterprises such as Nu Skin that specialize in this market. Medical School Is Not CollegeIf you were smart enough to breeze through your college exams with some last minute cramming, congratulations. But that won’t be enough to impress your instructors. As medical doctors, dermatologists are expected to maintain high standards, not just in the classroom but in your lab work, research, and even behavior. You’ll be dealing with a wider range of challenges, all of them intense. There are no easy courses to take for granted. Be prepared to reinvent your learning strategies, and do your best to network with your peers for mutual support. Becoming a dermatologist will allow you to help hundreds of people in many aspects of their life, whether it’s advising on nutrition or removing embarrassing tattoos. Becoming a doctor is something to be proud of, but it’s also something you’re going to have to work hard for. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Dixie Somers
Freelance Writer, Self Employed Other College... class of 2004 Member Since November 2016 |
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