"Dermatology is the treatment of the skin, which is the largest organ in the body," says Dr. Susan Weinkle is an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of South Florida. She also serves on the board of directors of the American Academy of Dermatology. "In this day and age, the scope of dermatology not only treats disease but treats desire. The field of dermatology is greatly expanding. There are a couple of ways to find the right dermatologist for you: First, you can contact your county medical society or go online to the American Academy of Dermatology's website to find a board certified dermatologist in your area. Secondly, and most importantly, you will want to find a dermatologist who not only is board certified, but who has a focus in the scope of practice that fits your needs. For example, I am a Mohs surgeon and primarily practice cosmetic dermatology to treat signs of aging. Mohs surgery was developed by Dr. Frederick Mohs. It is a procedure in which we remove skin cancers in the office under local anesthesia and then examine the skin closely at the base as well as around the peripheral margins to make sure the cancer is completely excised. We examine it with frozen sections in the office, so that tissue are actually cut, stained, and examined in the office before the area is closed up. Taking the cancer out, doing the pathology, and doing the reconstruction is all done in the same office on the same day."
The American Academy of Dermatology is the largest and most influential of all dermatological associations. The association represents all practicing dermatologists in the United States and Canada and has a membership of over 15,000. The website www.aad.org offers detailed biographical information about Academy member dermatologists, including their education, specialized training, office hours, healthcare participation and more. The organization is committed to promoting and advancing the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the skin, promote the highest possible standards in clinical practice, education and research in dermatology and related disciplines, support and enhance patient care, and promote the public interest relating to dermatology.
Also, contact your state's medical board to see if a specific provider has had any complaints against him. Finally, ask your friends, neighbors and anyone else who can offer a recommendation.
A dermatologist should be used when a person has a serious problem of the skin. Dermatologists exclusively treat conditions that a primary physician cannot. These include acne, atopic dermatitis, and rosacea. Also included are uncommon diseases such as pemphigus, porphyria, and cutaneous lupus.
