The academic path to becoming a dermatologist is long and demanding. It combines in-depth medical knowledge with clinical skills. In our dermatologist fact sheet, we discussed the different aspects of this profession. This article explores the various stages of the necessary academic path. From the first steps in medical school to the years of residency, let's take a look at the challenges that mark out a dermatologist's career.
General medical studies
After high school
Before entering higher education, the aspiring dermatologist must obtain a scientific baccalaureate. Once this has been completed, students wishing to pursue health studies can choose between two options:
- The Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS)
- Introduced in 2020 to replace the former Première Années Commune aux Études de Santé (PACES), the PASS is a year of study combining a health major with a minor from another discipline. This structure enables students to diversify their skills and offers them the possibility of reorienting their studies.
- Students are assessed on the basis of continuous assessment and final exams.
- Those who pass can go on to study in the health sector.
- Those who fail can reorient themselves towards their minor before, if they so wish, trying their luck again.
- The PASS approach reduces the pressure of the former PACES exam, while diversifying students' skills.
- The Licence with Health Access (L.AS)
- Introduced in 2020 to diversify the range of training courses available in health studies, the L.AS is a course combining any major (law, humanities, economics, etc.) with a specific health minor (biology, physiology, etc.).
- At the end of the first, second or third year, and if they have passed the minimum requirements, students can apply for health studies. They then sit specific exams. Depending on their performance, they may be rejected or admitted to the second year of medical school.
- The L.AS allows students to follow a diversified pathway, favoring skills and reorientation.
General medical studies
After the PASS or L.AS (see above), general medical studies are divided into two parts:
- The Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM) : a three-year course (the PASS and L.AS count as the first) comprising theoretical courses in medical sciences and clinical placements in hospitals.
- Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM): a direct continuation of the DFGSM, this is a three-year course of study incorporating specialist courses and advanced internships in various hospital departments.
Externship examinations
During the final year of the second cycle, students must pass a series of exams which, depending on their results and rankings, will enable them to choose their specialty as well as their city. Here's the list:
- Épreuves dématérialisées nationales (EDN): these take place in October and account for 60% of the final grade. To pass, students must obtain a mark of at least 14/20 in theoretical knowledge useful to all doctors, regardless of their specialty.
- Objective and Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE): These are held in May and account for 30% of the final grade. They test students' ability to develop clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The minimum grade is 10/20.
- University course grade: this continuous assessment takes into account the student's commitment, curriculum, mobility and level of English, and accounts for 10% of the final grade.
Specialization in dermatology
On completion of general medical studies , students specializing in dermatology enter a five-year residency program. This course is divided into theoretical and practical training:
- theoreticaltraining: interns follow theoretical courses covering the various aspects of dermatology. They attend seminars and conferences to keep abreast of the latest advances and research in the field.
- Practicaltraining : dermatology interns participate in the work of various health services.
In addition, dermatology interns must write and defend a thesis in order to obtain their doctorate. On completion of this specialization, interns are awarded the Diplôme d'Études Spécialisées en Dermatologie (DES).
Further training
After obtaining the DES and registering with the Ordre des Médecins, specialists wishing to apply for dermatology jobs can continue their training to specialize in pediatric dermatology, dermato-allergology, dermatological surgery, cosmetology or aesthetics, dermato-oncology, immuno-dermatology, dermatopathology, photo-dermatology, trichology, onychology, tropical dermatology or psychodermatology.
Skills and qualities required of a dermatologist
Whatever his or her specialty, a dermatologist must possess the technical, medical and human skills and qualities to succeed in his or her field. These are imparted and passed on throughout their academic training. In particular, they must demonstrate medical, diagnostic and surgical skills, as well as curiosity, adaptability, leadership, rigor, patience and empathy. All these qualities will enable the practitioner to exercise his profession with complete peace of mind, and to deal with every case he is confronted with.
From the rigor of initial studies to the acquisition of specific clinical and surgical skills, each stage of the training to become a dermatologist is crucial. They train qualified professionals capable of diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions. Ongoing training, essential in this fast-moving field, ensures that specialists remain at the cutting edge of advances. This combination of theoretical knowledge, practical experience and dedication to learning is the key to success in this exciting field.
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Dermatologist (M/F) - Nanterre, 92
Employee
90000 - 120000 per year
Nanterre
A health center in Nanterre, in the Hauts-de-Seine department, is seeking a new dermatologist (M/F) for a permanent position. Terms and Conditions - Permanent contract - Full-time or part-time (1 to 5 days per week) - Complete freedom regarding scheduling and workload The Facility This is a health center offering optimal working conditions in a modern and stimulating work environment. The center provides state-of-the-art technical facilities and medical equipment, as well as a paramedical team available to support the practitioner on a daily basis. In addition, administrative tasks are fully handled by the center, and patient flow is carefully managed, with the number of appointments tailored to the practitioner’s comfort level, allowing them to focus entirely on the quality of care. Compensation For this position, you will receive a revenue share ranging from 42% to 45% of gross revenue, to be determined based on your profile and experience. Responsibilities - Dermatology consultations - Diagnosis and management of skin conditions - Performing dermatological procedures - Monitoring patients throughout their care journey - Collaboration with the center’s multidisciplinary team Benefits - Compensation not contingent on a minimum number of patients - Managed patient flow and a number of appointments tailored to ensure a comfortable work environment - Complete freedom regarding scheduling and workload - Access to patients’ medical records - Full administrative support provided - Paramedical staff available daily - State-of-the-art technical facilities and medical equipment That little extra something Nanterre is home to the La Défense business district and its Grande Arche, an architectural marvel aligned with the historic axis leading to the Arc de Triomphe. The city is home to André-Malraux Park, a vast 25-hectare green space that serves as a true oasis of greenery amid the skyscrapers. Finally, situated along the Seine and perfectly connected by the RER and the tram, it combines economic vitality with a pleasant living environment just outside Paris. Qualifications A dermatologist with a degree from France or the European Union, who is registered or eligible for registration with the French Medical Board. Contact us at 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting ID: 13331 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, provides you with free support until you begin your practice: - Connecting you with our partner professors - Assistance with registration with the Medical Board - A dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our Jober Group website and mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Dermatologist (M/F) - Les Mureaux, 78
Employee
4000 - 8000 per month
les Mureaux
A multidisciplinary medical center located in Les Mureaux, in the Yvelines department, is seeking a new dermatologist (M/F) for a permanent position. Requirements - Permanent contract - Ideally full-time The Practice This is a rapidly growing multidisciplinary medical center. The existing team includes a general practitioner, an endocrinologist/diabetologist, two pediatricians, a gynecologist, and a nurse, providing a rich and collaborative multidisciplinary environment. In addition, Les Mureaux—a well-connected town on the banks of the Seine—offers a pleasant setting just outside the Paris region. Compensation For this position, you will receive a 40% net revenue share. Responsibilities - Dermatology consultations - Diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions - Performing medical dermatology procedures - Collaborating with the multidisciplinary team Benefits - Opening of a new location and a growing practice - Multidisciplinary team - Collaborative environment among physicians and specialists - Attractive commission structure - Pleasant setting along the banks of the Seine That little something extra Les Mureaux lies along the banks of the Seine, facing a ring of forests, with a popular water sports center for rowing and canoeing along the river. The town also has a rich history in aeronautics and space exploration, as it is home to major industrial sites contributing to European launch vehicles. All of this is just about 30 minutes by train from Paris-Saint-Lazare. Qualifications Dermatologist licensed in France or the European Union, registered with or eligible for registration in the French Medical Board. Contact us at 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting Reference: 13353 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in onboarding healthcare professionals in France, provides free support until you begin your practice: - Connecting you with our partner faculty members - Assistance with registration with the Medical Board - A dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our Jober Group website and mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Dermatologist (M/F) - Franconville, 95
Employee
90000 - 120000 per year
Franconville
A multidisciplinary medical center located in Franconville, in the Val-d'Oise department, is seeking a new dermatologist (M/F) for a permanent position. The Facility This is a new multidisciplinary medical center, scheduled to open in early 2027, bringing together several specialties such as ophthalmology, ENT, cardiology, and endocrinology. Spanning 325 m² within an easily accessible shopping center, it offers a modern work setting and an environment conducive to collaboration. Compensation For this position, you will receive compensation equal to 50% of gross revenue. Responsibilities - Dermatology consultations - Diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions - Monitoring patients and adjusting treatments - Medical dermatology procedures - Collaboration with other specialists at the center Benefits - New, fully equipped medical center - Spacious 325 m² facilities with a dedicated dermatology room - Multidisciplinary team - Parking That Extra Special Touch Franconville lies at the foot of the Montmorency Forest, one of the largest chestnut groves in France, perfect for your Sunday walks. The town combines a lush, green setting with proximity to the capital; Paris is only about 20 kilometers away and easily accessible by Transilien train. Qualifications Dermatologist licensed in France or the European Union, currently registered with or eligible for registration in the French Medical Board. Contact us at 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting ID: 13347 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, provides free support until you begin your practice: - Connecting you with our partner professors - Assistance with registration with the Medical Board - A dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our website and the Jober Group mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
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