Years of study to become a dermatologist

The academic path to becoming a dermatologist is long and demanding. It combines the acquisition of in-depth medical knowledge with the exercise of clinical skills. This specialization includes practical internships, research and, often, further training. This article explores the various stages of the necessary academic pathway. From the first steps in medical school to the years of residency, let's highlight the challenges that mark the dermatologist's career.

Études générales de médecine

Après le lycée

Before entering higher education, the becoming dermatologist must obtain a scientific baccalaureate. Once this has been completed, students wishing to pursue health studies can choose between two options:

Le Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS)

Introduced in 2020 to replace the former Premiées Commune aux Études de Santé (PACES), the PASS is a year of study combining a health major; é a minor from another discipline. This structure makes it possible to diversify skills and offer avenues for reorientation.
Students are assessed on the basis of continuous assessment and final exams.

Those who succeed can enter the health sector.
Those who fail can reorient themselves towards their minor's field of study before, if they wish, trying their luck again.

The PASS approach relieves the pressure associated with the former PACES single entrance exam, while diversifying the student's skills.

La Licence avec Accès Santé (L.AS)

Introduced in 2020 in order to diversify the training offer in health studies, the L.AS is a program 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 examinations. Depending on their performance, they will either be rejected or admitted to the second year of medical school.
The L.AS enables students to follow a diversified pathway, promoting skills and reorientation.

Études générales médicales

Après le PASS ou la L.AS (see above), les études générales de médecine se décomposent en deux parts diplômantes:

Le Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM) : three-year curriculum (the PASS and L.AS count as the first) consisting of theoretical courses in medical sciences and clinical internships in hospitals.
Le Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM) : A direct continuation of the DFGSM, this is a three-year course of study that integrates specialized courses and advanced internships in various hospital departments.

Examen Classant National (ECN)

After six years of study to become a dermatologist, students in the health sector take a national competitive examination, which is open to all medical students. At the end of the examination, students choose their specialty. The order of priority is determined by ranking.

Spécialisation in dermatology

Once the études générales de médecine completed, the student who specializes in dermatology enters internship for five years. This course is divided into theoretical and practical training:

Training théoric : interns follow théoric courses covering the various aspects of dermatology. They attend seminars and conferences to keep abreast of the latest advances and research in the field.
Training practical : dermatology interns participate in the activities of various health departments.

In addition, the dermatology intern must write and defend a thesis in order to obtain a doctorate. At the end of this specialization, the intern obtains the Diplôme d'Etudes Spécialis;es en Dermatologie (DES).

Complementary training

After obtaining the DES and registering with the Ordre des médecins, specialists wishing to apply for job offers for dermatologists can continue his 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 for an emergency physician

Whatever his or her specialty, a dermatologistmust possess the technical, medical and human skills and qualities needed to succeed in his or her field. These will be taught and passed on throughout his or her academic training. He or she must demonstrate medical, diagnostic and surgical skills, as well as curiosity, adaptability, leadership, rigor, patience and empathy. Together, these qualities will enable the practitioner to exercise his or her profession with complete safety, and to deal with every case he or she is confronted with.

From the rigor of initial studies to the acquisition of specific clinical and surgical skills, every step of the études pour être dermatologue is crucial. They train qualified professionals capable of diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions. Ongoing training is essential in this fast-moving field, ensuring 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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