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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