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Dermatologists are specially trained to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases of the skin. And in a harsh climate like Western Australia's where an alarming number of people are diagnosed with sun-damage related diseases, a dermatologist's skills are highly valued.
Rashes, Acne and Skin Cancer.
''A high percentage of skin disease is due to the skin being damaged by the sun. However, dermatologists also treat other diseases of the skin and any of the 4,000 or so rashes visible to the eye,'' says former State Chairman of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, Dr Phil Swarbrick.
It is estimated that about one in ten people visiting a general practitioner suffers from a skin complaint. Although not all of them are as life threatening or debilitating as skin cancer, they can be embarrassing and irritating and in need of immediate attention. While most cases of skin disease will be treated by a general practitioner, those that require specialist diagnosis and treatment will be referred to a dermatologist.
Once a diagnosis has been made, the dermatologist determines the most appropriate treatment. Because some treatments can have some serious side effects, an important job of the dermatologist is to decide on the most effective treatment with the least side effects.
''In many cases, the problems you see require a one-stop fix. Acne, even skin cancers, are curable. The episodes of disease are short, so you expect to make most patients 100% better,'' says dermatologist, Dr Christopher Quirk.
If the dermatologist is unable to diagnose a skin disease, or is unsure about a diagnosis, a biopsy is undertaken. During a biopsy, a dermatologist anaesthetises the patient and surgically removes part of, or the whole area of affected skin. A specialist medical practitioner called a dermatopathologist looks at that skin under a microscope in order to provide an accurate diagnosis. If it's a skin cancer, they ensure all of it has been removed.
Built-in Variety
With more than 4,000 possible skin problems, a dermatologist is usually presented with at least one new or uncommon skin problem each day. It's this variety and much more, that Dr Swarbrick enjoys.
''You are not only a physician, consulting with patients, you are also a surgeon, which requires you to have both diagnostic and surgical skills. It's a very hands-on profession.''
Dermatologist, Dr Kurt Gebauer adds:
''It helps if you are a bit of an extrovert - because you are constantly dealing with people.''
Ongoing Research
Undertaking research into skin diseases and their treatment is another avenue that dermatologists may consider.
''Over the past 10 years, major advances have been made particularly in the management of disabling skin diseases, in laser therapy and in surgical techniques. Dermatology has gone through a huge revolution,'' comments Dr Swarbrick.
Most Western Australian dermatologists find themselves very busy. However, it should be noted that entry requirements for medicine remain very high and only one training position for this specialisation is made available each year. Employment is also limited to regions with a larger population. It is estimated that 20,000 people are required to support one dermatologist.
Specialist medical practitioners generally earn about $150,000 per year and this may go as high as $300,000 in some exceptional cases.
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