Wondering about how to become a dermatologist in Pakistan? Medical students doing an MBBS or young students completing their F.Sc. Pre-Medical often find it perplexing to decide which specific medical field to pursue in their careers.
If dermatology is a field that you find enthralling, this article is for you! Below we will explain the exact steps you must follow to become a dermatologist in Pakistan. Continue reading for more details.
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Table of Contents
Who is a dermatologist?
A dermatologist (skin specialist) is a medical doctor who is trained to diagnose, manage, and treat a wide range of conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. They are also experienced in performing several cosmetic procedures ranging from minimally invasive to surgical.
Some of the procedures a dermatologist can perform include:
- Chemical peels
- Skin biopsy
- Mole removal
- Laser hair removal
- HydraFacial
Who should consider becoming a dermatologist?
The demand for dermatologists is gradually increasing in Pakistan owing to a need for more anti-aging and cosmetic treatments.
Pakistani women and men alike are embracing a new trend of cosmetic treatments to enhance their appearance to look and feel better about themselves.
For those medical students confused about if they should opt for the field of dermatology, we have compiled a list of important considerations to help you decide if you want to become a dermatologist. You should consider becoming a dermatologist if:
- You are interested in skincare, improving skin health, and cosmetic treatments.
- You are comfortable with long-term patient care, building relationships with your clients, and closely monitoring their treatment progress.
- You want financial stability in your career.
- You wish to have a good work-life balance.
- You aspire for a career marked by innovation and continuous advancement rather than sticking by tried and tested treatments.
- You are open to performing more invasive, surgical treatments in addition to minimally invasive ones.
- You have good communication skills and can explain detailed, complex treatment plans to patients to set realistic expectations in a clear and efficient manner.
How to become a dermatologist in Pakistan
You can become a dermatologist in Pakistan by following these 7 steps:
1. Complete your F.Sc. Pre-Medical
The starting point for all aspiring dermatologists is the F.Sc. Pre-Medical degree following matriculation.
The F.Sc. Pre-Medical exam involves Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as the elective subjects and carries 1100 marks in total. It is critical to get high marks in this exam to improve your chances of getting into a good medical university.
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2. Pass your MDCAT exam
The Medical & Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) is a prerequisite exam you have to pass before you can get into a medical university for your MBBS degree. The paper pattern of this entrance exam is explained below:
- MDCAT consists of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
- The exam involves questions from 5 subjects: Biology, Physics, Chemistry, English, and logical reasoning.
- The division of questions from each subject are as follows: Biology (68), Physics (54), Chemistry (54), English (18), logical reasoning (6).
- The distribution percentage of marks is as follows: Biology (34%), Physics (27%), Chemistry (27%), English (9%), logical reasoning (3%).
3. Enroll in a medical university
After you’ve successfully managed to pass your MDCAT exam, the next step is to enroll in a medical university. Students who have gotten good marks in their F.Sc. Pre-Medical have better chances of securing entry into reputable medical universities.
Some renowned medical universities in Pakistan include:
- King Edward Medical University (Lahore)
- Allama Iqbal Medical College (Lahore)
- Dow University of Health Sciences (Karachi)
- Fatima Jinnah Medical University (Lahore)
- Aga Khan University (Karachi)
- Khyber Medical University (Peshawar)
4. Complete your MBBS degree
The Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) is an undergraduate degree all aspiring dermatologists must complete before they begin their practice. It spans of 5 long years so you must stay vigilant and work hard during this time.
In MBBS, your learning will encompass various medical subjects like Biochemistry, Physiology, and Anatomy. MBBS students also receive training in performing minor surgical procedures.
5. Complete a house job
After MBBS, 1-year house job or internship is mandatory before you can move to the next step in your medical career.
6. Specialize in the field of dermatology
After completing your MBBS and house job, you must pursue a specialization in dermatology through the College of Physicians and Surgeons (FCPS) Fellowship program.
Specialties within the field of dermatology students can opt for include:
- Cosmetic Dermatology
- Dermatopathology
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Mohs Surgery
It can take up to 2-4 years to complete your specialization course depending on your chosen path.
7. Get licensed from PMDC
The final step to becoming a dermatologist in Pakistan is to get accredited from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council by obtaining your license as a PMDC-verified dermatologist.
Recap and Summary
Dermatology is fast-paced and highly rewarding medical field that young doctors in Pakistan commonly opt for. We have explained the process you have to follow to become a dermatologist in Pakistan in this step-by-step guide.
Becoming a dermatologist in Pakistan involves, completing your F.Sc. Pre-Medical, passing the MDCAT exam, getting into a medical university, completing MBBS, house job, specializing in dermatology, and finally obtaining your dermatologist license from PMDC.
To consult in-person and online dermatologists in Islamabad and other cities in Pakistan you can book an appointment by calling oladoc’s helpline number 0518151800.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. Can I become a dermatologist without MBBS in Pakistan?
Yes, you must complete an MBBS degree for becoming a dermatologist in Pakistan. If you can’t enroll into an MBBS program, the alternative is BS dermatology which can allow you to pursue a career in teaching and other non-clinical fields in dermatology but you won’t be able to practice or treat actual patients.
2. How many years does it take to become a dermatologist in Pakistan?
It can take around 10 years or more to become a dermatologist in Pakistan.
3. Is MDCAT required to become a dermatologist?
Yes, MDCAT is an entrance exam which is mandatory for all students to clear before they can get into a medical college or university in Pakistan for their MBBS degree.
4. What is the salary of a dermatologist in Pakistan?
The salary of a dermatologist in Pakistan can range from PKR 150,000 – 300,000 depending on the dermatologist’s experience, qualifications, and popularity among patients.
