| Detail | For this role |
|---|---|
| Department | Clinical and Medical |
| Level | Mid level |
| Reports to | Medical Director |
| Direct reports | None |
| Experience | 2 to 6 years after postgraduation, including independent OPD and procedure work |
Dermatologist job description template
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Job title: Dermatologist
Department: Clinical and Medical
Reports to: Medical Director
Location: [City], [office, branch or site]
About the role
A Dermatologist diagnoses and treats diseases of the skin, hair and nails, and under Indian DVL training also sexually transmitted infections and leprosy. Hospital dermatologists run busy OPDs for eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, acne and pigmentation, give inpatient opinions for drug reactions and blistering diseases, and perform procedures such as biopsies, chemical peels and lasers. A good dermatologist gets the diagnosis right on the first visit, avoids steroid misuse and keeps procedure complications rare.
Key responsibilities
- See OPD patients with infections, eczema, psoriasis, acne, pigmentation, hair loss and nail disease, and prescribe treatment.
- Diagnose and manage sexually transmitted infections and leprosy, including counselling and partner or contact advice as per hospital policy.
- Perform skin biopsies, cautery, cryotherapy, intralesional injections and minor excisions in the procedure room.
- Carry out aesthetic procedures such as chemical peels, lasers and microneedling, with written consent and before-and-after photographs.
- Give inpatient opinions for severe drug reactions, blistering diseases and skin signs of systemic illness.
- Counsel patients against misuse of over-the-counter steroid creams, and plan a taper for those already dependent on them.
- Review biopsy and fungal culture reports with the pathologist and microbiologist, and adjust treatment accordingly.
- Keep laser and procedure equipment logs with the biomedical team, including safety checks and eye protection.
- Store clinical photographs securely and protect patient privacy when examining or photographing sensitive areas.
- Contribute to outreach such as school skin camps, leprosy awareness drives and dermatitis checks for industrial workers.
Requirements
- MD, DNB or DDVL in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy
- Valid registration with the National Medical Commission or a State Medical Council
- Training in lasers or dermatosurgery is an advantage
- 2 to 6 years after postgraduation, including independent OPD and procedure work
KRAs and KPIs for a Dermatologist
Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.
| Key result area | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| OPD service | OPD waiting time within 30 minutes, with every scheduled clinic session starting on time |
| Procedure safety | Complications such as burns or pigment changes below 1 percent of procedures each quarter |
| Consent and photographs | Written consent and clinical photographs on record for 100 percent of aesthetic procedures |
| Inpatient opinions | Dermatology opinions for admitted patients given within 12 hours of the request |
| Procedure income | Procedure room sessions and income at or above the monthly department plan |
| Chronic care follow-up | At least 70 percent of psoriasis and eczema patients return for their planned review visit |
Skills and tools
Tools used day to day: Dermatoscope, Q-switched and diode lasers, Radiofrequency cautery, Cryotherapy unit, Wood's lamp, Clinical photography setup.
Reporting line and career path
Next roles: Head of Department (Clinical), Medical Director
Interview questions for a Dermatologist
- A young woman has used a steroid cream on her face for two years for pigmentation. How do you manage her?
- How do you tell a fungal infection from eczema when they look alike on the first visit?
- A patient develops a burn after a laser session you performed. What do you do next?
- How do you set expectations for a patient who wants acne scars gone in one session?
- When would you admit a patient with a drug rash?
- How do you counsel a newly diagnosed leprosy patient who fears stigma at work?
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Book a free demoSee pricingFrequently asked questions
What does a dermatologist do?
A dermatologist treats diseases of the skin, hair and nails, such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, fungal infections, pigmentation and hair loss. In India the specialty also covers sexually transmitted infections and leprosy. Dermatologists perform biopsies and minor skin surgery as well as cosmetic procedures such as peels and lasers.
What qualification does a dermatologist need in India?
A dermatologist needs an MBBS followed by an MD, DNB or diploma in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, often shortened to DVL. Many then take short training in lasers, hair restoration or dermatosurgery, and all need valid medical council registration to practise.
What is the difference between a dermatologist and a cosmetologist?
A dermatologist is a medical doctor with a postgraduate qualification in dermatology who diagnoses skin disease, prescribes medicines and performs procedures. A cosmetologist usually holds a beauty or cosmetology course certificate and provides salon treatments such as facials, without diagnosing disease or prescribing medicines.