"The dermatologist knows skin, otherwise he can't do much." The JuDerm team explains why this prejudice has nothing to do with the profession of a dermatologist.

Those who study medicine usually have a vision, the big dream of "saving lives", of doctors without borders, of heroes in the emergency room. And this is also supported by the media: TV series en masse deal with the heroic image of surgeons or the family-friendly, romantic stories of a country doctor. Moreover, the prospects of pustules, eczema and psoriasis do not seem particularly inviting - a future with cortisone cream seems rather dull. On the surface, the skin probably just doesn't give any more. But it is not without reason that it is called the "mirror of the soul". Our skin is an indicator of internal diseases and systemic processes and can also do much more.

"Love at second sight" - this is how most dermatologists describe the choice of the subject. At some point during a clinical traineeship, or at the latest during a clinic rotation, interest in this exciting specialist discipline is awakened. There, a world full of unexpected possibilities opens up. growth factor eye serum

Ointments, lasers, cutting ... if you can do derma, you can do anything

Many new system therapeutics (for example in the field of psoriasis, but also in the therapy of light and black skin cancer) expand the therapeutic possibilities today. Many issues - from diagnostics to therapy - can often be solved by dermatologists themselves without having to employ laboratories or refer to another speciality. Histology, own formulations, surgical interventions - this range is simply fun! As a pioneer in telemedicine, dermatology is also proving to be an extremely innovative subject.

But these special features are by no means the end of the story. Those who attach importance to the compatibility of work and family can optimally realise this as a training assistant in a practice or as a dermatologist in private practice. There are virtually no emergency services or emergencies, one can schedule oneself optimally and thus adapt to one's daily work routine. The spectrum of sensibly applicable IGeL is particularly broad in our speciality, and this monetary circumstance is also worth mentioning. In a comparison of all specialist groups, dermatologists in private practice are in the top third with their average annual income.

Also in great demand in the future: the dermatologist of tomorrow

Those who choose dermatology today will be well positioned in the future and can already look forward to a well-filled waiting room. Especially in the field of branch offices, the demand for new blood is higher than ever before. The image described above, but also issues of demographic development contribute equally to this. Experts in health care research predict, for example, that the proportion of age-related skin diseases will increase by about 30 percent within the next 10 years!

On the other hand, there is a major problem in filling dermatological practices - especially in rural areas. Here, local authorities and associations of panel doctors are creating great incentives to attract dermatologists to the region: interest-free loans, rent-free premises, start-up credits and sometimes even financing of studies in advance with ties to the region. There is also good news for the young doctors who are not drawn to the countryside: The practices in the cities are currently already working at the limits of their capacity and are also making efforts to attract junior staff.

Clinic, practice, research: dermatology is multifaceted

Of course, one can choose - as in all specialities - between clinic, research and branch. Although well-trained dermatology specialists in clinics and research do not have to search long for a vacancy, the greatest demand is currently clearly in the branch offices.

Especially for an own practice, there are also the well-known models: As the owner of an individual practice, for example, one stands completely on one's own two feet, makes all decisions oneself, but also bears the entire responsibility. The range of specialisation is also limited to what one can offer oneself or, if necessary, an employed colleague.

In group practices and medical care centres, on the other hand, the know-how is complemented by interdisciplinary work. Very specialised work, for example in a psoriasis centre or in health services research, is also interesting. Other colleagues, on the other hand, concentrate mainly on the aesthetic field, where not only wrinkles are injected and Botox is injected. Dermatologists are also heavily involved in educational work, especially on the subject of skin cancer.

JuDerm takes the first steps with

Even during further training, the BVDD and the DDG are available as advisors and sources of information for young dermatologists. For a planned clinical career, the starting signal is often already given with a good specialist training in the suitable hospitals. The DDG also offers various funding programmes for physicians with research ambitions. In both cases, the young doctor can rely on intensive support along the career path.

The step towards setting up one's own practice is a much more exciting affair. Here, it is necessary to become entrepreneurially active, to bear personnel responsibility and to make one's own decisions. From looking for real estate to selecting staff, leading a team, complying with legal requirements, making large purchases and learning new skills, you are now left to your own devices as the "boss". For this reason, the JuDerm working group has been intensively involved for two years with training events that accompany these first steps. "Fit for the practice" is a series of workshops dealing with topics such as "Outpatient surgery", "Top ten diagnoses in the practice", "IGeL - communication" or "The SuperPractice" and is intended to accompany young dermatologists precisely in this exciting professional phase.

The AG is also the contact for all training and further education topics, arranges contacts and mentors, supports the search for clinical traineeships and WBA positions in the branches and recently also offers a presentation platform for entire practices for sale.

Young dermatologists therefore have all doors open and an exciting career ahead of them. Anyone who is enthusiastic about dermatological topics and has a desire for a somewhat different but highly varied everyday working life should definitely take a second look at the sector - perhaps it is just the right thing after all.