Dermasurgeon

Dermasurgery (short for dermatologic surgery) is surgery performed by a dermatologist physician. Dermasurgeons (dermatologic surgeons) are medical doctors formally trained in this field which is a major part of their specialty training during the dermatologyresidency. After being certified by the American Board of Dermatology, they may apply for fellowship status in the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, a professional organization dedicated to supporting and educating these specialty physicians.

Dermasurgeons are engaged in the management of benign and malignant skin tumors, congenital problems like port wine stains, and the ever expanding field of cosmetic dermatology. They utilize traditional scalpel surgery, lasers, chemosurgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, topical and injection immunotherapy, photodynamic treatments and chemotherapy in their treatment armamentarium.

Dermasurgeons are pioneers of new procedures, like the laser treatment of port wine stains and new surgical techniques for the management of difficult skin cancers. Dermasurgeons are also experts at minimally invasive cosmetic procedures like nonablative laser rejuvenation, dermal fillers and botulinum injections. Some specially trained dermasurgeons practice Mohs cancer surgery.

Dermasurgeons should support and promote the ethical standards of the American Medical Association and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery including that "physicians should practice a method of healing founded upon a scientific basis." "Physicians should not dispense or supply drugs, remedies or appliances unless it is manifestly in the best interest of their patients."

It takes 12-13 years to become a dermasurgeon: 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, a 1 year medical or surgical internship, and a 3-4 year dermatology residency.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dermasurgeon Wikipedia article Dermasurgeon.