Whether or not you entered the medical field with the intention of teaching or performing research, opportunities in these arenas may present themselves at some point during your career. Physicians working in an academic setting will find such educational and research opportunities plentiful as such doctors will be affiliated with a university or research team.
Though an academic dermatologist’s income is stable and guaranteed, it has traditionally been lower than that of a practicing solo, corporate, or group dermatologist. Such generalizations about academic dermatologists’ salaries have been changing recently and many academic dermatologists may find themselves in salary and bonus structures comparable to those in private practice. However, the strengths of academic positions often go beyond monetary income. If you’re a physician who possesses a love of learning and a passion for ensuring quality education for future generations, you may find a position in academia to be particularly attractive. Though teaching is certainly not for everyone, medical students and residents alike will be grateful for the expertise an academic dermatologist with a real passion for teaching provides. Similarly, academic dermatologists are consistently grateful and inspired by the intellect, drive, and curiosity of medical students and budding dermatologists, and camaraderie with their peers.
Academic dermatology also grants the opportunity to put your name on research and innovation. This not only furthers the field of dermatology, but may also further your career. You may have the opportunity to address students, residents, and your peers as you speak at conferences and participate on panels. Such activities can result in professional recognition, promotion, and if desired, increased income.
Though there are many opportunities for academic dermatologists in hospital administration, an academic position is also great for a physician with little to no interest in the business world. It would not be typical for an academic dermatologist to be responsible for running a practice or clinic. Having a major corporate entity responsible for tasks outside the scope of the practice of medicine releases the academic dermatologist from items such as managing overhead expenses, patient referrals, medical billing, human resources (HR), the consequences of an international pandemic (!), and everything else that comes along.
An academic dermatologist generally works with a large staff. This is appealing to the more collaborative, team-oriented dermatologist who enjoys interacting with many people on a daily basis. However unlike in a private practice model, the other staff members are not under your jurisdiction. You may have little-to-no say in who you work with, who is hired and fired, and how your work environment is structured. Regardless of your own personal performance, the reputation of your staff will affect how you and the entire organization are perceived and reviewed. Without hiring and firing capabilities, any issues that exist with your co-workers must go through your clinic or university’s HR Department.
Although the pay may be less than physicians affiliated with practices, a large team of co-workers along with multiple opportunities to advance the science of dermatology exist in the academic arena. In addition, the absence of typical responsibilities associated with the management of a practice and the benefit of built-in patient referrals make an academic position a great choice for physicians with the right mindset. The unique demands of academic dermatology requires a committed individual who is dedicated to clinical excellence, moving the needle forward in research, and educating the next generation of dermatologists. If you have a true passion for education and research, a career in academic dermatology might just be the right position for you.
