INSIDE INFORMATION

Click on the questions below to view comments from clinicians.

Why did you choose this specialty, and what do you most like about it?

 

	One contributor commented that his interest in dermatology lies in the intrinsic lesions of skin disease and in the correlation with internal medical disorders. The specialty combines medical and surgical components, incorporates elements of many disciplines within medicine, and enables collaboration with other specialties. Sessional work hours and no “on call” were key factors in choosing this speciality.

 

	You need to possess a strong visual and associative memory, a sound background in general medicine, and some degree of surgical skill. You must also be able to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.

 

	Much of the work involves outpatient consultations, with morning and afternoon clinics of up to 14 or 15 patients. Every second day you would expect to spend a morning or afternoon in surgery treating four or five cases. The job also involves supervising registrars in clinical and surgical components of the specialty.

 

	There is increasing understanding of the pathology and aetiology of many conditions and new topical therapies for inflammatory skin disorders and NMSC are emerging. The interface between cosmetic dermatology and medical dermatology continues to present ongoing challenges.

 

	This is a dynamic, rapidly changing specialty. Insights from molecular biology and immunology are likely to prove crucial in the future.

 

	Contributors agreed that there is room for well-trained young specialists throughout New Zealand.

 

	Travel to take up an overseas post is a requirement for the training programme. One contributor commented that it is always difficult to pursue a career while you have young children, but that it has been manageable in this particular field of work.

 

	According to one consultant the work involves mainly office hours, although the on-call work can be slightly disruptive to your social or family life.

 

	There are limited numbers of positions with adequate funding overseas (including Australia) and New Zealand qualifications are not recognised in Australia. Opportunities for research in New Zealand are limited and no academic positions are currently available.

 

	The training programme in New Zealand is highly regarded but there are few registrar posts and trainees are required to spend time in more than one location. It can be difficult to secure and obtain funding for overseas positions. Post-FRACP training can be undertaken in clinical dermatology, subspecialty training or research related to dermatology.