“Would you ever quit dermatology to be a full-time influencer?”
Dermatology is often one of the most glamorized specialties in medicine, but while the challenges may look different from the outside, they are very real
Behind every dermatologist is:
4 years of undergrad
4 years of medical school
three to six 8-hour licensing exams that require scoring in the top percentiles
4 years of residency training
5 core specialty exams
an 8-hour board certification exam
and often years of research and publications
All of that training leads to what dermatologists truly are: the leading experts in skin, hair, nails, cutaneous surgery, and non-surgical aesthetics.
And yet, because skin conditions often look simple, our expertise is sometimes underestimated. What people don’t see are the thousands of hours spent studying subtle clinical patterns, pathology, and disease processes that allow dermatologists to often recognize a diagnosis within seconds of seeing it
The real challenge isn’t the medicine - it’s sometimes having to defend our specialty in a world where information (and misinformation) is everywhere, and where patients aren’t always acutely ill but are still deeply affected by what they’re going through
Content creation has opened incredible doors and opportunities for me. But at the end of the day, seeing patients, solving complex diagnoses, and helping people feel comfortable and confident in their own skin will always be the heart of what I do
Even on the hardest days. Even when the path has been far from easy. Even when there are easier choices available. I love being a dermatologist.
So my answer to this question is always a surprise to those asking, because no - I wouldn’t leave dermatology for content creation
But I do hope I never have to choose between the two 🤞🏼
Happy National Dermatologist Day to the physicians who dedicate their lives to the science, art, and care of skin 👩🏻⚕️
#nationaldermatologistday #dermatologist #skinexpert #figsambassador @wearfigs
As someone fascinated by dermatology, I truly appreciate the depth of knowledge and dedication required to excel in this field. The extensive education and rigorous examinations Dr. Madalyn mentions highlight how dermatologists are not just skin specialists but medical experts with a vast understanding of complex clinical patterns and diseases. One thing I have noticed is that despite the glamour associated with dermatology, many people often underestimate the complexity behind diagnosing and treating skin conditions. It’s not just about treating acne or aesthetic procedures; it involves understanding subtle signs that can indicate severe systemic issues. This complexity makes the specialty incredibly challenging but also rewarding. I also resonate with the struggle of defending dermatology in today's world, where misinformation spreads quickly online. Patients come with countless questions fueled by inaccurate social media content, and the dermatologist’s role includes educating them and correcting myths without undermining their concerns. This requires not only medical expertise but empathy and communication skills. Content creation, as Dr. Madalyn shares, offers unique opportunities to connect with a broader audience, share knowledge, and empower patients to care for their skin better. But it’s refreshing to hear that the heart of the profession remains patient care — solving difficult diagnoses and supporting people to feel confident in their skin. The motivational phrases seen in the images like "do it tired," "do it scared," and "your normal day is someone else's dream" really resonate with the perseverance needed in this field. Being a dermatologist often means pushing through exhausting days and challenges because the passion for helping others and the love of the specialty keep one going. In summary, the journey of a dermatologist is a blend of rigorous science, continuous learning, patient advocacy, and personal resilience. For anyone considering the field or curious about the real-life experience behind the scenes, this perspective sheds light on the dedication that goes beyond the surface beauty to the core of medical care.
