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Who is a Board Certified Dermatologist?

When you choose North Sound Dermatology, you can trust that our board-certified dermatologists will take great care of you. Our providers are both qualified and nationally recognized, so patients in the Seattle and Everett areas can be confident they are receiving exceptional care.

Board-certified dermatologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes.

Training

A board-certified dermatologist must begin by earning a college bachelor’s degree, then attend medical school and become an MD (Doctor of Medicine), or a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), which is equivalent. Next, an internship of at least one year, followed by a three-year residency in an accredited dermatology program is required. When these criteria have been met, the American Board of Dermatology administers a board certification exam.

A physician who has completed these requirements and passed the examination is then a board-certified dermatologist. A dermatologist with the designation of FAAD has also earned Fellowship with the American Academy of Dermatology.

Services Provided

There are well over 3,000 different skin diseases that dermatologists treat. These include acne, rosacea, warts, eczema/dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal nail infections, skin cancer, and many more.

One of the most important services that a dermatologist renders is cancer testing. A dermatologist can identify a suspicious lesion by its size, shape, color, and changes in appearance. However, a confirmation of diagnosis is necessary before surgical or other cancer treatment is performed. In some cases, a growth may appear to be benign, but displays some questionable characteristics. The dermatologist may take a biopsy and request testing as a precaution.

Why See A Dermatologist

Some of the services offered by dermatologists are available from other types of physicians, or even non-physicians operating in spas, salons and mall kiosks. However, it is advisable to see a board-certified dermatologist when you have skin concerns, as no other type of physician has the same degree of in-depth training in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases.

Non-physicians who are not practicing under the supervision of a dermatologist may attempt to treat conditions that are beyond the level of their training and expertise, and they may miss the signs of a serious condition. Additionally, any kind of medical or cosmetic treatment provided in a non-medical setting carries potential safety risks.

At North Sound Dermatology, we have an award-winning team of board-certified dermatologists, many of whom hold certifications in sub-specialties. Additionally, our associate dermatology PAs and licensed medical esthetician have extensive dermatology-specific training and experience, and they work closely with the dermatologists to make certain that you are receiving the best care possible.

At North Sound Dermatology, you can always be confident that you are receiving superb care from a properly trained and qualified professional. Contact us to schedule a consultation. We welcome those in the Seattle, Everett, and surrounding Washington areas. Also, learn more about our insurance policy.