Signs of an Excellent Dermatologist

Finding the right skin doctor is a very important step in getting the right treatment.  Some dermatologists specialize in cosmetic dermatology, while another might specialize in surgical dermatology.  Sometime it is not clear upon initial consultation what the doctor is specifically qualified for – some will say they do surgery as well as cosmetic, but in actuality they delegate the surgical work to an associate doctor.  So asking the right questions is crucial to finding the right doctor.

When looking for a dermatologist Palo Alto, there are a number of signs to watch for in order to find the best doctor available.  These signs include:

Slow and Relaxing Appointments:  If the doctor is in a rush during an initial consultation, it is clear they do not have the time or interest in getting to the root of the issues at hand.  Appropriate skin treatment is never a simple one-time solution.  It’s important to work with someone that has the ability to offer a number of different interpretations and treatments, whether it is acne, rash, scars, wrinkles, or laser.

Amazing Credentials: Always look into the professional history of a doctor to make sure they have appropriate qualifications and a lot of experience in the field.  Dermatology is a highly competitive medical field that begins with an undergraduate degree, a four-year medical school degree, which should include a residency.  During the consultation, ask about the doctor’s history to get a sense of their experience and qualifications.  Because dermatology is so popular, a lot of doctors are in practice that are not a part of the American Board of Dermatology.  Make sure to avoid these doctors that pretend to be at the vanguard of their field but are actually unqualified for their position.

 Hands-On Lead Doctor: Aside from amazing credentials, the doctor should be hands on in all areas of treatment.  This is equally true if they are a cosmetic or surgical doctor, because both require consistent attention to ensure best results.  Like a standard GP, a cosmetic doctor should always be able to adapt their treatment plan to match the changing systems.  It’s far better if they are there to ensure the right changes are made rather than delegating to an associate.  Palo Alto is full of excellent hands-on skin doctors that grow and change with their patients.

A Holistic Approach: This usually means giving the patient a lot of options in terms of their treatment.  A great cosmetic specialist will give out a lot of samples to their patients to let them figure out for themselves which products work best.  This is a far more patient-friendly approach than a doctor who tells their patients what prescription to buy without even giving them a sample.

These four signs will make it clear which doctors are concerned for their patient’s skin care, and those that are just looking for a big paycheck.