AAD letter to the Wall Street Journal in response to “$500,000 Pay, Predictable Hours: How Dermatology Became the ‘It’ Job in Medicine”

American Academy of Dermatology President Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD
Letter to the editor originally submitted to the Wall Street Journal on Nov. 20, 2024

ROSEMONT, Ill. (Dec. 2, 2024) — On behalf of the American Academy of Dermatology and its 21,000 members, I am writing to express very serious concerns about your recent article, “$500,000 Pay, Predictable Hours: How Dermatology Became the ‘It’ Job in Medicine.” The article completely overlooks the primary reason why dermatologists choose this career: a lifelong commitment to helping their patients and the public by providing critical medical care for diseases affecting the body’s largest organ. 

Board-certified dermatologists play a crucial role in medicine, and diagnose and treat more than 3,000 skin, hair, and nail conditions. From treating life-threatening cancers at their earliest stages, to treating chronic diseases like psoriasis and eczema, dermatologists provide care that relieves suffering, improves quality of life, and saves lives. 

It is extremely concerning that this article may leave readers with the impression that aspiring dermatologists are primarily driven by flexible schedules and financial gain. This diminishes the profound impact dermatologists have on patients’ health and well-being. While cosmetic procedures are indeed valuable services provided by many dermatologists, they represent only one aspect of the comprehensive medical care we offer. 

As highly trained physicians, dermatologists form lasting partnerships with our patients, diagnosing conditions that can be debilitating, stigmatizing, and even life threatening. With their highly specialized knowledge, dermatologists are integral to improving the quality of life for patients of all ages and are essential parts of every aspect of the healthcare ecosystem. It is imperative that the breadth of life-changing services provided by dermatologists be conveyed to the public, offering a more complete picture of the field and the physicians who dedicate their lives to the health and well-being of the public.

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Contact

Shelby Homiston, shomiston@aad.org

Rhys Saunders, rsaunders@aad.org

About the AAD

Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 21,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care because skin, hair, and nail conditions can have a serious impact on your health and well-being. For more information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow @AADskin on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube and @AADskin1 on Instagram.

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AAD letter to the Wall Street Journal in response to “$500,000 Pay, Predictable Hours: How Dermatology Became the ‘It’ Job in Medicine”

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