What is a Board-Certified Dermatologist and Why Should You Choose One?

Often, the first choice for many Canadians is to turn to their General Practitioner for advice about their health. While this is appropriate for your overall health and well-being, it may not be the most suitable choice for questions about your skin, hair, and nails. Similar to how seeing a Cardiologist is the most appropriate doctor for your heart condition, a Board-Certified Dermatologist is the best choice for any questions or concerns about your skin health.

In Canada, following graduation from medical school, a General Practitioner completes a two to three-year residency in family medicine[i]. Throughout this residency, General Practitioners learn about various health conditions affecting their patients’ entire bodies rather than specialized training on one specific part of the body.

In contrast, Board-Certified Dermatologists complete five years of advanced training in a dermatology residency after graduating from medical school. In addition, many Board-Certified Dermatologists pursue an additional two years of training in a subspecialty such as cosmetic dermatology, dermatopathology, or pediatric dermatology[ii],[iii].

Following their advanced training, residents complete examinations to prove their proficiency regarding all aspects of skin health and disease before being formally recognized as Board Certified Dermatologistsⁱⁱ. Once certified, they must participate in the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada’s Maintenance of Certificate Program, which facilitates continuing education and regular examinations to maintain ongoing expertise[iv].

Throughout their extensive training, dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat more than 3,000 conditions related to a person’s skin, hair, and nailsⁱⁱⁱ. These conditions may be life-threatening illnesses, ailments causing significant discomfort, or cosmetic concerns. Regardless of the presenting condition, dermatologists’ specialized expertise can improve their patient’s quality of life through accurate diagnosis, proper treatment, and patient education.

Making the decision to meet with a Board-Certified Dermatologist about your skin condition is a great first step to getting the best care possible and feeling more confident about your skin health. To access a dermatologist for a medical condition affecting your skin, hair, or nails, you will need a medical referral from a physician. This is often from your family physician but can be from any physician or accredited healthcare professional.

If you would like to connect with a Board-Certified Dermatologist for cosmetic services, a medical referral is not required.

Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery is a full-service dermatologic and skin care facility in Canmore, Alberta. Founded by Dr. Paul Lubitz in 2014, Art of SKIN offers specialized medical, cosmetic, surgical and phlebology treatments from an outstanding team of healthcare professionals to ensure you have confidence in your care.

Dr. Lubitz is a Board-Certified Dermatologist and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Faculties of Medicine for both the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary. He has been extensively trained nationally and internationally in all aspects of dermatology and he has designed his clinic to be at the forefront of technology and research to ensure his patients receive the best care possible.

Our skin is essential to keeping our bodies healthy and functioning correctly. It protects our bodies from viruses, bacteria, and harmful environmental substances, helps regulate our body temperature, and prevents dehydration. With such crucial functions to your overall health and well-being, your skin deserves the expertise and specialized care a Board-Certified Dermatologist provides.

[i] Government of Canada. (2023, May 19). Job Requirements: General Practitioner (GP) in Alberta. Job Bank. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/requirements/24433/AB

[ii] Canadian Dermatology Association. (2023). What is a Dermatologist? https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/about-dermatology/what-is-a-dermatologist/

[iii] Canadian Dermatology Association. (2023). Dermatology and Subspecialties. https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/about-dermatology/dermatology-and-subspecialties/

[iv] Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. (n.d.). The Maintenance of Certification Program. https://www.royalcollege.ca/ca/en/cpd/maintenance-of-certification-program.html

[1] Government of Canada. (2023, May 19). Job Requirements: General Practitioner (GP) in Alberta. Job Bank. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/requirements/24433/AB

[1] Canadian Dermatology Association. (2023). What is a Dermatologist? https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/about-dermatology/what-is-a-dermatologist/

[1] Canadian Dermatology Association. (2023). Dermatology and Subspecialties. https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/about-dermatology/dermatology-and-subspecialties/

[1] Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. (n.d.). The Maintenance of Certification Program. https://www.royalcollege.ca/ca/en/cpd/maintenance-of-certification-program.html