Dermatologists near Ladera Ranch are physicians whose special training focuses on remedying conditions of the skin, nails, hair and even the mucous membranes of the eyes and the lining of the mouth. Alta Dermatology treats patients of all ages, infants and seniors alike.
Conditions We Treat in Ladera Ranch
The American Academy of Dermatology has listed more than 3,000 different conditions of the skin, nails, hair and membranes that are treated by dermatologists. The list includes relatively innocuous rashes and pimples as well life-threatening conditions like skin cancers. We can also lend our expertise to addressing the cosmetic needs of our patients, helping to restore healthy hair, elastic skin and lustrous nails.
According to a report published by the CDC, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, office based dermatologists were visited 39,000,000 times in 2010. There are over 700,000 practicing medical physicians in the US and roughly 1.2% of them ( 8,400 — give or take) practice in the field of dermatology.
Another study, conducted in 2012, surveyed professionals from 25 different medical specialties to determine some of the specifics of their professions in regard to their personal lives. This survey reported that, right behind rheumatologists – doctors who treat joints, arthritis, etc.– dermatologists are the happiest physicians with their lives outside of their work.
What is Dermatology
Dermatology is the field of medicine dedicated to treatment of the skin and its conditions. This includes remedies to treat diseases as well as treatments to maintain healthy, blemish free skin. Treatment for the maladies common to the skin hair, nails, and mucous membranes are preceded by a proper diagnosis.
Ok, Pop Quiz! Who can search the dark recesses of their grade school biology memories and pull out what the largest organ in the human body is, hmmm? That’s right! The integumentary system, or the skin, covers a total surface area of 20 square feet, depending on the relative size of the human.
According to a study conducted by the medical community at the MAYO Clinic, roughly 42% of the patients they studied visited the clinic at least once because of a skin condition.
The many maladies common to the skin, nails, hair and mucous membranes are diagnosed, evaluated and addressed with a variety of different treatments and therapies including phototherapy, immunotherapy, laser therapy, radiotherapy, medication and surgery. Cosmetic procedures are also evaluated and addressed with the same methods.
The Qualified Dermatologist
A true dermatologist will have completed four separate phases of training before they are qualified medical practitioners. The first requirement is that they obtain a degree from college and attend graduate school in medical school. This gives them the title of doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO).
Once this has been completed, it is necessary to apply for an internship – this is the first year of on the job training a doctor receives and is done in a hospital or clinic; Interns who are soon to become dermatologists will often complete their internship in some field of associated medicine, such as emergency medicine, internal medicine, general surgery or pediatrics.
Once the internship has been completed, the doctor may begin a dermatology residency program. This is when they become known as a dermatology resident and begin to receive specialized training in procedures such as surgery, diagnosis and treatment of a huge variety of specific conditions of the skin, nails and hair. It generally takes 3 years to complete a residency program.
Once the residency program has been completed, the resident dermatologist is ready to take a dermatology board examination. These are now required to be taken routinely every 10 years to be sure doctors are kept updated with advances throughout the specialty. Once passing this exam, a dermatologist can become board-certified.
When looking for a skin doctor, make sure your doctor is board-certified in dermatology like Dr. Wang.
At Alta Dermatology, just minutes from Ladera Ranch, Dr. Victoria Wang MD is ready to answer any questions or concerns. Please contact us.
We are also very close to and care for patients in Laguna Beach, Corona Del Mar, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Corona Del Mar, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, San Clemente, Laguna Woods, Rancho Santa Margarita, Costa Mesa and Laguna Hills