What is a Dermatologist / Dermatology?

Dr. Joanna Day is a dermatologist in West Vancouver, British Columbia who has been practicing dermatology for over 34 years. A dermatologist is a physician (medical doctor, MD) with an additional 5 years of medical training focused on the disorders and diseases of skin (dermatology).

In Canada, becoming a dermatologist typically requires 13 to 14 years of university and post-graduate study. This includes graduation from a 4 year undergraduate program, acceptance into a medical school university program followed by 4 years training in medical school, followed by acceptance into a university residency program, after which an additional 4-5 years must be dedicated to a post-doctorate degree consisting of advanced medical and surgical training in the prevention, recognition and treatment of diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. The name dermatologist is legally reserved for medical specialists who have completed these requirements. All dermatologists in Canada must be certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (ou au Québec, la Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec).

During dermatology specialty training an additional year of study/training in the specialty of internal medicine is also required. The specialty of dermatology includes knowledge and expertise in disorders of hair and nails in addition to skin. In order to become a certified skin specialist (dermatologist) in Canada an individual with approved university training must pass a strict and regulated series of medical examinations at the end of the four to five year training period after the required MD degree. After successful completion of the final examinations a specialty degree is awarded by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC).

In order to ensure ongoing proficiency, all specialists are required to undertake and register in a mandatory Maintenance of Competency Program regulated by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. This involves a required number of hours of additional training within ones specialty over and above the daily practice of medicine. Dr Joanna Day ensures this ongoing training and proficiency in her dermatology practice, and is current and certified with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in the Maintenance of Proficiency. Ongoing training and education are a personal commitment of Dr Day and ensure the best possible expertise and care for her patients.

A WORD OF CAUTION: Several dermatology and skin centres in Greater Vancouver are using the word dermatology in their advertising which misleads the public into believing they are medical specialists when in fact they have no dermatology training and no dermatologists on staff. This may result in serious or dangerous health conditions such as skin cancer (melanoma), or other disorders or diseases being undiagnosed. Professional and thorough skin assessment should be undertaken prior to undergoing most laser or other procedures.

If you have any questions, please contact us, and we would be most happy to help.

The information on this page was prepared with research from: The Canadian Dermatology Association, The Government of Canada, The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

• Dr. Joanna Day has over 20 years of experience as a dermatologist
   
• A dermatologist is a physician (medical doctor, MD) with an additional 5 years of intense medical training focused on the disorders and diseases of skin (dermatology).
   
• Dermatologists complete 13 to 14 years of university and post-graduate study