As a medical student pursuing dermatology, I was disheartened at the recent Wall Street Journal article’s misrepresentation of dermatology. Describing the field as a superficial, cosmetically focused pseudo-science is a disservice to both dermatologists and the patients they treat; representations such as this one erase the true scope of dermatologic care. Based on the patients I’ve seen so far, dermatology and its physicians deserve more respect.
Dermatologists perform cosmetic procedures like Botox injections; however, their clinical practice and expertise extend far beyond aesthetics. Dermatology is an intellectually rigorous field filled with complexity; dermatologists master not only primary cutaneous diseases but internal conditions that manifest with skin changes. Their ability to recognize subtle skin morphology in conditions such as lupus, lymphoma, dermatomyositis, and many genetic conditions is critical to the interdisciplinary management of complex patients.
I have been lucky to work as a research fellow rotating through dermatology clinics, and every day creative problem-solving, precision medicine, and meaningful patient relationships intersect. I’ve witnessed patients thanking their dermatologist for saving their life after finding, and curing, their melanoma. Melanoma survival is excellent when caught early, but distant spreading of unrecognized melanoma has a five-year survival rate of 35 percent. In one day, I saw dermatologists empathize, diagnose, counsel, and console babies with vascular malformations, fathers with disfiguring morphea, and restaurant owners with full-body psoriasis. These conditions affect both the physical and psychosocial aspects of an individual’s life. In these moments, dermatologists are doing more than just prescribing a cream or antibiotics—they are restoring quality of life.
Arguably most importantly, the Wall Street Journal article disrespects patients who rely on dermatology to maintain their quality of life. Dermatologic disorders impact mental health. Many patients experience anxiety, depression, and ignorant remarks from others because of their visible or painful skin disease. In comparison to internal conditions like high blood pressure, the visible nature of skin diseases can profoundly impair an individual’s relationships with others. Dermatologists not only help patients regain confidence but also allow them to feel seen, heard, and valued.
Misrepresenting dermatology by implying that it is unnecessary or extravagant may have dangerous consequences. This perspective, if perpetuated, could shape insurance coverage and access to care for patients suffering from skin disease. If dermatologists are inaccurately described as performing superfluous biopsies, insurance companies may start to deny coverage for potentially life-saving procedures, creating more barriers to early diagnosis and treatment. Timely care can save lives and reduce long-term costs.
Dermatology is an intellectually stimulating, demanding, medically essential, and emotionally transformative field. Dermatology is a remunerative specialty, but perhaps the greatest component of that reward may be seeing the enormous beneficial impact dermatologists have by caring for patients suffering from skin disease. Dermatologists are academics, healers, advocates, and life savers. The patients who need dermatologists are lucky to have them.
Lauren McGrath is a medical student.
