Will “DO Physician (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Physician)” be Automated?

Core Skills & Abilities

• Conduct complete skin examinations.

• Conduct or order diagnostic tests such as chest radiographs (x-rays), microbiologic tests, or endocrinologic tests.

• Perform incisional biopsies to diagnose melanoma.

• Provide dermabrasion or laser abrasion to treat atrophic scars, elevated scars, or other skin conditions.

• Recommend diagnostic tests based on patients' histories and physical examination findings.

• Diagnose and treat skin conditions such as acne, dandruff, athlete's foot, moles, psoriasis, or skin cancer.

• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, and participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in dermatology.

• Counsel patients on topics such as the need for annual dermatologic screenings, sun protection, skin cancer awareness, or skin and lymph node self-examinations.

• Refer patients to other specialists, as needed.

• Evaluate patients to determine eligibility for cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, laser resurfacing, or microdermabrasion.

• Conduct clinical or basic research.

• Prescribe hormonal agents or topical treatments such as contraceptives, spironolactone, antiandrogens, oral corticosteroids, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or antibiotics.

• Diagnose and treat pigmented lesions such as common acquired nevi, congenital nevi, dysplastic nevi, Spitz nevi, blue nevi, or melanoma.

• Instruct interns or residents in diagnosis and treatment of dermatological diseases.

• Provide therapies such as intralesional steroids, chemical peels, or comodo removal to treat age spots, sun damage, rough skin, discolored skin, or oily skin.

• Provide dermatologic consultation to other health professionals.

• Record patients' health histories.

• Perform skin surgery to improve appearance, make early diagnoses, or control diseases such as skin cancer.