Through the Eyes of a Dermatology Medical Assistant

Ever been to a dermatology clinic? No, we’re not here to talk about your latest visit, but we did find someone who can let you in on the behind-the-scenes work of a dermatologist’s office. Meet Cristina, a dermatology medical assistant dedicated to keeping your skin healthy—and maybe even getting your skincare routine back on track.

Before diving into her experiences, let’s talk about what it takes to be a dermatology medical assistant. These professionals play a crucial role in ensuring patients receive high-quality care. From prepping materials for visits to assisting with procedures such as skin biopsies and surgical excisions, they juggle clinical tasks, patient interaction and medical documentation, all while supporting dermatologists.

Now, back to Cristina’s story. Here’s what she shared about her daily work, her future aspirations and her advice for students interested in the field:

What does a typical day look like for you as a medical assistant?
“A typical day for me as a dermatology medical assistant involves rooming patients and gathering their medical history. When I’m in the room with the dermatologist, I scribe the visit notes and make sure I document all diagnoses and medications discussed with the patient.

“We see a variety of conditions, including acne, eczema, hair loss, warts, and perform skin cancer screenings. The more hands-on tasks I handle include suture removals and assisting during skin biopsies and surgical excisions. We remove various lesions, such as skin cancers, cysts or lipomas.”

What advice would you give to a high school student interested in pursuing medicine?
“My advice is to seek hands-on experience. When I was in high school, I volunteered in a pediatric ER and got a firsthand look at the hospital environment. Also, keep an open mind about different professions in healthcare. There are physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists and many other roles to explore.”

Where do you see your career in the next 5–10 years?
“I hope to become an anesthesiologist assistant in the next 5–10 years. I’ll be applying to master’s programs in anesthesia. The profession is similar to a physician assistant but specializes in anesthesia. I enjoy the hands-on aspect of medicine and learning about pharmacological treatments. Anesthesia combines both, which is why it appeals to me.”

A career as a dermatology medical assistant offers a unique mix of hands-on medical work, patient care and collaboration with healthcare professionals. For those with larger aspirations in the medical field, it’s a great stepping stone. Whether you’re curious about dermatology or just exploring your healthcare options, Cristina’s insights show what it takes to succeed in this dynamic profession. Consider this your nudge to explore, get hands-on and keep an open mind.