Cosmetic vascular/derm

[David the Nome]

Anybody here ever do or know anyone who has done interventional "cosmetic" vascular and/or cosmetic dermatology? There is a practice which does both and has offered me a position (also considering outpatient FM). I have 3 years hospital medicine experience but looking for a change.

 

Outpatient FM seems nice in the aspect of real medicine and variety but I worry about all the headaches of primary care and the 15 minute per patient pace.

 

The vascular/derm position seems fun in that theres alot of different procedures to learn, and even though its obviously superficial I do see the appeal in helping people feel better about themselves as opposed to trying to convince yet another hypertensive diabetic COPDer to take their medications and quit smoking.

 

Any thoughts? (Assuming equal pay, hours and benefits)

[SocialMedicine]

equal everything i would select internal medicine. you can find positions of this type in any city/hospital etc. if you spend the next 5 years in cosemetic vascular medicine and seek career advancements (Chief PA, higher salary in another similar practice, academics) it might be difficult with such a specialty. how versatile are you ? have you worked in IM or something else prior where you can still enter that field after such a focused experience. But I guess things are not similar here. The cosemetic vascular practice likely pays a lot more.

[winterallsummer]

On the other hand, with your experience you will always be able to get a FM gig, whereas this other type of job is unlikely to surface again any time soon.  That being said, personally I would take FM between those two because I have no interest in the other position, but it comes down to what you want.  Can you shadow there?

[Purrpa]

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "cosmetic" vascular &/or cosmetic dermatology. I have worked in dermatology taking care of patients with venous disease (reflux...endovenous laser ablations, phlebectomy, foam sclerotherapy, etc) & also treated patients with purely cosmetic spider veins, as well as cosmetic fillers/Botox, etc. I currently work in an academic setting doing the same (Vasc Surgery). I have a strong background in surgery - general surg, ortho, vasc surg & interventional radiology. If you enjoy procedures, you may like this type of work; if you want to be successful & provide quality care - you certainly can do so in this arena.

 

If it's a Med-Spa type of practice - I can't comment. I have only worked with board certified dermatologists & vascular surgeons.

 

Although it can be repetitive, trust me, it is not "superficial". There is a LOT to learn...including differentiating all types of pain in the legs (OA, lumbar radicular pain, etc.) & the technical skills (spider vein injections look so easy - until you do them. That's what our vasc surg & Interventional Rad Fellows tell me at the end of their 1 week visit with us).

 

If it's a dermatology practice - I vote you go for it. Derm is difficult to break into. I was able to learn a bit of general derm during my tenure & I still get job offers to this day. My guess is you can find a FM position at any time in the future.

 

Good luck!

 

 

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[JFarnsworth]

Cosmetic Derm patients are a bit different from medical patients. While it is nice to help people feel better about themselves, you have to be prepared for patients who expect miracles, want perfection or an unattainable outcome, those with body dysmorphic disorder, etc. You may hear some of the positive feedback but you will always hear the negative. Just something to consider.