Dermatologists
Diagnose and treat diseases relating to the skin, hair, and nails. May perform both medical and dermatological surgery functions.
What this career actually involves
Key tasks
- Conduct complete skin examinations
- Diagnose and treat pigmented lesions such as common acquired nevi, congenital nevi, dysplastic nevi,…
Skills and strengths
- Critical thinking
- Listening
- Spotting problems early
- Clear speaking
Typical work environment
Work environment varies by employer; may combine office, field, client-site and practical settings
Employment type
Public sector; NGO/Development sector
Study routes from KCSE onward
Kenya-specific pathways, drawn from KUCCPS and the relevant professional regulator.
Pathway after KCSE
KCSE → Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) → required clinical/practical training → entry health role → Dermatologists → specialist/supervisory pathway
Typical training route
Diploma or degree in the relevant health field + professional registration where required
Representative KUCCPS pathway
BACHELOR OF MEDICINE & BACHELOR OF SURGERY (MBChB)
Entry requirements
Degree mean grade C+. Minimum subjects: Biology B; Chemistry B; Mathematics A or Physics B; English or Kiswahili B.
Training duration
About 6 years plus internship before full practice licensing
Helpful KCSE subjects
Related courses
- Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
Institutions offering this route
Examples, not an exhaustive list.
- University of Nairobi
- Moi University
- Kenyatta University
- JKUAT
- Egerton University and other approved KUCCPS medical schools
Professional regulator
Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC)
Demand and the effect of AI
Kenya demand
High - essential service sector with persistent need for trained health professionals; demand varies by cadre and public/private hiring cycles.
Future outlook / AI impact
Stable-to-strong / AI-assisted — AI will support diagnostics, records, triage and decision support, but human care, physical procedures, accountability and professional licensing keep the role strongly human-led.
Possible specialisations
- Board Certified Dermatologist
- Clinical Dermatologist
- Dermatological Surgeon
- Dermatologist
- Dermatologist MD
Medical training institutions and practitioners are regulated/licensed by KMPDC.
Could this career suit you?
May suit you if you enjoy helping people, science and careful practical work; useful strengths include Critical thinking, Listening, Spotting problems early.
Weighing this against something else?
Put them side by side on subjects, entry requirements, duration and outlook.
Related careers
Roles that share skills, subjects or study routes with this one.
Sources
Occupation data: O*NET 29-1213.00. Kenya pathway: KUCCPS / regulator. Last verified 24 August 2026.
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