Dermatology

Dermatology is the study, research and diagnosis of disorders, diseases, cancers, cosmetic, ageing and physiological conditions of the skin, fat, hair, nails and oral and genital membranes.

It includes the management of these by different investigations and therapies, including but not limited to dermatohistopathology, topical and systemic medications, dermatologic surgery, phototherapy, laser therapy, superficial radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy and other therapies that may become available.

Vocational training in New Zealand

Vocational training in dermatology is undertaken through the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). Once RACP training is completed, the doctor is awarded the Fellowship of the RACP (FRACP) in dermatology.

  • Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP)

    The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) is the professional medical College of over 17,000 physicians and 8,000 trainee physicians, often referred to as specialists, in Australia and New Zealand.

Am I able to apply to work as a recognised specialist in New Zealand?

To apply for vocational registration in dermatology, you need either:

  • the FRACP qualification in dermatology; or
  • an international postgraduate medical qualification in dermatology, where your combination of qualifications, training and experience is assessed against the standard of the FRACP in dermatology.

What standard will my training, qualifications and experience be compared against?

Recognised specialists in New Zealand must complete 6-8 years of training and satisfy the requirements below:

  • at least 3 years of basic medical training
  • 24-36 months of basic dermatology training, including:
    • 2 years training in Auckland and Hamilton (1 year at each location)
    • a firm understanding of common benign and malignant tumours of the skin and their management; the role and use of dermascopy; and the diagnosis and management of psoriasis, eczema and acne
    • weekly or fortnightly presentations to supervisors
    • a presentation at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Dermatological Society each year of basic training
    • at least one paper published in a peer reviewed journal
  • 12-24 months of advanced dermatological training at approved centres offshore, usually in the United Kingdom or United States. This will give trainees a competent understanding of advanced adult dermatology, advanced procedural dermatology (Mohs surgery and cosmetic surgery), advanced dermatopathology and advanced paediatric dermatology
  • participation in either the RACP continuing professional development programme (MyCPD), or the New Zealand Dermatological Society continuing medical education programme.

Once a trainee has successfully completed examination and training requirements they will be awarded a FRACP in dermatology.

I want to make a vocational registration application

To make a vocational registration application, please refer to the Vocational Registration Homepage and select the Option appropriate for you.

Am I able to apply for other types of registration?

You may be able to apply for more than one type of registration. To find out which is the best fit for you, please use our self assessment tool.

  • Registration self assessment tool

    3 May 2023

    Use our registration self assessment tool to determine which pathway to registration (as a medical practitioner in Aotearoa New Zealand) you might be eligible for. Note: we do not cover student electives.