Why this matters:
One of the most important tasks of a dermatologist is to correctly identify signs of cancer. Candidates less informed may confuse cancerous moles with ulcers, abscesses, birthmarks, or other similar conditions. Dermatologists must be capable of distinguishing between these common lesions to correctly diagnose patients with cancer.
What to listen for:
- A correct description of the shape, color, and texture of cancerous moles
- Knowledge of various skin lesions which may appear similar to cancerous moles
- Processes for identifying a cancerous mole as accurately as possible
Why this matters:
More and more people are taking injectable anti-aging treatments to appear younger. However, not all of these cosmetic treatments are administered by professionals experienced with cosmetics. This question helps determine whether the candidate’s philosophies around injectable treatments match your organization’s present and future offerings.
What to listen for:
- An opinion about fillers and injectable cosmetic treatments
- A perspective that’s informed by modern trends and sensibilities
- Experience administering fillers and injectable cosmetic treatments to patients
Why this matters:
Skin exams are one of the most common screenings dermatologists offer, since these can preemptively catch signs of skin cancer and other skin conditions. At a minimum, the successful dermatologist candidate must be proficient with at least one process for offering your organization’s clients a comprehensive skin examination.
What to listen for:
- In-depth breakdown of at least one skin examination process
- Justification for why the candidate’s process is the most effective and efficient
- Experience having successfully applied this/these process(es) on a patient
Why this matters:
There will be times when a dermatologist will have to be the bearer of bad news, such as when a patient is facing a potentially life-threatening skin condition. The dermatologist candidate should have experience empathetically walking a patient through bad news, and understand how to productively offer the patient clear next steps to move forward.
What to listen for:
- A recollection of an experience providing a patient with unfortunate information
- Empathetic language that communicates the gravity of the patient’s situation
- An ability to appropriately adapt their communications approach in response to a patient’s reaction
Why this matters:
In any field, mistakes happen. But in the health sciences, misdiagnoses can yield critical health problems down the line — and can expose organizations to significant legal troubles. Expert dermatologist candidates should be astute in recognizing their mistakes and must understand a variety of processes for ameliorating customer concerns and health issues that emerge.
What to listen for:
- Acknowledgment of a prior dermatological misdiagnosis
- Highly detailed processes that combat a number of misdiagnoses
- Key learnings to help improve future diagnosis quality
Why this matters:
When it comes to the human body, one-size-fits-all treatments don’t exist. Two patients might have the same condition, but that doesn’t mean an approach that benefits one patient will do so for the other. Dermatologists should have ample experience in both observing ineffective treatment approaches and offering new ones to yield better results.
What to listen for:
- Experience adjusting a treatment approach to emerging circumstances
- Decision-making process for how to most effectively change course
- Learnings that improved the candidate’s practice going forward
Why this matters:
Dermatologists should diligently learn about new treatment procedures and medications as they emerge by reading educational newsletters and scientific journals, or communicating regularly with other dermatologists. By monitoring new dermatology methods, candidates can demonstrate their commitment to their craft and their patients.
What to listen for:
- Willingness to participate in learning and upskilling opportunities
- Detailed explanation of current dermatology practices and techniques
- Curiosity when searching for new procedures
Why this matters:
If a dermatologist’s nurse doesn’t sanitize their equipment before working with a patient, they risk impacting the health of everyone involved — and risk exposing your organization to legal action. For this reason and many more, the dermatologist candidate must diligently ensure their colleagues practice dermatology as safely as possible.
What to listen for:
- Firm knowledge of safety and health regulations for medical practices
- Strong desire to keep others accountable for their actions
- Excellent collaboration skills
Why this matters:
Dermatologists often work with career-driven nurses working to achieve their respective goals. It can be beneficial for dermatology professionals to invest in their early careers, as they can provide your organization with a more diverse perspective. Dermatologist candidates should know empathetic ways to offer feedback to their nurses to benefit their careers.
What to listen for:
- Genuine interest in guiding others through their career development
- Ability to empower others through communication
- Experience managing personnel
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