While many dermatologists enjoy long, fulfilling clinical careers, others find themselves drawn to new challenges. This pull can come from a desire to escape the repetition of routine skin checks, a drive to innovate or an entrepreneurial spirit. For these physicians, the path doesn’t have to lead away from medicine entirely. Instead, it can branch into roles that leverage their specialized skills in new ways.
If you’d like to follow suit, you can consider a wide range of alternative careers for dermatologists, from high-paying executive positions to flexible, remote roles in teledermatology and content creation. This article will explore alternative career options for dermatologists looking for their next move.
Why dermatologists seek alternative careers
Dermatology (which includes treating the skin, hair and nails) consistently ranks among the specialties with the highest physician satisfaction. In a 2024 survey from the American Medical Association (AMA), dermatologists were the least likely to report intent to leave their current role. Dermatologists enjoy flexibility that some other specialties lack, as one Sermo member points out: “I would choose clinical dermatology again. I don’t like hospitals… That is one of the aspects I like about dermatology. You can choose where you want to work.”
Despite this, some dermatologists still desire change. Some feel the increasing administrative burdens of modern medicine detract from patient care. “I love medicine but it’s becoming more and more difficult to practice with so many non-clinical related factors,” a dermatologist on Sermo notes. Another dermatologist expressed their similar frustration. “When patients are stressed some tend to feel it is ok to project onto physicians,” they write. “We are here to help but we are not punching bags.”
Those seeking change can explore roles focused on product development, corporate strategy or investment. Or, they can find ways to influence innovation on a larger scale, moving from applying treatments to shaping the future of dermatological care. Internal Sermo poll results suggest both routes appeal to physicians in general, with 53% of participants interested in leaving clinical medicine expressing a preference for roles in pharma or consulting, and 34% drawn to entrepreneurship.
High-paying industry and executive roles
If you possess leadership ambitions and an interest in shaping the healthcare landscape, executive roles in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries offer substantial financial rewards and strategic influence.
Dermapathology
While still a clinical role, dermatopathology is a distinct specialty that combines dermatology with pathology. Dermatopathologists analyze skin tissue samples to diagnose diseases at a microscopic level. It’s an ideal path if you enjoy the diagnostic puzzle of dermatology but prefer a lab-based environment over direct patient interaction.
Median salary: $335,000, according to Glassdoor
Medical director (pharma/biotech)
In this role, you can provide clinical leadership for a company’s dermatology portfolio. Responsibilities include overseeing clinical trials, contributing to regulatory submissions, and acting as an internal medical expert.
Average salary: $232,369, according to ZipRecruiter
Scientific director (aesthetic devices)
This position involves guiding the research and development of new aesthetic technologies, such as lasers, radiofrequency devices or injectables. As a scientific director, you work closely with engineering and marketing teams to ensure products are safe and effective.
Median salary: $184,000 (for scientific directors in pharma/biotech; not specific to aesthetic devices), according to Glassdoor
Chief medical officer (CMO)
The CMO is a top-level executive responsible for a company’s entire clinical strategy and medical affairs. This role requires not only deep medical expertise but also strong business acumen and leadership skills. A CMO often serves as the public face of the company’s scientific efforts and plays a key role in strategic planning and investor relations. An MBA or equivalent experience is often beneficial.
Median salary: $391,000 in the U.S, per Glassdoor, with compensation heavily tied to bonuses and equity.
Aesthetic and device consulting and ownership
The aesthetics market is booming, and has experienced a steady climb since 2019, according to a report from McKinsey & Company. This translates to numerous opportunities for entrepreneurial dermatologists.
Aesthetic dermatology
This is often a natural extension of general dermatology, focusing exclusively on cosmetic procedures like neuromodulators, fillers, laser treatments and chemical peels. Many dermatologists open private practices or “medi-spas” dedicated to these services. It offers more control over your schedule and a cash-based business model, avoiding many of the hassles of insurance billing.
Average salary: $376,749, according to ZipRecruiter
Aesthetic device consultant
Dermatologists in this role leverage their expertise to advise companies that develop and manufacture aesthetic devices. They may help with product design, conduct clinical trials, train other physicians on how to use the equipment and serve as a key opinion leader (KOL) at industry conferences. It’s a flexible role that can often be completed alongside clinical practice.
Salary: varies widely, and can take the form of hourly project-based fees or annual retainers
Medical spa owner/director
Medical spa owners/directors oversee all aspects of the business, from hiring staff and managing finances to marketing and ensuring regulatory compliance. The position requires strong business management skills. As such, some dermatologists partner with business-minded managers to handle the operational side.
Salary: Income is based on business profitability, and med spas bring in an average revenue of $1,398,833 per year, according to a 2024 report from the American Med Spa Association.
Finance and venture capital careers
If you have a strong analytical mindset and a passion for the business of skin health and aesthetics, careers in finance and venture capital provide intellectually stimulating opportunities closely aligned with your clinical expertise. Many roles benefit from additional credentials like an MBA or CFA, which enhance your ability to evaluate the commercial potential of dermatologic products and services.
Venture capital (VC) analyst/partner
Venture capitalists identify and fund promising early-stage companies. As a dermatologist in a VC firm, your deep clinical and scientific understanding of skin diseases, treatments, and aesthetics uniquely positions you to critically assess early-stage companies in dermatology-focused biotech, medtech devices, and cosmeceuticals. You evaluate scientific validity, clinical need, market potential, and management leadership to recommend investments that could shape the future of skin care and medical dermatology.
Median salary: $158,000 for analysts and $369,000 for partners, according to Glassdoor. Partners also often collect bonuses and carried interest (a share of the fund’s profits) in addition to their salary.
Equity research analyst (biotech/aesthetics)
Equity research analysts work for investment banks and advise clients on whether to buy, sell, or hold stocks of publicly traded companies. In this role, your dermatology background allows you to provide highly specialized insights on publicly traded companies developing pharmaceuticals, biologics, and devices targeted at skin diseases and aesthetics.
Median salary: $145,000 per Glassdoor, with significant performance-based bonuses
Flexible and remote clinical careers
Not all alternative career paths require leaving patient care behind entirely. The rise of digital health has created new opportunities for remote work, while other paths can allow you to focus on specific aspects of clinical practice that they find most rewarding.
Teledermatology specialist
A rise in teledermatology has opened up flexible ways to practice from anywhere. You can diagnose and treat skin conditions via video consultations or by reviewing patient-submitted images. Many teledermatology companies offer part-time, contract-based work, making it an excellent way to supplement your income or transition to a more flexible schedule.
Average salary: $283,164, according to ZipRecruiter
Health and beauty content creation/writing
With your expertise in skin, hair and nails, dermatologists are highly sought after as content creators and brand ambassadors. This can involve writing articles for health websites, creating educational videos for social media or consulting for skincare brands. It is worth noting that although there are some highly successful dermatology content creators who have found full-time work in this role, it can be a challenging niche to turn into a dedicated career.
Salary: The accompanying pay is highly variable, from freelance writing rates to six-figure incomes for successful influencers.
Clinical research coordinator (site PI)
Instead of practicing in a traditional clinic, you can choose to pursue a more administrative role by working at a dedicated clinical research site as a principal investigator (PI). In this role, you’d oversee clinical trials for new drugs and devices, ensuring patient safety and data integrity.
Median salary: $73,000, per Glassdoor, with compensation often dependent on the number and type of trials managed
Expert witness (cosmetic/surgical cases)
Dermatologists can serve as expert witnesses in medical malpractice lawsuits. This involves reviewing case files, providing a professional opinion on the standard of care, and testifying in depositions or court. However, this type of work may be inconsistent and is best pursued alongside some other source of supplemental income.
Average pay: Expert witnesses are typically paid hourly, with an average pay of $67 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter.
Pave your way with Sermo
When you explore another career path, whether it’s launching a medical spa or transitioning into venture capital, it often requires an upfront investment of time and money. Sermo can become a valuable tool if you’d like to pick up an additional stream of income. By participating in paid medical surveys, you can earn supplemental income that you can use to fund your next venture.
You can use the extra cash toward an MBA program, a business management course or seed money for a startup. Taking medical surveys is also a great way to stay connected to your clinical expertise if you choose to pursue a non-clinical career switch.
Beyond the medical surveys, Sermo allows you to access a community with more than one million physician members on a global scale. It’s a place to find support from verified physicians, including other dermatologists, who have navigated similar career transitions.
Charting your new course
The field of dermatology offers a unique combination of clinical expertise and business potential, creating an abundance of alternative career paths. From leading innovation at a biotech firm to building a brand in the aesthetics world, these roles can allow you to leverage your knowledge in new ways. While the financial rewards can be substantial, these opportunities also offer a chance for renewed professional purpose and a greater impact on the future of healthcare.
As you consider your own career trajectory, you can rely on insight from physicians who have already made the switch. By connecting with peers, you can strategically plan your next move and can build a career that is both fulfilling and rewarding. Join the conversation on Sermo, where you can share insights, ask questions and discover opportunities.
