Derm

Medical abbreviation · Medical Specialty

Derm
Stands forDermatology
CategoriesMedical

Derm stands for Dermatology, a medical specialty abbreviation.

Specialty diagnosing and treating diseases of the skin, hair and nails, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin infections and skin cancers, and performing biopsies, excisions, Mohs surgery and cosmetic procedures. US residency lasts four years including an intern year and is among the most competitive to enter.

Example: Derm biopsied the changing mole; pathology shows melanoma in situ.

Usage notes

Certification is through the American Board of Dermatology. Subspecialties include dermatopathology, pediatric dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery. Teledermatology, in which photos are sent for remote review, has expanded access where dermatologists are scarce.

More medical specialty abbreviations

  • ABMS – American Board of Medical Specialties
  • ACGME – Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
  • Anes – Anesthesiology
  • Cards – Cardiology
  • CCM – Critical care medicine
  • CT – Cardiothoracic (surgery)
  • ECFMG – Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates
  • EM – Emergency medicine
  • Endo – Endocrinology
  • ENT – Ear, nose and throat (otolaryngology)
  • FM – Family medicine
  • FP – Family physician (family practice)

See all 47 medical specialty abbreviations →

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.