Finding your fit
Answers in Practice
By Faiza Wasif, MPH, Associate Director, Practice Management, December 1, 2025
Each month, DermWorld tackles issues “in practice” for dermatologists. This month, practice management staff discuss how to find the right practice model for you.
How your dermatology practice is structured and operates can shape your daily work, your relationship with patients, and your overall career satisfaction. That’s why choosing the right practice model is one of the most important decisions you will face in your dermatology career. It involves more than just where or how you work. It means finding a structure that aligns with your professional goals, personal values, and lifestyle preferences. As the health care landscape continues to evolve, dermatologists today have a wider range of options than ever before.
You might be evaluating offers from group practices or considering the independence of solo practice. Some dermatologists explore non-traditional paths such as concierge medicine, academic roles, or military and public service positions. Established models like accountable care organizations (ACOs) have become integral to many systems, while innovations such as teledermatology and joint ventures are reshaping how care is delivered and practices are structured. For those approaching retirement or planning a transition, understanding practice valuation, private equity involvement, and succession planning is essential.
To help you navigate these choices, the Academy has refreshed its content on practice models. The updated resources offer clear, practical comparisons and explain how each model functions in day-to-day practice. You will find guidance on when a model might be a good fit, key factors for success, potential challenges to consider, and real-world perspectives from dermatologists currently practicing in these settings. Guidance focused on different career stages supports you in making decisions that evolve with your needs.
Helping you further with your career decisions, the Academy has also updated its contract guidance to provide straightforward information on employment agreements. Contracts can significantly affect your compensation, work-life balance, and career path, so it is important to understand critical terms before signing. The guidance highlights common red flags to watch for and offers actionable suggestions to help you negotiate effectively and protect your interests. We also encourage consulting a professional employment attorney to review and clarify contract provisions.
The Academy also provides practical negotiation tips to help you secure fair terms aligned with your career goals. For dermatologists considering retirement or transitions, we offer detailed resources on selling your practice, including how to accurately value it, key steps in the sales process, and strategies to maximize your return. Together, these resources guide dermatologists at every stage from starting out to changing paths or preparing for retirement, helping you make informed, confident decisions along the way.
Explore these resources that are designed to help you thrive at every stage of your practice journey.
Practice management resources
Additional DermWorld Resources
In this issue
The American Academy of Dermatology is a non-profit professional organization and does not endorse companies or products. Advertising helps support our mission.
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