Academic medical center practice

Academic medical center overview

An academic dermatology position is based within a university or teaching hospital. Physicians in this setting typically divide their time between patient care, teaching, research, and administrative duties.

Why dermatologists choose this

• A collaborative environment with colleagues and learners.

• Opportunity to teach and mentor medical students and residents.

• Structured support for research and academic development.

• Predictable schedule with reduced pressure for high productivity.

• Less involvement in the business side of medicine.

How this model works

Employment and structure

Dermatologists are typically employed by a university, academic medical center, or an affiliated teaching hospital. Positions are salaried and may include titles such as assistant professor, associate professor, or clinical faculty. Employment is usually long-term, with defined promotion tracks and institutional expectations.

Patient care model

Clinical work is performed in academic clinics or specialty centers, often alongside residents and medical students. Patient cases may be more complex or referral-based, and care delivery often includes a strong educational component. Volume expectations are generally lower than in private practice but balanced by other responsibilities.

Administrative support

Billing, credentialing, IT, and HR functions are handled through the institution. Malpractice insurance, EHR systems, and compliance oversight are provided by the university or hospital. Academic physicians often have access to research infrastructure, grants administration, and library services.

Compensation and incentives

Salaries are typically lower than in private practice but supplemented by institutional benefits such as job security, pension plans, paid sabbaticals, and professional development funding. Productivity incentives vary and may depend on academic output, teaching evaluations, or clinical RVUs.

Technology and operations

Academic centers utilize robust EHR systems, research databases, and teaching platforms. Physicians may participate in teledermatology, clinical trials, and data registries. Administrative systems support compliance with HIPAA, Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols, and quality reporting, but the organization may feel rigid or slow to change due to institutional bureaucracy.

Career growth

Advancement depends on clinical performance, teaching contributions, research productivity, and institutional service. Leadership opportunities exist in education (such as residency program director), administration (division chief), or research (principal investigator). Additional degrees such as an MPH or MBA may support leadership pathways.

When this model makes sense

• For dermatologists who enjoy teaching or mentoring.

• For those interested in clinical research, innovation, or publishing.

• When seeking a team-based setting with professional development pathways.

• Ideal early-career option for those wanting support and structure out of residency.

Success factors

• Strong mentorship is key to navigating academic systems and advancing.

• Know your role distribution — clinical, research, teaching. Clarify expectations.

• Negotiate your contract. Don’t hesitate to request resources (staff, space, salary) upfront.

• Participation in professional organizations and academic committees enhances career growth.

• Consider further degrees such as an MPH or MBA if interested in leadership or policy.

Potential challenges

• Bureaucracy and institutional processes can be slow or restrictive.

• Lower initial compensation compared to private practice or industry.

• Administrative work and academic output expectations may compete with clinical time.

• Promotions can take time and depend on research output, teaching evaluations, and service.

Real-world example

Michelle McDonald, MD, FAAD, joined Vanderbilt University Medical Center right after residency, drawn by the opportunity to work with residents and build collegial relationships. Over time, she took on leadership roles, aided by an MBA she pursued earlier in her career. While academic work involves some red tape, she values the schedule flexibility, mentoring opportunities, and ability to contribute to the broader dermatologic community through research and organized medicine.

Early career advice

• Be clear and assertive during contract negotiations — get all promises in writing.

• Find strong mentors and stay engaged with them throughout your early career.

• Understand that academic promotions are structured, and patience is required.

• Choose this path if you enjoy variety — each week will include teaching, patient care, meetings, and more.

• Keep your long-term goals in mind; an academic center can be a launching pad for leadership in medicine.

Related AAD resources

• Practice types: See our full menu of resources on practice types, from solo to institutional.

• Get started: Access our guide to getting started in practice, with resources on practice types and policies and procedures.

• Employment guide: See all our resources on contracts, questions for employers, and more.

This content was created with the particular needs of early-career dermatologists in mind. See the rest of our Career Launch resources for young physicians.