Dermatology NHS vs private practice

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but here goes: Do consultant level dermatologists make significantly more working in a private practice compared to NHS?

Dermatologists don't have many opportunities to work locum rates when compared to specialties like A&E or general medicine. But they do have the option to work private. I am wondering if this comes with a pay increase and if so, can it be as significant as the one that often comes with locum work (which can be several times the normal hourly rate)?

Reply 1

gingur

13

I think most consultant dermatologists work mostly in the NHS and then do private cosmetic dermatology lists a few evenings a week/weekends and this can boost their salary by a few thousand pounds a year.

Reply 2

GidroDox1

OP

2

Original post by gingur

I think most consultant dermatologists work mostly in the NHS and then do private cosmetic dermatology lists a few evenings a week/weekends and this can boost their salary by a few thousand pounds a year.

Only a few thousand a year? I hope that's an underestimation as that would be completely not competitive with other specialties. Even a junior doctor in general medicine can make over £500 per 8h locum shift outside London.

Reply 3

gingur

13

Original post by GidroDox1

Only a few thousand a year? I hope that's an underestimation as that would be completely not competitive with other specialties. Even a junior doctor in general medicine can make over £500 per 8h locum shift outside London.

was just trying to underestimate so i don't look like a total gimp if i accidentally say like 5x what the actual answer is lmao. Although I have heard that private practice in the UK isn't as lucrative as the US because private health insurers (allegedly) have a secret agreement to collectively refuse to cover your fees if you try and charge above the agreed market rate.

Reply 4

GidroDox1

OP

2

Original post by gingur

was just trying to underestimate so i don't look like a total gimp if i accidentally say like 5x what the actual answer is lmao. Although I have heard that private practice in the UK isn't as lucrative as the US because private health insurers (allegedly) have a secret agreement to collectively refuse to cover your fees if you try and charge above the agreed market rate.

Oh, I'm sure it's not even close to US as their salaries in general are much higher. I am just trying to ascertain if dermatologists have competitive earning potential to those in specialties that offer more opportunities to earn locum rates (which can be £100++/h for a consultant), such as A&E or general medicine. It feels like they should be at least competitive, but I couldn't find any concrete info on this.

Reply 5

username5875312

16

I worked for a private dermatology clinic, and the top consultants working full time were netting 30k a month

Reply 6

GidroDox1

OP

2

Wow, thanks! I assume thats for full time? May I ask what the working conditions were like? Eg how long were the hours, how busy?

Reply 7

GidroDox1

OP

2

Interesting! Would you say getting a job in the private sector is extremely competitive? Do you need to be super experienced as a consultant and very active in things like research for many years?

Reply 8

Letournel

15

Not always true. I don't speak for neuro (obvs) but in T&O i've seen a fair few consultants doing private within 12-18 months of getting their consultant NHS post. Particularly with demand so high at present. Similarly i've seen three plastics guys go full time private <3 years from CCT.

Reply 9

girl_in_black

16

Original post by GidroDox1

Only a few thousand a year? I hope that's an underestimation as that would be completely not competitive with other specialties. Even a junior doctor in general medicine can make over £500 per 8h locum shift outside London.