If you want consistant pictures suitable for publication you will need a SLR with a dedicated macro lens and professional lighting. I'd also suggest a ring flash.
An important thing to consider for clinic settings is that SLR cameras tend to do better in low light conditions, a scenario common in exam rooms without dedicated photo lighting. As the cost of the SLR cameras has gone down, it's kind of silly not to get one for medical photography if you want good quality. When they started at $1000, it was different.