Navigating the Path to UCLA Dermatology Residency: A Comprehensive Guide

Dermatology, a discipline focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of skin, hair, and nail disorders, presents a rewarding yet competitive field for aspiring physicians. The UCLA Dermatology Residency Program stands as a prominent avenue for those seeking comprehensive training in this specialty. This article delves into the requirements, structure, and unique aspects of the UCLA program, offering insights for prospective applicants.

The Allure of Dermatology at UCLA

Dr. Lorraine Young, a health sciences clinical professor of medicine and co-chief of Dermatology Clinical Services at UCLA, highlights the appeal of dermatology: "I was attracted to dermatology because there is a great opportunity to identify and treat a multitude of diseases that affect the health and well-being of patients of all ages. The skin is accessible, and the morphology of lesions seen on the clinical exam provides great clues for the diagnosis, along with the history, labs, and biopsies. In addition, examining the skin can help to identify systemic diseases. The field is advancing, and there is always more to learn."

UCLA's dermatology department boasts numerous outpatient clinics specializing in various areas, including acne, melanoma, psoriasis, rheumatology, and hair disorders. This diverse clinical exposure, coupled with advancements in therapies, makes it an exciting time to enter the field.

Program Overview: Training Clinicians, Educators, Researchers, and Leaders

The mission and heart of the UCLA - West LA VAH Dermatology Residency Program is to train physicians to be outstanding dermatology clinicians, specialty educators, researchers, and leaders in our field.

After medical school, trainees complete a general internship in medicine or surgery, followed by a three-year dermatology residency. After that, residents can specialize further with a fellowship.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To be considered for the UCLA Dermatology Residency Program, applicants must meet specific criteria:

Educational Background: An M.D. or D.O. degree is required.
Residency Completion: Applicants must have completed a Dermatology Residency at an ACGME-Accredited Program.
Board Certification: The successful candidate must be board certified by the American Board of Dermatology or board eligible to sit for the exam.
Clinical Experience: An excellent record of clinical activity in medical dermatology is expected.
Faculty Positions: The Division of Dermatology in the Department of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is seeking applicants for full-time clinician educators in an academic setting across our network of campus and community practices for medical dermatology and pediatric dermatology.
Commitment: We are seeking faculty candidates who are committed to building a long-term career in academic medical dermatology. These positions are intended for individuals pursuing sustained academic engagement at UCLA rather than short-term employment. As such, they are not suitable for candidates seeking temporary medical dermatology appointments prior to pursuing ACGME fellowship training (e.g., Mohs surgery or dermatopathology fellowship).
Responsibilities: Responsibilities include a minimum of 32 hours per week of direct patient care, supervision of trainees and academic contributions. In addition, the position requires participation and creativity in a variety of professional activities including those that involve teaching, research and administration.
Ethical Conduct: All aspects of searches are confidential and all candidates are expected to review and abide by UC Regents Policy 1111 on Statement on Ethical Values and Standards of Conduct.
EDI Statement: An EDI Statement describes a faculty candidate’s past, present, and future (planned) contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Application Process: We have an established process for applying to UCLA Dermatology faculty positions. Please apply via UCLA Recruit.

The UCLA program welcomes applicants who have done a prior residency or are already board certified in another specialty.

Curriculum and Training

The UCLA Dermatology Residency Program offers comprehensive training through various rotations and experiences:

Clinical Rotations

Residents gain exposure to a wide range of dermatological conditions and patient populations through rotations at different sites:

West Los Angeles VA: An integral part of the program, the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Hospital provides strong core medical dermatology training. Four residents staff the medical clinic each day, with an additional resident scheduled on surgery.
Olive View-UCLA Medical Center: A county hospital in the San Fernando Valley, Olive View offers experience in treating complex and less commonly addressed health needs. Three to four residents staff the Medical Dermatology clinic one half-day per week, and a senior resident attends Pediatric Dermatology clinic and performs inpatient consults.

Subspecialty Training

UCLA Dermatology offers specialized training in various subspecialties:

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Dermatologic Surgery: Residents receive comprehensive training in general dermatologic surgery, Mohs micrographic surgery, and cosmetics, meeting ACGME requirements.
Pediatric Dermatology: Supervised by board-certified pediatric dermatologists, the Pediatric Dermatology clinics provide exposure to common and complex skin conditions in children.
Dermatopathology: The program works closely with the Pathology Department, with dedicated dermatopathology training sessions for residents.

Didactic Activities

Lectures are designed to cover the broad range of topics necessary for the training dermatologist and allow for open discussion and questions throughout. Speakers from other divisions and departments, as well as from outside institutions, are also invited to present at Grand Rounds on a monthly basis on various areas of expertise. Currently, most didactics and Grand Rounds are held in person.

Community Engagement

Residents have opportunities to participate in community service initiatives:

Camp Wonder: A week-long camp for children with complex cutaneous diseases, Camp Wonder offers residents and faculty the chance to provide medical care and support to campers and their families.
Venice Family Clinic: Residents provide dermatologic care to an underserved population at the Venice Family Clinic, gaining experience in serving diverse communities.

The STAR Program: Fostering Physician-Scientists

For applicants interested in a career in research, UCLA Dermatology offers the Specialty Training and Research (STAR) Program. This program provides physician-scientists with combined M.D./Ph.D. degrees a comprehensive clinical training integrated with a post-doctoral opportunity. STAR trainees have dedicated time for research projects and follow a 2+2 four-year track, allowing for adequate protected time for research while maintaining a complete and thorough clinical experience.

It is important to note that applicants must choose either the clinical Dermatology program or the STAR Dermatology program, as these are separate matches.

Additional Opportunities

Electives: Residents have elective time to rotate through other UCLA subspecialties or create other electives on a case-by-case basis. PGY-3 and PGY-4 residents are also provided with one month of “away” time each year to support learning opportunities outside of our institution. Residents are also encouraged to use their elective time for Dermatopathology rotations.
Meetings: Residents of all years are encouraged to attend the Annual AAD Meeting. STAR Residents are also encouraged to attend the annual SID meeting. An additional three days per year are available to each resident to attend other conferences, to foster opportunities for presentation and additional learning. Residents then share key learnings with their peers during didactics.
Vacation: Four one-week blocks of vacation are provided each year. Requests for additional time off for any other purpose except those qualifying as medical leave or maternity/paternity leave should be submitted to the Program Director for review in advance.

Fellowships

UCLA offers fellowships in Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology and Pediatric Dermatology.

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Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship

Under the supervision and tutelage of Dr. Jenny Kim, Director of Aesthetic Surgery, Westwood, the UCLA Division of Dermatology offers a one-year ACGME-accredited Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship. This fellowship is certified by both the ACGME and the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS). The fellow divides their time between the UCLA campus and the West LA Veterans Affairs Hospital. The greatest strength of the UCLA Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship is our incredible faculty. In addition to Dr. Kim, the fellow will also have the opportunity to learn from and work alongside leaders in the field of dermatologic surgery, including: Dr. Frederick Beddingfield, Dr. Richard Bennett, Dr. Malcolm Ke, and Dr. Adam Rotunda. Requirements: Board eligible in AP, AP/CP, or dermatology.

The UCLA Advantage

Choosing the UCLA Dermatology Residency Program offers several advantages:

Comprehensive Training: A well-rounded curriculum ensures residents develop expertise in all aspects of dermatology.
Renowned Faculty: Residents learn from and work alongside leaders in the field.
Diverse Clinical Exposure: Rotations at various sites expose residents to a wide range of patients and conditions.
Research Opportunities: The STAR Program provides a pathway for those interested in academic careers.
Community Engagement: Opportunities to serve underserved populations and participate in meaningful community initiatives.

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