Apr 24, 1998
Louisiana State University School of Medicine Program
Overview
The Dermatology Residency Program at Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans is dedicated to providing a comprehensive educational experience aimed at fostering independent and proficient dermatology practitioners. The program emphasizes supervised patient care, didactic education, and research opportunities for residents, allowing them to cultivate expertise in clinical, surgical, cosmetic, and academic dermatology.
Having been fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education for over 50 years, the program consistently meets dermatology objectives, receiving recognition for its compliance and educational excellence 1. The supportive environment within the program is fostered by a dedicated faculty and a collaborative spirit among residents, creating a unique experience for all participants.
Curriculum Overview
The residency training consists of various clinical rotations conducted at multiple esteemed facilities within New Orleans, including:
- University Medical Center, known for its state-of-the-art resources and handling a diverse patient population.
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, focusing on veteran dermatological needs.
- Children's Hospital New Orleans for pediatric dermatology.
- Ochsner Foundation Hospital for routine and complex dermatology cases.
- Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, providing care across all ages.
Residents engage in dermatology clinics four days a week, with a curriculum that balances autonomy and supervision. Weekly didactics include interactive lectures on clinical topics, surgical dermatology, and dermatopathology, and grand rounds allow for collaborative discussions of cases from all clinical sites 2. Additionally, the program integrates practical experiences, including Mohs surgery, laser treatments, and cosmetic clinics.
Research Opportunities
Research is a critical component of the program, with all residents required to engage in scholarly activities. This includes presenting at national dermatology meetings and contributing to publications during residency 3. First-year residents present topics to faculty, while third-year residents undertake original research projects that are evaluated by the Louisiana Dermatological Society, enhancing their engagement in the scholarly community.
Community Engagement and Wellness
The program prioritizes community service and values the delivery of healthcare to underserved populations in the New Orleans area. The Office of Community Engagement at LSU Health Sciences Center works to foster health equity and encourages residents to participate in outreach initiatives 4. Additionally, the program is committed to the wellness of its residents, providing resources and support systems to manage stress effectively and enhance their practice and personal lives 5.
Application Requirements and Competitiveness
The program looks for candidates who are not only academically proficient but also demonstrate teamwork, passion, and an enthusiastic spirit 6. Required application materials include a CV, personal statement, letters of recommendation (especially from dermatologists), and academic transcripts. For international medical graduates, the program is supportive and works with applicants to facilitate visa sponsorship, including J-1 and H-1B visas. The program does not specify a maximum number of failed STEP exams, making it accessible to DO and IMG candidates.
Salary and Benefits
The LSU Dermatology Residency Program offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Residents receive non-cumulative vacation days ranging from 21 days for PGY-1 to 28 days for PGY-2 and above, along with sick leave, educational leave for professional development, and maternity/paternity leave structured around available vacation and sick leave 7. Health insurance and disability options are also provided to ensure the wellbeing of residents throughout their training.
Training Sites and Unique Aspects
The program benefits from its alliances with leading hospitals in New Orleans, creating a rich learning environment with diverse clinical cases 8. Trainees have access to modern healthcare facilities and work alongside a dedicated faculty committed to residents' educational and professional growth.
Overall, the Louisiana State University School of Medicine Dermatology Residency Program in New Orleans stands as a vibrant training ground for future dermatologists, embodying a spirit of collaboration, scholarly achievement, and community service within its curriculum.
Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [3]
Program
Program Size
6, 5, 6 (3 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 22, 2026)
Composition [2]
Training
Fellowship Rate:13% [2]
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:0.7X [1]
Residents Career Path [2]
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: --
First Year Paid Vacation: --
First Year Salary: $62,222 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 12 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 40 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: --
Visa Sponsorship:J1 [2]
YOG Cutoff:1 [1]
Race / Ethnicity
Gender
Incoming Schools
29%
Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans
18%
Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport
12%
Paul L. Foster School of Medicine Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso
6%
University of Florida College of Medicine
* Multiple schools share the same admissions rate.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Match & stats
2026 Residency Applicant & Interview Insights
No 2026 Applicant & Interview Insights available for this program.
Note: The AIR (Applicant Interview Rate) is calculated as the percentage of applicants in each category who were offered interviews. A higher AIR suggests stronger alignment with program preferences, indicating a greater likelihood of the program favoring applicants in this category.
USMLE STEP 2 CK Score [2]
No data available for USMLE
STEP 2 CK Score
COMLEX Level 2 Score [2]
No data available for COMLEX
Level 2 Score
Match History [4]
Roster
Publications
9 Publications (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
9 Publications (5 yr)
No difference in recurrence rates between wide local excision and amputation for acral lentiginous melanoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Into the metaverse: Ethical considerations of virtual dermatology clinics in a digital world.
Location
New Orleans, LA [5]
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [6]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [7]
Rate per 100,000 residents
Living in New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA, promises a vibrant and culturally rich living experience for residents. Here's a breakdown of living in this location:
Crime Rate and Safety
New Orleans has a higher crime rate compared to the national average. While some neighborhoods are safer than others, it's essential to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
Fun Activities
Known for its lively music scene, delicious cuisine, and Mardi Gras festivities, New Orleans offers endless entertainment options. Residents can enjoy jazz performances, explore historic French Quarter, and indulge in local Creole and Cajun dishes.
Climate
New Orleans has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high humidity levels during the summer months.
Races and Population
New Orleans is a diverse city with a mix of various races and cultures, contributing to its unique charm and cultural richness.
Education
New Orleans is home to several higher education institutions, including Tulane University and Loyola University, offering educational opportunities for residents.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in New Orleans is relatively lower compared to other major U.S. cities. Housing costs vary depending on the neighborhood, with more affordable options available in suburban areas.
Proximity to Bigger Cities
New Orleans is located about 90 miles away from Baton Rouge and 335 miles from Houston, making it fairly accessible by car. Baton Rouge is approximately a 1.5-hour drive, offering a change of scenery and additional amenities.
Cons
- While New Orleans is vibrant and culturally rich
- it's important to be mindful of the higher crime rate in certain areas and the humid climate during the summer months. Residents should explore different neighborhoods to find a suitable living environment that meets their preferences and safety concerns.
FAQ
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References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/0802121109
2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/38cda8c0-7638-b0a1-8402-50330ab90c09
3. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
4. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
5. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US2255000
6. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
7. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr