UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program

The UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine offers a comprehensive Dermatopathology fellowship program, which emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to dermatology. The program's mission is to train physicians to become outstanding dermatology clinicians, educators, researchers, and leaders. With a robust curriculum, residents gain experience in medical dermatology, pediatric dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and dermatopathology, all within a collaborative environment.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum features a structured didactic component, including two half-days per week dedicated to resident education. This includes faculty-led training sessions covering textbook reviews, dermatopathology evaluations, and hands-on practical workshops. In addition to lectures, residents participate in journal clubs that foster critical engagement with current literature relevant to dermatological practices 1.

Research Opportunities

The program offers the Specialty Training and Research (STAR) track, designed for residents interested in pursuing research alongside clinical training. STAR residents can engage in substantial research activities during their residency, allowing for the development of significant projects that align with personal interests 1.

Training Sites

Residents receive training at several key sites, including:

West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Hospital

The West LA VA Hospital serves as an essential training site where residents engage in both medical and surgical clinics, providing diverse clinical exposure. The facility handles a substantial volume of cases, including over 600 Mohs surgeries annually. Residents benefit from close mentorship by board-certified dermatologists actively involved in the residency program 1.

Olive View-UCLA Medical Center

Located in the San Fernando Valley, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center provides care for a large and diverse patient population, comprising both inpatient and outpatient services. This facility allows residents to work with a community that presents a variety of clinical conditions while ensuring exposure to both medical and surgical dermatology 1.

Dermatopathology Training

Dermatopathology training is an integral part of the program, with residents dedicating several hours weekly to enhance their histopathological skills. There is a collaborative interaction between dermatology and pathology departments, where residents can participate in case sign-outs and directly apply their knowledge in clinical settings 1.

Community Engagement

Residents are encouraged to take part in community service activities. Volunteering opportunities include providing dermatological care at the Venice Family Clinic, which serves underserved populations, and participating in Camp Wonder, a camp for children with chronic skin diseases 1.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

The program emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion within its mission. It actively recruits individuals from diverse backgrounds, promoting an inclusive environment that enriches the learning experience and improves care for a broad patient demographic 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is known to be competitive, particularly for applicants with strong academic records and clinical experience. It welcomes international medical graduates (IMGs) and is J-1 visa friendly. Graduates from international medical schools must possess valid ECFMG certificates and meet California medical licensure eligibility requirements when applying to the program 1.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae, a Dean's letter, official medical school transcripts, and at least three letters of recommendation, one of which should ideally be from a dermatologist. Additionally, graduates of international medical schools must meet specific criteria regarding recent graduation dates and passed examination scores 1.