UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program

The UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine offers a comprehensive Residency Program in Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology, emphasizing an extensive educational experience, surgical training, and community engagement. This program aims to train residents as proficient practitioners in various aspects of dermatology, particularly within surgical contexts.

Curriculum Overview

Residents in the Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology program engage in a structured curriculum that emphasizes both clinical exposure and didactic education. The program integrates medical dermatology, surgical dermatology, and dermatopathology, offering residents opportunities for hands-on experience in various settings.

The program schedules didactic sessions, including education on dermatopathology, case discussions, and journal clubs to keep residents updated on the latest in dermatologic research and practices 1. Residents are active participants in the Resident Lecture Series, which includes patient presentations followed by discussions on clinical and histopathologic diagnoses 6.

Rotations and Training Sites

Training occurs at key hospitals affiliated with UCLA. The main sites include:

• UCLA Medical Center: Focused on advanced procedural dermatology, this site offers extensive training experiences in surgical and cosmetic dermatology.
• West Los Angeles VA Hospital: Residents gain substantial experience, particularly in Mohs micrographic surgery, where they perform numerous procedures annually.
• Olive View-UCLA Medical Center: Serving a diverse patient population, this facility enhances the resident's ability to manage a wide array of dermatologic conditions across demographic lines.

Research Opportunities

Research is a vital component of the residency program. Residents are encouraged to develop and complete research projects under faculty mentorship, with access to resources that support clinical investigation and academic publication 2. Collaborative projects with other healthcare specialties further enrich the research opportunities available to residents.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program is noted for its commitment to fostering diversity and promoting health equity. It seeks to recruit residents from varied backgrounds and emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique perspectives that diverse populations bring to healthcare delivery 1. This commitment extends to community service initiatives, enabling residents to engage with underserved populations through clinics and outreach programs such as Camp Wonder, which offers medical care to children with dermatologic conditions 2.

Visa Support

For international medical graduates, the program offers sponsorship for J-1 visas. Graduates of international medical schools must possess ECFMG certification and the California eligibility letter at the time of application. The program supports candidates diligently navigating the complexities involved in visa sponsorship 3.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The UCLA dermatology residency is known for its competitive selection process. Applicants are expected to have solid academic standings with no more than one failure of the USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 exams. Additionally, the program accepts individuals with prior residency experiences, promoting an inclusive environment for board-certified specialists seeking additional training 4.

Salary and Benefits

Residents are compensated through a salary structure aligned with UCLA Graduate Medical Education guidelines, coupled with benefits that may include health insurance, vacation time, and professional development funds for attending conferences or pursuing further education 5.