UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program

The UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Medical Center offers a specialized Pediatric Dermatology Residency Program that is designed to foster clinical excellence, research skills, and professional leadership among trainees. The program's comprehensive curriculum ensures that residents gain robust experience across multiple dermatology specialties, including pediatric dermatology, medical dermatology, dermatopathology, and surgical dermatology.

Mission and Structure

The mission of the program is centered around developing outstanding dermatology clinicians, educators, and researchers who can contribute significantly to the field of pediatric dermatology. Under the leadership of dedicated faculty, residents are provided with a multidimensional training experience that emphasizes both patient care and academic development. This dual focus enables them to navigate the complexities of pediatric dermatological conditions effectively.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum emphasizes didactic sessions and hands-on experiences. Residents participate in two half-days each week dedicated to education, which includes textbook reviews, dermatopathology analysis, and journal clubs that explore the latest literature. Additionally, all residents are required to present topics of interest during Grand Rounds, thus improving their presentation skills and clinical knowledge. Given the ongoing pandemic, remote formats such as Zoom have also been employed to facilitate continued education.

Training Sites

Residents gain valuable experience at prestigious training sites, including:

• West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Hospital: This site allows residents to engage in a busy dermatology clinic that operates five half days a week, providing a broad range of outpatient and inpatient services.
• Olive View-UCLA Medical Center: Here, residents cater to a diverse population with outpatient and inpatient services, significantly enriching their clinical exposure and challenges.
• Mattel Children's Hospital: This site offers residents the opportunity to see pediatric dermatology consultations and engage in a multidisciplinary approach to complex cases.

Pediatric Dermatology Training

The pediatric dermatology training component involves rotations through specialized clinics, where residents are supervised by board-certified pediatric dermatologists. The curriculum includes exposure to common skin conditions as well as rare genetic disorders. Residents partake in various procedures involving advanced technologies, including lasers used to treat vascular anomalies.

Research Opportunities

UCLA’s Pediatric Dermatology Residency Program strongly encourages research involvement. Residents can dedicate time towards conducting studies in pediatric dermatology and participating in various scholarly activities that culminate in presentations at national conferences. This research experience is further supported by opportunities to engage in advanced clinical trials through UCLA’s prestigious Clinical and Translational Research Institute.

Community Engagement

Residents participate in community service initiatives such as Camp Wonder, which supports children with complex skin diseases. This program offers medical care in a supportive environment and provides residents with valuable experience in understanding the emotional and social challenges faced by children with dermatological conditions.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. It prioritizes recruitment of residents from all backgrounds and actively supports initiatives that enhance health equity and representation in the field of dermatology.

Visa Sponsorship and Competition

For international graduates, the program offers J-1 visa sponsorship, aligning with its commitment to accept skilled candidates from various educational backgrounds. The application process is competitive, particularly for international medical graduates (IMGs) and DO applicants, emphasizing the importance of solid academic performance along with clinical experience.

Application Requirements

Applicants must comply with specific criteria, including:

• A valid ECFMG certificate for international graduates
• Eligibility for J-1 visa sponsorship.
• Submission of three letters of recommendation, with at least one from a practicing dermatologist.

Applications typically require a strong academic record, including passing scores on USMLE Step 1 and Step 2, which reflects the program’s competitive nature.