How would you describe the culture of your residency?
We have a supportive and collegial culture where Dermatology co residents support each other. The mission and heart of the UCLA - West LA VAH Dermatology Residency Program is to train our physicians to be outstanding dermatology clinicians, specialty educators, researchers and leaders in our field.
How has your program supported resident wellness?
We have an annual resident retreat and our chief resident sends out weekly emails with wellness tips and updates. Dermatology residency program is typically a 40 hour work week, allowing residents time for their families and hobbies outside of work.
How has your program supported diversity, inclusion, and equity (DEI) either at your institution or in the surrounding community?
Our program recognizes that Dermatology historically lacks diversity and we have established our own Dermatology Equity Diversity and Inclusion committee comprised of residents, fellows, faculty and clinic staff. Our EDI Committee has implemented positive changes to our curriculum, and we continue to strive to improve and recruit diverse and URiM residents to our program. We do community outreach including volunteering at the Venice Family Clinic.
What are unique features of your program that you would like to highlight?
UCLA Dermatology residency program is focused on resident education with faculty led didactic lectures two half days per week, in addition to hands on inservice training for surgical and laser skills. Our residents care for a diverse population including sites at Olive View Hospital, the VA, and UCLA Westwood and Santa Monica ambulatory Dermatology clinics. We allow residents to do electives and our residents have rotated in Botswana and at Navajo nation Indian Health services. Our residents attend Camp Wonder, a camp for children with skin diseases.
Is there any advice that you would like to share with the LMSA community?
Please consider applying to Dermatology! Your community needs more Dermatologists.
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