UCSD Division of Dermatology Residency Training Program

Welcome to the Division of Dermatology at UCSD. Clinical dermatology and the science of cutaneous biology is a challenging and satisfying lifelong mission. We strive to provide a training program that can prepare our residents to become leaders in their field by providing a strong foundation in medical dermatology, dermatopathology, procedural dermatology, clinical and basic research. In order to achieve this goal we have designed a training program that provides residents with extensive clinical experience and the flexibility to focus in specific areas. Particular areas of emphasis include pediatric dermatology and basic research in skin immunobiology.

We attract candidates with outstanding qualifications from top training centers around the country. Each year we receive several hundred applicants for the three incoming positions and offer twenty-five to thirty-five interviews. The requirements for admission to the program include completion of an internship in general internal medicine or a transitional year.

We look forward to receiving your application and wish you the best of luck in the future.

Please note that we participate in the ERAS program. Completed applications will be accepted only in this format and are due no later than: November 1st, 2009

Program Specifics

Residency Program Director: Richard L. Gallo, M.D., Ph.D.

Residency Program Coordinator:

DeAnna Barrett (dbarrett@ucsd.edu)

Phone: 619.543.3036

Fax: 619.543.2144


Residency Start Date: July 1, 2011
Length of Program: 3 years
Application Deadline: November 1, 2009

To view: UCSD Medical Center Terms and Conditions of Appointment 08/09

Overview

The UCSD Dermatology Residency Training Program strives to provide a well balanced training experience. Residents see patients at all the UCSD hospitals, including the VA hospital and Children’s hospital. Resident rotations are aimed at maximizing the benefits of the training experience by taking advantage of the clinical strengths and research oppportunities at the various participating institutions. To enhance the understanding of dermatology and encourage creative thinking, all residents are encouraged to participate in research on a topic of their choosing. Residents interested in more advanced work and preparation for a career in research are offered specially designed tracts to maximize learning and future productivity.

Goals and objectives

The UCSD Dermatology Residency Training Program is a 3-year ACGME accredited training program designed and organized to provide residents with both clinical experience and a broad foundation in academic dermatology. At the conclusion of the training program all residents should be able to deliver superior specialized care to patients with a variety of dermatological conditions, including diseases of the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes.

This experience is designed to provide varied and broad training in a progressive and systemic manner. Instruction in the basic sciences and clinical dermatology is emphasized with exposure to and training in research methodology and teaching skills.

Rotations provide core knowledge, experience, and skills necessary for the effective practice of dermatology as a specialty. Emphasis is placed on developing knowledge, skill and expertise in dermatopathology, surgical dermatology, and pediatric dermatology, although educational experience in all aspects of clinical dermatologic care is provided during the three-year course of training. Emphasis is place on teaching and encouraging study habits and skills that will foster lifelong learning.

Continuity of patient care is also stressed throughout the three years of training. Facilities available at the three major teaching institutions are designed and equipped to accomplish these objectives. Teaching faculty have been selected for their expertise and competence and for their demostrated commitment and enthusiasm for teaching. The program seeks to provide a scholarly and supportive educational environment conducive to meeting these goals. Successful completion of the program will qualify the candidate for the American Board of Dermatology certifying examination. Historically, residents from this program have been very well prepared for this examination.

Major Rotational assignments

Dermatology residents are assigned to specific rotations throughout their three years of residency. Each rotation has well defined goals and objectives and the residents are evaluated by supervising faculty upon completion of each rotation and semiannually throughout their three years of training.

The following rotations are incorporated throughout the three years of training:

  1. UCSDMC-Hillcrest Dermatology Clinic Rotation
  2. UCSDMC-Hillcrest Dermatology Consultation Service
  3. VAMC Dermatology Clinic Rotation
  4. VAMC Dermatology Consultation Service
  5. UCSDMC-Hillcrest Dermatological Surgery Rotation
  6. UCSDMC-Hillcrest Dermatopathology Rotation (or other outside dermatopathology rotation)
  7. Pediatric Dermatology Clinic Rotation
  8. UCSDMC-Perlman Dermatology Clinic Rotation
  9. UCSDMC-Hillcrest Wound Clinic Rotation
  10. Laser Rotation (Naval Medical Center, San Diego)
  11. Elective Rotations
  12. Research Rotation

Rotational assignments vary by year, as follows:

First Year (PGY-2):

  1. UCSD and VAMC Clinics - 12 months
  2. Pediatric Dermatology - 8 months, one clinic/week
  3. Dermatologic surgery preoperative and minor procedures clinic - 4 months, one clinic/week
  4. UCSDMC-Perlman - 4 months, one clinic/week

Second year (PGY-3):

  1. UCSD
    a. Consult service/clinics/dermatopathology - 3 months
    b. Dermatopathology - 1 month
    c. Dermatologic surgery - 2 months
  2. VAMC - Consult service/clinics/Mohs surgery - 3 months
  3. Pediatric Dermatology - 2 months
  4. Dermatology Elective - 1 month

Third Year (PGY-4):

  1. UCSD
    a. Consult service/clinics/dermatopathology - 1 month
    b. Dermatologic surgery - 2 months
  2. VAMC - Consult service/clinics/Mohs surgery - 1 month
  3. Pediatric Dermatology - 1 month
  4. Dermatopathology - 1 month (UCSD or outside dermatopathology rotation)
  5. Wound Clinic/Float - 2 weeks each
  6. Laser Rotation - 1 month
  7. UCSDMC-Perlman Dermatology Clinic/Consultation service - 1 month
  8. Elective Rotations - 2 months
  9. 4-6 months of research can be substituted for any or all the elective rotations (items 5-9)

Faculty/Resident Advisor Program

A faculty advisor program has been established to assist each resident in meeting the goals and objectives of the dermatology-training program, and to provide the opportunity for residents to explore and develop their individual interests within the field of dermatology. This program also provides the opportunity for residents to develop a mentorship relationship that will develop over the three years of training.

Dermatology Resident and Faculty Performance Evaluations

All residents are regularly evaluated with written evaluations by faculty members with whom they work during their rotations. The Program Director meets with each resident at least twice per year to discuss their performance and review evaluations from faculty members and their rotations. Frequent informal evaluations are also done by individual faculty members and communicated to the resident with constructive suggestions for improvement. Residents are also encouraged to discuss any specific problems or concerns about their performance or progress with the Program Director or their faculty mentor at any time during the year.

Faculty members are evaluated by the residents with written evaluations and with evaluations for specific rotations. Residents are also asked to complete written assessments of the Dermatology Residency Program, which is used to consider changes and improvements in the curriculum and the educational program.

Other Educational Opportunities

Residents participate at weekly Dermatology Grand Rounds every Thursday morning. Grand Rounds are held in conjunction with the Navy Hospital Dermatology Residency Program. Live patients are presented and discussed each week. A one hour Grand Rounds lecture given by one of the faculty or invited speakers follows the patient presentations. Wednesday mornings are dedicated to academic instruction. Residents spend one hour going over unknown dermatopathology cases with the dermatopathology faculty. Book review with board-type questions, a lecture by one of the faculty members, and journal club are also done during this morning, once a week. Journals reviewed include Archives of Dermatology, JAAD, JID, Dermatology Surgery, Cutis, and Pediatric Dermatology.

Fourth Year Medical Student Away Electives

For information regarding scheduling away electives with UCSD Dermatology:

Contact:  Adrianne Edwards

               Senior Curriculum & Visiting Student Program Coordinator

               Division of Medical Education

Email: A1edwards@ucsd.edu
Phone: 858-534-1396
Web site: Undergraduate Medical Education

 

Current Residents

Front row : Pristine Lee, MD (3rd year), Michelle Jackson, MD (2nd year), Elan Newman, MD (3rd year), Michelle Nguyen (1st year), Caroline Piggott, MD (2nd year)  Second row:  Gagik Oganesyan, MD, PhD (2nd year), Shane Hamman, MD (1st year), David Lortscher, MD (1st year), Andrew Krakowski, MD (2nd year), Doru Alexandrescu, MD (1st year), Stephan Kempiak, MD, PhD (3rd year)