Dermatology Residency Research Track Program
About our Research
The UC San Diego Dermatology Research Program includes faculty who have made major scientific contributions through basic and clinical research. Our program is among the largest and most successful in the nation in basic, translational and clinical skin research, with areas of strength in:
- Immunology
- Wound repair
- Developmental biology
- Pediatric dermatology
Inherent in our philosophy is the goal to train and advance the academic careers of our trainees and we take pride in their future success.
About the Research Track
The Research Track is designed for residents with strong basic science research backgrounds who are committed to building a career as the principle investigator of an independent basic research laboratory. This track is for researchers pursuing basic research projects, though these may include a translational element. This track does not support purely clinical research. Successful applicants have mostly been MD/PhDs, however a PhD is not required; though applicants without PhD level research experience and publication records are unlikely to be competitive.
This track is an American Board of Dermatology (ABD) approved residency position that condenses the clinical training requirements to provide protected research time, including 6 months of basic science research time in the PGY4 year. The purpose of the Research Track is to provide additional mentorship and support to residents seeking a career as a physician scientist leading an independent laboratory, while allowing them to graduate in the standard 3 years and sit for the ABD board exam following their PGY4 year. This track will provide the resident an opportunity to identify and initiate a research project that is expected to translate into a post-doctoral fellowship upon the completion of residency. Protected time for focused research is provided in the 2nd and 3rd years of residency. It is expected that the resident will identify mentors and a project during their PGY2 year of residency. They will use the protected time during the PGY3 year to initiate the project and will develop the preliminary data in PGY3 and 4 to apply for fellowships and transition into a post-doctoral fellowship after graduation. Residents who remain at UCSD for their post-doctoral work will be given clinical privileges and the option to practice as an Attending in the department, in addition to their research.
How to Apply
The Research Track (1 position) is separate from the clinical track (4 positions). Applicants may apply to either a single track or to both the Research Track and the clinical track, though only the resident who matches into the Research Track position will be guaranteed protected research time. The Research Track does require a short NIH Biosketch-style supplemental application describing research goals and achievements. If selected for an interview, Research Track applicants will interview with the clinical track applicants, as well as prepare a 10 minute presentation of their research and have an additional interview with our research faculty. To apply to our residency program, and more details on application requirements, please follow the application instructions.