University of California Davis Health Program

Program Identity & Fit

UC Davis Health's Dermatology Residency is a university-based, academic program anchored at UC Davis Medical Center, a tertiary/quaternary referral center, with additional training across VA (Mather), Kaiser Permanente, and dedicated dermatology clinics offering Mohs surgery, dermatopathology, phototherapy (including UVA-1), and cosmetic/contact dermatitis subspecialty services. The department ranks nationally in NIH funding and maintains an extensive translational research infrastructure, with 44 active IRB-approved clinical studies, joint laboratories at Shriners Children's and the VA, and cross-disciplinary ties to the Comprehensive Cancer Center, veterinary dermatology, and primate research programs, giving residents structured access to basic, translational and clinical research with protected time available. Career preparation spans broad subspecialty clinical exposure (over 30 faculty) alongside an ACGME-accredited Mohs/laser/cosmetic fellowship, reflecting a dual emphasis on comprehensive general dermatology competency and subspecialty/procedural pathways. The program's holistic review process, explicit de-emphasis of "name-brand" dermatology letters, and support for financially disadvantaged visiting students indicate a values orientation toward well-rounded, service-minded trainees over pedigree-driven applicants.