University of Virginia Medical Center Program

Program Identity & Fit

UVA Dermatology is a small, university-based program built around a compact 8-member faculty practicing primarily out of the Primary Care Center, with early resident-run continuity clinics and close one-on-one faculty teaching rather than a large tertiary-referral service model. Research is institutionally supported through the department's own Institute for Dermatologic Research and Advancement (IDRA), which runs investigator-initiated and industry trials across psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, cutaneous lupus, vasculitis, and vitiligo, giving residents access to trial-based clinical research without the program presenting itself as physician-scientist focused. A distinctive Global Health Track offers structured didactics, international rotations (Ecuador, Botswana, Vietnam, Cambodia, Chile/Indian Health Service), and bilateral exchange partnerships, marking global/underserved health as a genuine programmatic pillar rather than an elective afterthought. The program also offers a Mohs fellowship pathway and explicitly holistic review emphasizing life experiences and outside interests over rigid metrics, suggesting a preference for well-rounded applicants with demonstrated depth in a specific area (research, global health, or procedural interest) rather than pure numbers.