UCI participates in the National Resident Matching Program. We only accept applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) developed by the Association of American Medical Colleges to electronically transmit residency applications. We only offer ECFMG sponsored J-1 visas for ACGME resident and fellow appointments. We do not sponsor H1 visas for these appointments.

Personal statement

Curriculum vitae

Medical school transcript

Dean’s letter

Three letters of recommendation

It is advisable that at least one letter be from a dermatology faculty member

USMLE Step 1 score if applicable

(and Step 2 if completed)

NRMP number

Before beginning the dermatology residency program, individuals must have successfully completed a one-year ACGME-approved residency program in internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery or transitional medicine.

Supplemental ERAS Application

Our program participates in the AAMC Supplemental ERAS Application, which includes token preference signaling. Per AAMC and NRMP guidance, completion of this supplemental application is optional for all applicants, though we highly encourage applicants to complete it. This information will be combined with information in the MyERAS application to better understand an applicant’s interests and experiences.

View the Application
Preference Signaling

We do not filter applications based on metrics or attributes, and we strive to perform holistic review of all applications. However, given the sheer volume of applications, if you have a specific interest in our program, a signal will ensure your application receives an in-depth review by program leadership, which could differentiate your application from others with similar listed goals, experiences and/or metrics.

Pre- and Post-interview Communication

Because we participate in the new supplemental application and preference signaling, we will not consider other informal displays of interest, including emails from you or an advocate, letters of intent or thank you notes. Please do not send this type of communication either before or after the interview. If you have specific questions about the program, these can be directed to either Ms. Terena Wells, our program coordinator. For general inquiries about the program, please refer to this website. We will communicate with you via email regarding interview information and the status of your application.

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Positions Offered

We have a total of 17 residents in the program starting at the PGY-2 year, and we offer six positions each year. Matched applicants begin July 1 of each year.

Residency Informational Webinar

The UCI School of Medicine Department of Dermatology offers an informational webinar about the residency program. Attendees can ask questions and learn more about the application process.

Tuesday, September 30, 2025
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m PT

Find out more

A small group of diverse nursing students sit around a boardroom table as they listen attentively to their teacher and lead doctor. They are each dressed in medical scrubs and sitting with papers out in front of them. The doctor is holding out a clipboard with a document on it as she reviews it with the group.

Combined Research and Clinical Option

An option for a combined research and clinical dermatology training program exists and will be considered for interested applicants who have been selected through the standard match process.

This program is for residents who are interested in becoming independent investigators in dermatology. The position is supported through internal funds specifically allocated for a two-year research fellowship to be completed after residency training.

 

PGY-3 Research Option

In addition, there is an option of beginning research during the third year of residency. During the second year of residency, the applicant is expected to apply for independent funding, either through a Dermatology Foundation award, a K08 award, or another research grant source.

The department will continue to mentor the resident as they transition toward independence. The trainee’s research does not need to be conducted in a Department of Dermatology laboratory. 

The goal of this program is to develop outstanding cutaneous biologists who can gain early independence, as this is critical in launching a successful independent research career.

 

Searching for potential UCI faculty mentors?

Visit the UCI Skin website

 

Application materials due:

October 1

 

We participate in the dermatology coordinated interview group release. Interview invitations are generally sent in late November, with responses due back within 10 days.

Interview Dates

Interviews are generally conducted in early January.

All interviews will be conducted remotely this year, as determined by the University of California. There will be a Zoom-based social activity hosted by the residents on the evening before the interviews. On the day of the interviews, there will be a video introduction to the program and multiple rounds of interviews.

Application review process

All applications will be randomly assigned for review by the UCI dermatology faculty serving on our Residency Selection Committee and will be evaluated holistically. We do not have a cutoff for USMLE Step 1 scores. 

We encourage applications from students who are underrepresented in medicine either based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, a health condition or disability.

Applicants who have completed a prior residency in another specialty are eligible to apply.

Our residency program coordinator is here to answer any questions you have.

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