Comprehensive Pediatric Dermatology Services at UCLA

The UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Medical Center offers comprehensive pediatric dermatology services, emphasizing clinical excellence, research capabilities, and the development of future leaders in the field. This commitment is reflected in their specialized Pediatric Dermatology Residency Program, which provides trainees with a robust and diverse educational experience.

Mission and Structure of the Program

The program's core mission is to cultivate outstanding dermatology clinicians, educators, and researchers who will significantly contribute to pediatric dermatology. Under the guidance of dedicated faculty, residents receive a multidimensional training experience that balances patient care with academic pursuits. This dual emphasis prepares them to effectively address the complexities inherent in pediatric dermatological conditions.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum is structured around both didactic sessions and hands-on clinical experiences. Each week, residents dedicate two half-days to educational activities, encompassing textbook reviews, dermatopathology analysis, and journal clubs that delve into the latest research. Furthermore, all residents are required to present on topics of interest during Grand Rounds, enhancing their presentation skills and expanding their clinical knowledge. To adapt to current circumstances, remote formats, such as Zoom meetings, have also been implemented to ensure the continuation of education.

Training Sites

Residents gain invaluable experience across several prestigious training sites:

West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Hospital: This site offers residents exposure to a busy dermatology clinic that operates five half-days a week, providing a wide array of outpatient and inpatient services.
Olive View-UCLA Medical Center: Here, residents serve a diverse patient population through outpatient and inpatient services, enriching their clinical exposure and challenges.
Mattel Children's Hospital: This location allows residents to participate in pediatric dermatology consultations and engage in a multidisciplinary approach to managing complex cases.

Pediatric Dermatology Training

The pediatric dermatology training component includes rotations through specialized clinics, where residents are supervised by board-certified pediatric dermatologists. The curriculum includes exposure to common skin conditions as well as rare genetic disorders. Residents partake in various procedures involving advanced technologies, including lasers used to treat vascular anomalies.

Research Opportunities

UCLA’s Pediatric Dermatology Residency Program strongly encourages research involvement. Residents can dedicate time towards conducting studies in pediatric dermatology and participating in various scholarly activities that culminate in presentations at national conferences. This research experience is further supported by opportunities to engage in advanced clinical trials through UCLA’s prestigious Clinical and Translational Research Institute.

Community Engagement

A unique aspect of the program is its commitment to community engagement. Residents participate in community service initiatives such as Camp Wonder, a program designed to support children with complex skin diseases. By offering medical care in a supportive environment, residents gain valuable experience in understanding the emotional and social challenges faced by children with dermatological conditions.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is valued. It prioritizes the recruitment of residents from diverse backgrounds and actively supports initiatives that enhance health equity and representation in the field of dermatology.

Visa Sponsorship and Program Competition

The program offers J-1 visa sponsorship for international graduates, reflecting its commitment to welcoming skilled candidates from various educational backgrounds.

Dr. Kathy Langevin's Contributions

Dr. Kathy Langevin, board-certified in both dermatology and pediatric dermatology, significantly contributes to the program. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and Chicago Medical School, she completed her dermatology training at the University of Iowa and the University of California, Los Angeles, followed by a fellowship in pediatric dermatology at the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Langevin treats both adult and pediatric patients with routine and complex skin problems. She is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine/VA Medical Center and works with residents at the VA Medical Center. She is also a member of several professional organizations, including the Society for Pediatric Dermatology, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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Harbor-UCLA Residency Training Program

The Harbor-UCLA Residency Training Program aims to prepare residents to become leaders in their respective fields by providing a strong and multifaceted foundation in medical dermatology, dermatopathology, procedural dermatology, and research. The team environment among faculty and residents fosters camaraderie and supports a productive work environment within the Division of Dermatology. Harbor-UCLA strives to promote inclusion of underrepresented groups in the field of medicine, ensuring that it better reflects patient demographics. The demographics of the patients are Latino 55%, African-American 20%, Caucasian 18%, other 7%.

Opportunities for Medical Students at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center

The unique county medical center allows medical students to gain firsthand experience in taking care of a patient population with interesting dermatologic conditions. As a rotating medical student (or resident), individuals learn the basic foundations of medical and surgical dermatology. The residents and faculty are eager to teach. The Harbor Dermatology elective course is found under ME-ME215.08 - General Dermatology. It takes place 8am - 12pm: Long Beach Comprehensive Clinic (medical student clerkship, 2nd and 4th Tuesday, Dr. 1000 W. Carson St.

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