Experience the Training Environment at UW Medicine in Seattle
The DURM Scholarship program seeks to provide funding for URM students to experience the outstanding training programs at the University of Washington. The 4-week elective Dermatology rotation connects visiting students with current Dermatology faculty, students, and trainees for clinical and research exposure at several UW Medicine locations, and provides opportunities for mentorship and collaboration. Students may attend didactics, UW conferences, and site specific educational rotations while also taking part in division-wide and residency-centered events. Scholars will be able to meet and socialize with UW medical students and residents, explore the UW community and get a taste of life in Seattle, Wash.
Application Details
The visiting student rotation is a 4-week elective that will fulfill credit during the fall term only. Accepted students will receive a travel stipend up to $2,000 to cover application costs, housing, transportation, and other living expenses.
AAMC Definition of Underrepresented in Medicine (URM)
> "Underrepresented in medicine means those racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population."
This lens currently includes students who identify as African Americans and/or Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American (American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians), Pacific Islander, and mainland Puerto Rican. The definition also refers to students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
2023 DURM Scholars
Alex Bang
Pronouns: he/him/his
Undergraduate School: University of California, Berkeley
Medical School: Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Clinical & Research Interests: My clinical and research interests in dermatology include complex medical dermatology, skin of color, care of LGBTQIA+ patients, and supportive oncodermatology.
Future Career Plans/Goals: I am hoping to pursue a career in academic medicine where I can advocate and care for underserved patients, especially those who are LGBTQIA+, and patients experiencing skin toxicity from cancer therapy. In addition, I hope to provide mentorship to those who are underrepresented in medicine and come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?: I am a huge foodie and love to try foods from all cultures to expand my palate, as well as trying to explore and travel the entire world! I love to bike around Central Park, especially in the fall and spring.
Iesha Ticknor
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Undergraduate School: University of Washington
Medical School: Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine
Clinical & Research Interests: My clinical and research interests include medical and skin of color dermatology, alopecia, equity inclusion and diversity (EID) work, and health disparities.
Future Career Plans/Goals: In my career, I would love to advance skin of color dermatology and continue to work with underserved communities. Additionally, I hope to be involved in EID work within academia and medical education.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?: In my free time I love to play tennis, travel, go on long walks while listening to my favorite podcasts, and doing DIY projects with my Cricut!
Past Scholars
2022 DURM Scholars
Elizabeth Mata
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Undergraduate School: University of Arizona, BS in Nutrition Sciences
Graduate School: The University of Arizona College of Nursing, MS, Registered Nurse
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson
Clinical & Research Interests: My clinical and research interests include skin of color dermatology, transplant dermatology, rural health, and health disparities in dermatology.
Future Career Plans/Goals: After matching into a dermatology residency program, I hope to continue working with skin of color as well as those who are underserved.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?: I love to spend time with my family, traveling, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and staying active. My favorite activity to do in a new city is to tour MLB stadiums.
Leilani Roberson
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Undergraduate School: Loyola Marymount University, BA in Psychology
Medical School: Meharry Medical College
Clinical & Research Interests: My clinical interests include skin of color, alopecia, scarring, and acne. My research interest includes health disparity and equity research.
Future Career Plans/Goals: As a future dermatologist, I hope to create an environment where people of color can feel comfortable pursuing and receiving dermatological care. I want to address the clinical needs of underserved communities, as well as conduct research that advances health equity within the field of dermatology.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?: I enjoy everything related to food, so in my free time I enjoy cooking, baking, juicing, and trying new restaurants. Some of the other things I enjoy are candle making, Pilates, and hanging out with friends and family.
2021 DURM Scholars
Gary Gibson
Hometown: Youngstown, Ohio
Undergraduate school: The Ohio State University, BS in Biology
Medical school: Howard University College of Medicine
Clinical and research interests: Clinical and research interests lie in medical dermatology, keloid scarring, skin of color dermatology, and public health in dermatology
Future career plans/goals: My future plans include successfully matching into and completing dermatology residency, possibly complete a dermatology fellowship, and continue to pursue research interests. In my career, I wish to continue advocating for skin of color, as well as transgender health in the field.
Personal interests: Running, playing tennis, practicing guitar and American Sign Language
Keesha Jeter, MS (UW Dermatology Resident, 2026 Graduate)
Hometown: Bakersfield, CA
Undergraduate school: University of California, Santa Barbara
Medical school: Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA
Other degrees: Master of Science in Medical Sciences
Clinical and research interests: My clinical interests include general and procedural dermatology, health disparities in dermatology, treatment of keloid scars, hidradenitis suppurativa, and alopecia.
Future career plans/goals: I plan to pursue a dermatology residency in the fall with the goal of continuing my work in underserved communities.
Personal interests: I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, trying new restaurants, playing piano, and sewing.