overview
Experience the Training Environment at UW Medicine in Seattle
The Dermatology Visiting Student Diversity Scholarship program seeks to provide funding for students interested in dermatology to experience the outstanding training programs at the University of Washington. Although anyone is able to apply as a visiting student, the Dermatology Visiting Student Diversity Scholarship is intended to provide support for the financial barriers that prevent many students from being able to participate otherwise.
The 4-week elective dermatology rotation connects visiting students with current UW 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 department-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.
As part of our mission, the University of Washington Department of Dermatology celebrates and values diversity. We are looking for applicants who contribute to our commitment and share our values. This includes students who are involved in activities that serve diverse and/or marginalized communities, first generation medical school students, and students who identify as part of an underrepresented group in medicine.
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.
APPLICATION INFO
Applications are accepted in the spring through VSLO for medical students attending an LCME and AACOM accredited US medical schools.
For any questions, please email drmedstu@uw.edu.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2024 - 2025
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Winter 2024: Applicants prepare supplemental and/or applications, obtain transcripts, proof of immunization, etc. 2024-25 Dermatology Visiting Student Diversity Scholarship Application is posted on University of Washington website for completion ahead of VSLO opening.
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February 1, 2024: University of Washington VSLO becomes visible to students
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March 1, 2024: Prospective visiting students may begin submitting applications to University of Washington Dermatology within VSLO.
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March 15, 2024: Deadline for University of Washington Dermatology Visiting Student Diversity Scholarship and general visiting student applications
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March 30, 2024: University of Washington selection panel completes review of general and Dermatology Visiting Student Diversity Scholarship
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Early April 2024: University of Washington Dermatology Department notifies 2023-24 Dermatology Visting Student Diversity Scholarship winners and general visiting students
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Mid-April 2024: University of Washington Visiting Student Office permits VSLO scheduling for candidates who have completed application requirements and are marked as eligible.
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June – October 2024: Rotation window for scheduled visiting students at the University of Washington Department of Dermatology. This includes the following timeframes: 06/24/24 - 07/19/24; 07/22/24 - 08/16/24; 08/19/24 - 09/13/24; 09/16/24 - 10/11/24; 10/14/24 - 11/08/24
Note: The University of Washington Department of Dermatology invites a maximum of eight visiting students annually, to include two Dermatology Visiting Student Diversity Scholars and six general visiting medical students. We limit scheduling to two visiting students per timeframe.
2024 scholars
Esther Choi
Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
Predoctoral Research Fellow – Northwestern University
Guadalupe Mercado
Touro University – Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
past scholars
Alex Bang — 2023 Scholar
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 — 2023 Scholar
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!
Elizabeth Mata — 2022 Scholar
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 — 2022 Scholar
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.
Gary Gibson — 2021 Scholar
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 — 2021 Scholar
(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.