2023 Graduate Spotlight: Jason Ya, MD

From improving the lives of our patients to research breakthroughs, every resident and fellow who has joined the Division of Dermatology has left an indelible mark on our program through their talent, curiosity, and dedication to exceptional care. 

As the Class of 2023 prepare to graduate and enter the next phase of their career, we asked our grads to reflect our their experience at UW Dermatology and their post-graduation plans.

Congratulations Dr. Jason Ya! 

Jason Ya, MD

2022-23 Co-Chief Resident

Area of Subspeciality Focus: General Dermatology 
Hometown: Reston, Virginia
Medical School: Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University
Internship: Alameda Health Systems, Highland Hospital, California
Additional Training: Howard Hughes Medical Institute Medical Research Fellow at Stanford University

What is next for you after graduation? 

First, taking some vacation time to travel the world. After that, moving to the SF Bay Area where I will be doing a combination of patient care and exploring opportunities to combine my backgrounds in dermatology and computer science.

What are your career goals?  

Do the best for my patients, make something cool that changes the world (even if just a little bit), and leave space to accomplish everything I want outside of work as well.

What did you enjoy most about the training experience at UW Dermatology? 

Having the best people around me during both the good and tough times.

What accomplishments in residency are you most proud of? 

Taking risks to explore an uncharted path. It's been far from easy, but finding the time and energy to pursue a Master's degree in computer science, propose and lead new research projects on machine learning in dermatology, and not giving up on doing something new.

Who were your mentors and how did they support you?  

Paul Nghiem and Michi Shinohara - I first met both of you when I rotated here as a medical student and I still recall how supportive both of you were then, whether it was talking through career plans, work-life balance, patient care, or stopping by to see my poster during the ASDP conference. None of that has changed as a resident and both of you have always been there to talk about my changing interests, new research ideas, and what I want to do with my life. Thank you both (and all of the attendings) who have been there for me these past few years.

What advice would you share with incoming dermatology residents?  

Be confident that the process prepares you to be a good dermatologist. Be kind to yourself and take the time to do what you want, whether that means finding your clinical niche, exploring interests outside of work, or doing something new altogether.

Fun aspect of training or a favorite memory from residency?  

It was always fun meeting up with my co-residents. You're all wonderful and I hope we'll cross paths often in the future.