Application Process

Stanford Dermatology Residency Program seeks trainees who promise to contribute positively to our program and specialty as demonstrated by:

Excellence in clinical skills, communication, teamwork and professionalism
Compassion, commitment to patient care, intellectual curiosity and a growth-oriented mindset
Leadership potential through activities such as rigorous scientific pursuits and/or sustained commitment to service, advocacy, teaching or mentorship
Variety of perspectives and life experiences

Residency Program Goals:

Ensure each resident graduates ready for independent practice in the domains included in credentialing as board-certified dermatologist with the skills needed to provide excellent and ethical patient care
Ensure every resident graduates with the tools needed to promote well-being as a physician and prevent/mitigate burnout
Create an environment that allows residents to build individual professional interests

Available Positions and Tracks/Focuses

The total number of positions we are offering for this application year is 8. The total number includes positions for our advanced clinical dermatology and basic science investigation research track, as well as for the pediatric dermatology and cutaneous oncology focuses. Matched applicants will begin July 1, 2027.

We offer two distinct tracks for applicants. For both tracks, all residents receive comprehensive training across the core areas of dermatology, including medical dermatology, dermatopathology, dermatologic surgery, and pediatric dermatology that meet the Dermatology Residency ACGME requirements and ensure eligibility for certification by the American Board of Dermatology.

1. Advanced Clinical Dermatology Track: Our traditional 3-year clinical dermatology program (Dermatology - 1820080A0). Within this track, residents may remain in the general program or choose to elect into a pediatric dermatology or cutaneous oncology focus.
- Pediatric Dermatology Focus: This position is designed for individuals with a strong commitment to pediatric care and a dedicated interest in pursuing a career in pediatric dermatology. If you are interested in our pediatric dermatology focus, please apply in ERAS (NRMP Code: 1820080A3) and review the application requirements below as additional documentation is needed.
- Cutaneous Oncology Focus: This position is designed for individuals with a strong commitment to cutaneous oncology focus and a dedicated interest in pursuing a career in cutaneous oncology. If you are interested in our cutaneous oncology focus, please apply in ERAS (NRMP Code: 1820080A4) and review the application requirements below as additional documentation is needed.

2. Basic Science Investigation (2+1) Research Track: For applicants with a serious commitment to a career in basic science investigative dermatology, we offer our 2+1 research training track. If you are interested in our 2+1 research track, please indicate this track in ERAS (NRMP Code: 1820080A2).

Stanford participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). As an interested party, you must register for the Match by contacting the NMRP and provide your Match Number on the ERAS Application. Applicants may choose to apply and rank one or multiple track/focuses.

More Information Regarding Focuses

Due Date

Applications and all supporting documents for this interview cycle must be received prior to September 23, 2025 at 11:59PM PST. Due to the number of applications we receive and the stepwise process we use to review applications, this date cannot be altered.

Criteria

Each complete application received prior to prior to the program’s deadline will be randomly assigned to 2 faculty members for an initial review process, using a mission-based scoring rubric looking at applicants’ attributes, experiences and academic metrics in the following content areas:

clinical skills
professionalism (which includes communication skills, teamwork, growth mindset, and responsiveness to feedback)

The program directors will conduct the second stage of the interview process and look for qualities that align with our educational values of curiosity, presence, bravery and belonging.

The final review will be with our Residency Selection Committee who will score an application in the following content areas and then determine the final interview list:

scholarship
leadership
community engagement efforts
distance traveled.

Our program does not require research experience or prior publications. We require a passing score on USMLE Step 1. Our program welcomes applications from all students and can accept applicants who have completed another residency program.

Please note that while completing a clinical rotation at Stanford Dermatology provides a wonderful educational experience and the opportunity to meet the faculty and residents, it does not guarantee an interview for our residency training program.

Interview Dates

We will be conducting virtual interviews again this year and interviews are by invitation only. Over 500 applications are received each year, and 44 candidates are selected for an interview. Regretfully, due to the large number of applications received we are not able to interview everyone, and exceptionally qualified applicants may not receive an interview invitation. Our program will be participating in the coordinated interview release date of Monday, December 01, 2025.

Interviews will be conducted on Thursday, January 15 and Friday, January 16, 2026. Interviewees will have the option to state their interview date preference but due to the limited spots on each day we cannot guarantee that applicants will be assigned to their preferred date. Moreover, we do not condone unofficial interview day swaps.

Focus/Specialty Tracks Interviewees: Applicants to a focus area or research track who are offered an interview will be required to interview with our department on Thursday or Friday morning, and additionally with their specialty focus or track on Thursday afternoon.

How to Apply

Please complete all the information requested on the ERAS application. Only application and supporting documents submitted via ERAS will be considered and reviewed by our faculty in our stepwise process. Please note that emails of interest of our program will not be taken into consideration or considered in the review process.

We will be reviewing all applications regardless of preference signaling choices. Preference signals will be included in our review process..

As the Selection Committee reviews all of the information electronically, PLEASE DO NOT MAIL ANY DOCUMENTS; hard copies of any documents will be disregarded. The following information must be provided on the ERAS APPLICATION prior to September 23, 2025 at 11:59PM PST in order for your application to be complete and subsequently reviewed by our faculty committee:

Personal statement
Current curriculum vitae
Transcript of medical school record
Letter from the Dean of your medical school
USMLE Step 1 score
Three letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty members with whom you have had significant clinical, research or leadership experience. It is helpful if at least one letter comments on clinical skills. Max 4 letters of recommendation will be considered.
Only for Pediatric Dermatology Focus Applicants: We require at least one letter of recommendation that speaks to the applicant’s experience in caring for children, research related to children’s health, and/or community service with youth.
Only for Cutaneous Oncology Focus Applicants: We require at least one letter of recommendation that speaks to the applicant’s experience in caring for cutaneous oncology patients, research related to cutaneous oncology, and/or community service with cutaneous oncology patients.

To secure your ERAS token:

US medical graduates must contact their medical school Student Affairs or Dean's Office.

Foreign medical graduates must contact the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduate (ECFMG) at 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 or visit their website.

Canadian medical graduates must contact the Canadian Resident Matching Service at email cansmail@cams.ca or at 151 Slater St., Suite 802, Ottawa, Ontario KIP-5H3, Canada.

Interview Process

We are an inclusive program and welcome applicants to attend as their authentic self, to whatever capacity they feel comfortable.

After Interview Communication Etiquette: While communication lines are open for additional questions post-interview, to respect all of our applicants' personal time and well-being, we do not expect communication from applicants after interview day.

Visas

An International Medical School Graduate (IMG) is defined as a graduate of a medical school located outside of the United States. Stanford Health Care/Stanford Children’s Health supports the use of the clinical (ECFMG sponsored) J-1 Visa for all clinical trainees. Exceptions for individuals with pending green cards or individuals unable to obtain the ECFMG J-1 Visa may be granted. Approval from the Designated Institutional Official (DIO) and SHC Chief Medical Officer is required prior to use of an alternate visa.

Stanford uses J-1 visas sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. For more information visit http://www.ecfmg.org. Please allow 120 days for the processing of a J-1 visa. Stanford does not sponsor graduates of international medical schools on H-1B visas.

Under certain circumstances Graduates of United States medical schools may be eligible for the H-1B visa. This is at the discretion of the program. Approval must be granted by both the program and the DIO. The cost of obtaining the H1-B visa is the responsibility of the residency program training the Resident.

California Licensure

Residents begin the program as a PGY-2, hence, incoming residents must have completed an approved internship program and be eligible for a California Medical License (PTL or P&S) prior to starting at Stanford on July 1st.

The approved internship must be 12 months of clinical training accredited by the ACGME or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada must be completed. The year must include four months from one of the following disciplines: emergency medicine, family medicine, general surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics & gynecology or pediatrics. In addition, incoming residents must have taken and passed Step 1 and Step 2 CK of the USMLE. More information can be found at https://www.mbc.ca.gov/Licensing/Postgraduate-Training-Licensees/

For information about the Graduate Medical Education requirements at Stanford University, please refer to gme.stanford.edu.

For more information about the Stanford Dermatology Residency Program, please email inquiries to our education administrative team at derm_educationteam@lists.stanford.edu.

Last Updated 07/30/2025