Resident Life
Being a Dermatology Resident at UC Davis Health
At UC Davis Health, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and positive training environment. Resident well-being and feedback are highly valued, and we actively seek input to continually refine and enhance the program in real time.
Mentors
When residents join our program, they are paired with a faculty mentor who provides personalized guidance and support in achieving their career goals in dermatology. This informal mentorship includes quarterly meetings and fosters ongoing professional development throughout training.
Resident Retreat
Early each year, residents come together for a retreat designed to build connections and foster camaraderie. Led by the chief residents, the retreat combines structured activities with informal social time to strengthen teamwork and community.
Monthly Meetings with Program Director
Each month, residents meet with the Program Director and Assistant Program Director to discuss any concerns and ensure the program is running smoothly and effectively.
Resident-Only Meetings
Residents also meet monthly as a group, led by the chief residents, to maintain open communication and discuss any concerns or suggestions.
End-of-Year Awards Banquet
At the end of each year, we celebrate our residents’ achievements with a combined graduation and departmental awards banquet. This special event honors the hard work, dedication and accomplishments of our residents, while also recognizing outstanding contributions from faculty and staff. It’s a festive occasion for the entire department to come together, reflect on the year and celebrate successes.
Free Parking
Parking is free at all of our outpatient clinic locations. Spaces may not always be immediately adjacent to the clinic, but the price sure is right!
Financial Support
We offer new PGY-2 residents a one-time $1,100 relocation allowance. Once required annual trainings are completed, residents receive an additional $1,500 per year that can be used for moving expenses, computers or phones, books and other supplies. The Department of Dermatology further supports residents with an education reimbursement fund of up to $1,500 per year for professional development, including books, subscriptions, conference travel, review courses and meeting registration.
Vacation Time
Residents are entitled to four weeks of vacation and up to 12 days of sick leave each year.
Wellness Days
Residents receive two additional half-days each year specifically for wellness-related activities, such as routine medical appointments, mental health care, or other personal health needs. These dedicated times support resident well-being and help ensure a healthy work-life balance throughout training.
Living in Sacramento
Sacramento, with a metropolitan population of about 2.5 million and a broad referral base across Northern California and Nevada, offers a thriving clinical environment with a welcoming, small-town feel. Known for its diverse community, excellent farm-to-fork dining and outdoor recreation along the Sacramento and American Rivers — including rafting, fishing and a 30-mile riverside bike trail — the city also provides easy access to world-class skiing at Lake Tahoe, Napa wine country, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
