Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The University of California San Diego Division of Plastic Surgery is dedicated to helping shape the field to be more diverse and inclusive. We believe in fostering a culture where every student, trainee, faculty, staff, and patient feel their voices are heard, their views are respected, and their values are represented. As a team we can design and implement solutions that result in a workforce that truly represents our global community. A workforce that draws in all students and trainees. A workforce that is inviting to every patient seeking care.
Community
The Division of Plastic Surgery acknowledges and embraces the diversity of our surrounding community. Our training curriculum is designed with our patient population in mind. Additionally, our residents spend a significant portion of their training at UC San Diego Hillcrest Medical Center, the city's functioning county hospital; the V.A. San Diego Healthcare System; and Rady Children's Hospital, where they learn to treat patients of all ages and backgrounds. Residents are also encouraged to participate in outreach with San Diego's underserved and border populations.
Our Commitment
Programs Available in Plastic Surgery at UC San Diego
- Plastic Surgery Subinternship: Our subinternship is an option for exploring plastic surgery as a career and residency option. We are proud to offer top priority to those students coming from institutions that do not have a home plastic surgery program.
- Division of Plastic Surgery Scholarship for Students from Economically Disadvantaged Backgrounds for Visiting Subinternships: One funded visiting clerkship position for 4 weeks in the division of plastic surgery at the University of California San Diego in San Diego, CA in August/September for a highly qualified applicant.
- Plastic Surgery Mentorship: UC San Diego Division of Plastic Surgery is proud to present the Plastic Surgery Mentorship Program, meant to provide support and 1:1 mentorship to students without home plastic surgery programs. This program is offered in connection with the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons (ACEPS) who has partnered with multiple institutions committed to providing a faculty and resident who can be contacted by applicants with interests, questions, or concerns in specific residency programs.
- Caring for Underserved & Global Communities in Plastic Surgery: Two wonderful opportunities include quarterly surgical trips to Tijuana with ConnectMed International and treating physical deformities in young patients through the Fresh Start Surgical Gifts program at Rady Children’s Hospital.
- UCSD Plastic Surgery Interest Group and Plastic Surgery Research Group: You can connect virtually with these two groups to learn more about plastic surgery as early as your first year in medical school. You will be connected with faculty, residents, and research projects that explore the nuances of plastic surgery and the impact the field has on so many.