The Brown Department of Dermatology has a history steeped in inclusivity and diversity. Charles J. McDonald, MD, the founder of the department, was among the first African-Americans to chair a dermatology department in the US. He began his dermatology journey in Rhode Island in 1969 and remained committed to training minority students for over 40 years. As a model of inter-institutional cooperation in the delivery of medical services and in medical education, our Department of Dermatology thrives by drawing from the combined resources of Brown University, the Brown affiliated hospitals, and the local community. Teaching, learning, and clinical activities take place at all of the affiliated hospitals described here on the website. Brown is proud to have a Diversity Committee. 

The dermatology residency training program continues to serve a culturally and socioeconomically rich community and to advance diversity and inclusion within the healthcare field. The program warmly welcomes applicants from all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, including sexual and gender minorities. For more information about diversity initiatives, please see our Commitment to Diversity page. Of special note is the broad demographic and ethnic diversity of our patient population (drawing from throughout Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, and eastern Connecticut) which enriches both the clinical and personal experience of learning here.

Since the program’s beginning, over one hundred and fifty dermatologists have completed training here and practice or teach in locations throughout the United States. Virtually all are available to you should you wish to speak with them about their Brown educational experience.

Wellness within the department, and for residents, is a top priority at Brown Dermatology. Our academic culture is well-known for being a positive, collegial, and supportive environment. In addition, we have an annual wellness-focused resident retreat and keep residents updated on health and wellness opportunities available through Brown University Health GME, Coastline Employee Assistance Program, and the Rhode Island Medical Society. Program Director John Kawaoka, MD keeps an open-door policy for any resident concerns or challenges, and we select an annual resident Wellness Liaison.

The administrative offices of The Warren Alpert Medical School Dermatology Residency Training Program are located on the 10th floor of the APC building in Rhode Island Hospital.

Rhode Island Hospital Directions/Parking/Map

How To Apply

Medical Students

Please contact the residency coordinator, Erika Abou Kelila, by email or phone at (401) 444-7139.

Residents

We accept applications for residency positions through ERAS only. We will be matching for 4 candidates this year. We contact applicants via email to schedule interviews. We typically interview during January.

Learn about the NRMP Match