Doctor Examining a Patient's Skin
Keck School of Medicine of USC

Department of Dermatology

Are you a patient?

Advancing Skin Health Through
Education, Research & Care

The Department of Dermatology brings together world experts in adult and pediatric dermatology. Our core research areas include inflammatory skin disease, cutaneous oncology, gene therapy for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and diabetic wound healing. We collaborate regularly with the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center on melanoma and skin cancer research.

Our three-year clinical residency trains physicians across Los Angeles General Medical Center, Keck Medicine of USC, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles VA Clinic. We offer various research fellowships including one dedicated to research in skin of color and pigmentary disorders, along with specialty clinics in contact dermatitis/patch testing, rheumatology-dermatology and other areas.

Research

Our dermatology research is as wide-ranging as our care. In multidisciplinary, collaborative investigations ranging from basic science to clinical,we explore a spectrum of skin diseases. Areas of particular focus include basement membrane zone, inflammatory skin disease and cutaneous oncology research.

Research
Research Professor working with researcher in lab

Training & Education

Training & Education

Residency

We seek residents committed to helping others and train them to be exceptional dermatologists ready to thrive in any setting. Develop your skills with an array of disorders while supporting underserved patients.

Medical Students

Providing medical students with a well-rounded education in dermatology is a point of pride in our department. We augment outstanding classroom and clinical education with personalized career guidance.

Research Fellowship

Our Skin of Color and Pigmentary Research Fellowship offers medical students focused research training in pigmentary disorders and skin of color. Fellows work closely with faculty on clinical and translational studies while contributing to programs that advance dermatologic care.

Patient Care

Receive care from the same compassionate physician-researchers driving progress in dermatology. No matter what condition you’re dealing with, we have an expert provider devoted to restoring your health and quality of life. Our focus on clinical studies opens access to new options available in few places.

Patient Care
Physician examines patient's arm

Message from the Chair

From the clinic to the lab to the classroom, our faculty and trainees are committed to advancing dermatology and providing exceptional care for patients across Southern California.

Melvin Chiu, MD, MPH, FAAD
Meet the Faculty
Image of Melvin Chiu

Department News

More Department News
USC President Beong-Soo Kim visits with Presidential Medallion recipients David H. Peng, left, and Yannis C. Yortsos. (USC Photo/Steve Cohn)
Campus News

Academic Honors Convocation celebrates USC scholars for innovative research and achievements

April 20, 2026
Melvin Chiu, MD, MPH
Campus News

Appointment of Melvin Chiu, MD, MPH, as chair of the Department of Dermatology

Media Mention

EVERYDAY HEALTH ◆ Does Psoriasis Raise Your Risk of Skin Infections?

Media Mention

The 8 Best Moisturizers For Dry Skin, According To Dermatologists

Service & Outreach

Partnering directly with our neighbors, dermatology faculty and trainees promote healthier and more-prosperous futures for youth. Efforts range from education about sun safety, to care for young campers with serious skin disease, to programs spurring interest in the health sciences.

Community Outreach
USC Dermatology community outreach

Science Fighting Cancer

Our dermatology experts focusing on melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma contribute to the quest for cures at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

Support Us

Establish your legacy of healing with Keck School’s Department of Dermatology. Whether you want to equip tomorrow’s physician leaders, enhance subspecialty medical care or fuel promising biomedical research, your gift will help to brighten futures and transform lives.

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