Dermatology Residency Program
Overview
In keeping with the HonorHealth mission to improve the health and well-being of those we serve, our Dermatology Residency program is committed to providing each trainee with a comprehensive educational and clinical experience. Our program is designed to ensure demonstrable, expert-level clinical competency in the diagnosis and treatment of adult and pediatric skin diseases, as well as disorders of the hair, nails and mucous membranes.
Education, in conjunction with excellent patient care, is the primary focus of the program. Graduating residents will be well-equipped to deliver superior, specialized care for a wide spectrum of dermatologic conditions. The program emphasizes a balanced curriculum with robust training in complex medical dermatology, procedural skills, and an ongoing focus on resident well-being.
Clinical training sites
- Carl T. Hayden Veteran's Administration Medical Center
- Phoenix Midtown VA Clinic
- Saguaro Dermatology – Phoenix & Mesa
- Rajiv Kwatra, M.D. Mohs Surgeon
- Phoenix Children’s Hospital
- Dermatology Associates
Clinical rotations
- General Medical Dermatology, including complex medical Dermatology
- Procedural Dermatology, Mohs Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology
- Dermatopathology
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Inpatient Dermatology
- Contact Dermatitis and Patch Testing
- Cosmetic Dermatology
Didactics, research, quality improvement
The didactic curriculum includes:
- Two protected half-days of structured teaching each week
- Bi-monthly journal clubs
- Quarterly Grand Rounds
- Regular case discussions and board review sessions
Clinical research and quality Improvement are Integral components of residency training. Residents participate in mentored research projects throughout their training and are expected to present their work at local and national meetings, including the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual meeting.
Residents also engage with the local dermatology community through participation In the Phoenix Dermatologic Society and have opportunities to attend specialized meetings.
Residents
Meet our residents (PDF)
Residency graduates
Residents who have graduated from our program (PDF)
Leadership and staff
Learn more about the faculty (PDF)
Program Director
Rajiv Kwatra, MD
Fellowship: Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina
Residency: Dermatology, Ohio State University
Internship: Internal Medicine, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
Medical School: Ohio State University
Applying to the dermatology program
Selection process
The HonorHealth Dermatology Residency Program participates in the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) and only accepts applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
The program recruits two advanced match positions per year and participates in the Joint A/P Track Match Process in partnership with HonorHealth’s Internal Medicine Residency Program. This track allows applicants the opportunity to match simultaneously into both preliminary and advanced positions, securing all four years of training at HonorHealth.
Application details
- Application deadline: Nov. 15th
- Interview invitation: In alignment with the Association of Professors of Dermatology (APD) guidelines, interview invitations will follow the second release date, scheduled for Nov. 17, 2025.
- Interview dates: Jan. and Feb. 2025
Arizona State University – an innovative learning partner
HonorHealth is the primary clinical affiliate for Arizona State University’s School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering.
ASU's medical school, in collaboration with HonorHealth, will produce health care professionals who blend medicine, engineering, technology and humanities to become leaders in health care.
