Medical students support tattoo removal for adults impacted by the justice system
A study by University of California San Diego School of Medicine described a novel medical student service-learning initiative that provides free laser tattoo removal services for justice-impacted adults reintegrating into the community.
The study is in the journal Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.
Medical students who express a desire to address social justice issues also benefit by receiving hands-on experience in dermatology. In fact, 100% of students wanted to provide medical care for justice-impacted adults and 83% were interested in dermatology training for a future career.
The initiative—which takes place at the UC San Diego Clean Slate Free Tattoo Removal Program—has been well-received by both students and clinical teams. It enhances medical education, social justice engagement, and patient care in underserved communities. The structured mentorship model allows for continued growth and sustainability of the initiative. Medical students participate in pre- and post-procedure tasks, procedure support and mentoring of incoming students.
The research was led by Victoria D. Ojeda, Ph.D., a professor at the School of Medicine and the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science.
More information: Victoria D. Ojeda et al, A Protocol for Dermatology Service Learning for Medical Students: Supporting Laser Tattoo Removal for Adults Impacted by the Justice‐System, Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (2025).
Journal information: Lasers in Surgery and Medicine
Provided by University of California - San Diego