A new initiative at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine is providing free laser tattoo removal services to justice-impacted adults as they reintegrate into society. The program, called the Clean Slate Free Tattoo Removal Program, is not only helping individuals remove tattoos that may hinder their reintegration but also giving medical students valuable experience in dermatology while addressing social justice issues.
The study, published on March 13, 2025, in the Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Journal, highlights the success of this service-learning initiative. According to the research, 100% of medical students involved expressed a strong desire to support justice-impacted adults, and 83% were interested in pursuing dermatology in their future medical careers.
The program, designed to provide hands-on experience for students, also benefits the broader community by offering tattoo removal services to those who may otherwise struggle to find them. Students participate in all aspects of the procedure, including pre- and post-care tasks, procedure support, and mentoring of incoming students. This collaborative model enhances both medical education and social justice engagement while providing essential care to underserved populations.
Victoria D. Ojeda, Ph.D., a professor at the UC San Diego School of Medicine and the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science, led the research. The initiative has been well-received by both medical students and the clinical teams involved, contributing to the program’s ongoing growth and sustainability. Through structured mentorship and direct involvement, students gain valuable insights into the complexities of patient care, while simultaneously contributing to a positive societal impact.
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