UC San Diego Medical Students Support Tattoo Removal for Adults Impacted by the Justice System

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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. Medical students who expressed 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. The findings were published on March 13, 2025 at the Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Journal.