UC San Diego Med Students ‌Offer Free‌ Tattoo Removal,Second Chances

SAN DIEGO (AP) — For Maya Shetty,the path to medicine was clear from⁢ a young age. Inspired‍ by her parents, both primary care physicians in Western Virginia,​ she ‍envisioned a career dedicated to serving marginalized communities frequently enough overlooked by​ the traditional medical system.

Now a medical student at UC San‌ Diego, Shetty adn a group of her peers are putting that vision into practice through “Borrón and New Account,” a ⁣free tattoo⁣ removal program at the university.The ‌program, a unique initiative, provides ⁤first-year medical students with⁢ early clinical experience.

Program Provides Early Clinical Experience

Established in​ 2016,the program initially relied ⁤on volunteer dermatologists ‌to assist individuals ​impacted by the criminal justice system,according ‍to university officials. in 2023, a surge in both⁢ patient volume and student interest prompted the creation⁢ of ⁤a ⁤dedicated volunteer program to streamline clinic operations and enhance student learning opportunities, officials said.

Shetty noted that medical students at their level rarely have direct patient interaction so early in their education. “The program has already taught us to forge relationships with patients and develop skills from the beginning in the ‌clinical field,” she ​said, nonetheless of their eventual specialization.

Removing Barriers, One Tattoo at ⁣a Time

While students gain valuable experience, ⁢patients ‌receive a fresh start by removing tattoos that might potentially be hindering their progress.

“Historically, tattoos have not had a very positive image,” ‍said Victoria ‌D. Ojeda, a professor at the UC⁣ San‍ Diego School of Medicine and the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science. “Some ⁤of our clients seek to change the perception that others have of them.”

Ojeda, who directs the tattoo removal program, explained ‌that individuals seek removal for various reasons,⁢ often related to social or economic barriers.

“Such as,⁣ some ​clients seek ‍employment ⁤or improve their economic situation and tell them that they will be hired or ascended if the tattoo is eliminated,” Ojeda said.

Others aim to‌ distance themselves from former affiliations, such as gangs. While ⁣no patients‍ have sought removal due to immigration concerns, Ojeda noted that recent federal policies have amplified the stigma⁢ associated with tattoos.

“They try to rebuild their lives,” Ojeda said. “They ⁢can also have tattoos that⁢ may not be ⁣well perceived, but that do not have a real affiliation.”

Tattoos and Recidivism

A 2019 study by Rutgers University found that 81% of minors involved in gangs have ‌tattoos,and these young people were 162%⁤ more likely‌ to be arrested again ​within‌ 12 months compared to those without tattoos.

The⁤ program currently involves eight students, including two who were part of the original cohort the year before Shetty joined.⁣ Participants typically attend between one and thirteen laser tattoo removal​ sessions over several months, according to university officials.

Shetty ​believes the clinic helps‌ dismantle the‌ stigma faced by formerly incarcerated individuals by removing tattoos that represent a past version of themselves.

“There are many things‌ that people who do not necessarily know each other ⁢who wonder or have the time to listen to,” Shetty said. “The program has opened my eyes…I think everyone should have the same​ opportunities for a new beginning.”

Costly Procedure Made Accessible

Ojeda noted that the tattoo ‍removal process, involving laser treatments and multiple appointments over several ⁣months, can be ‍expensive.

Potential clients begin by​ explaining how they have⁣ been affected by the criminal justice system and which tattoos they wish to have removed. If they meet the criteria, the clinic contacts them to schedule their first appointments, officials said.

The clinic operates one Saturday per month and serves approximately 25 patients per session, according to officials.