Current residents or fellows enrolled in an ACGME-accredited training program in dermatology, plastic surgery or oculoplastic surgery.

This program is designed to provide meaningful career development, mentorship, and industry engagement opportunities for dermatology residents and fellows. Selected participants will benefit from:

• Presenting original research at a nationally recognized meeting
• One-on-one mentorship with distinguished SCALE faculty
• National podium presentation experience in front of leading experts and peers
• Expanded professional and industry networking opportunities
• Enhanced CV and academic portfolio development
• Financial support to attend the SCALE Conference

Participants will also have opportunities to connect with faculty mentors and industry leaders through dedicated networking events designed to support long-term career growth.

Residents and fellows are invited to submit original research, clinical studies, or case reports to present live on-stage at SCALE 2026. The top 10 abstracts will be selected for live podium presentation at SCALE taking place on Saturday, May 16 from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm.

Selected presenters will receive:

• Complimentary SCALE registration
• Resident Scholarship Stipend ($1,250 for non-local applicants / $500 for local applicants)

Each podium presentation is 5 minutes in length followed by a 2-minute Q&A from the audience. Presentations will be judged live onsite and awards presented at the end of the session for the top 3 presentations.

Following live judging, the top 3 presentations will be recognized with a plaque. The top presenter will receive a $500 cash prize.

Each selected applicant will be paired with a SCALE faculty mentor during the meeting.

Mentors will provide:

• Presentation coaching and feedback
• Opportunities for meaningful faculty connection at the meeting
• Career guidance and professional advice
• Insight into academic and private practice pathways

This mentorship component is designed to foster long-term professional relationships and support early career development.

All residents attending SCALE will be invited to attend an exclusive Resident Networking Luncheon. This luncheon provides an opportunity to:

• Meet SCALE faculty and industry leaders
• Connect with sponsoring partners
• Explore career opportunities and collaborations
• Build professional relationships within the dermatology and aesthetic medicine community

• Abstract Submission Deadline: April 3, 2026
• Notifications: April 10, 2026
• Live Presentations & Awards: At SCALE 2026 on Saturday, May 16th

The following criteria must be met to be eligible for the SCALE Rising Stars Program.

• Applicant must be a current resident or fellow enrolled in an ACGME-accredited training program in dermatology, plastic surgery or oculoplastic surgery.
• Applicant must be the primary author or significant contributing author of the submitted abstract.
• The selected applicant must serve as the presenting author at SCALE.

If selected, the applicant must

• Attend SCALE in person
• Participate in the live podium presentation session on Saturday, May 16
• Attend the Resident Networking Luncheon on Saturday, May 16
• Engage in assigned mentorship activities
• Help promote SCALE through social media in advance of the meeting
• Complete a short pre and post meeting evaluation form

Upon successful completion of required elements, the applicant will be provided with the stipend.

All abstracts must be submitted through the official SCALE submission portal by the deadline of April 3, 2026:

Submit Your Abstract Here: