About Dr. Rebecca Small
My Story
After years of training residents and healthcare providers, I saw a clear gap in aesthetic medicine education.
Clinicians were eager to learn, but lacked access to training that combined medical depth with practical application. What was missing was a structured approach that taught not only procedures, but how to assess patients and make clinical decisions.
That is why I created RSMD Aesthetics Training.
The program is designed to reflect how providers learn in practice, through organization, visual demonstration, repetition, and real-time feedback across courses, clinical cases, and mentorship.
Built on principles of anatomy, precision, and technique, RSMD was created to support providers at every stage, from foundational learning to through advanced procedural skill, while always keeping the focus on safety and patient care.
Furthermore, for those who are ready, I created a pathway into clinical practice that has ongoing mentorship and support.
My Biography
Dr. Rebecca Small is a graduate of the University of Cambridge and Harvard Medical School. She is a Clinical Professor at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, and the UCSF School of Nursing, where she has taught since 2003 training physicians, nurses, and nurse practitioners in aesthetic medicine.
She serves as the Director of Medical Aesthetics Training at both UCSF-Natividad Family Medicine Residency and The Morehouse School of Medicine Dominican Hospital Family Medicine Residency. Dr. Small leads clinical education and hands on training at these programs, and develops and leads Skills Labs within the UCSF Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Core Surgical Curriculum (PRSCSC).
She is the originator of Safety Zones, a framework used to guide safe injection practices and reduce complications in aesthetic medicine.
Dr. Small’s work extends beyond clinical training into professional leadership and academic contribution. She serves as an Expert Reviewer for the Medical Board of California, contributing to the determination of clinical standards, patient safety, and quality of care. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and an active member of leading medical organizations, including the California Medical Association and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery as well as a reviewer for national and international journals such as the American Family Physician, Journal of Dermatological Treatment and European Journal of Dermatology.
Dr. Small contributes to public education in aesthetics through published features and expert commentary in national media, including Vogue, InStyle, CNN, CNBC, Yahoo, and Today. Her media work reflects a commitment to safety, evidence based care, and the informed use of over the counter and consumer aesthetic products.
She is also the Founder of Skin Care Outreach, a nonprofit established in 2020 that provides tattoo and scar removal services to survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and at risk youth.
Publications and Media
Medical Textbooks
Small’s Practical Guide to Botulinum Toxin Procedures
A Practical Guide to Botulinum Toxin Procedures
A Practical Guide to Dermal Filler Procedures
A Practical Guide to Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion and Topical Products
A Practical Guide to Laser Procedures
Chapters in Essential Guide to Primary Care Procedures
Chapters in Dermatologic and Cosmetic Procedures in Office Practice
Select Articles and Contributions
Botulinum Toxin Procedures: A Practical Approach to Cosmetic Injections - American Family Physician
A Surge of Healthcare Professionals Entering MedSpas Is Increasing the Need for Hands-on Specialized Education - MedEsthetics
Aesthetic Procedures in Office Practice
