Interventions needed to increase diversity in dermatology

Formalized allyship is required at an educational level to increase diversity in dermatology, according to a poster presented at AAD VMX 2021.

Xavier Rice, BS, of the University of Texas Medical Branch, and colleagues analyzed 2018 to 2019 demographic data from the Association of American Medical Colleges for trends in American medical student populations.

The authors found that 7.42% and 6.63% of students reported their race/ethnicity as Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino, respectively, and 2.7% and 2.9% of U.S. medical school dermatology faculty were reported as Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino, respectively. The data also showed 17% more white faculty than white medical students. Black and Hispanic/Latino faculty accounted for the smallest demographic proportions from 2018 to 2020.

Given these demographic trends, Rice and colleagues proposed several interventions to improve diversity among dermatology students and faculty, including the creation of a medical student chief resident and a diversity chair position. Both positions may lead to improved visibility of dermatology as a career option for underrepresented minorities (URM), according to the authors. A qualitative cross-sectional study of URM dermatology applicants identified mentorship and participation in pipeline/enrichment programs as critical sources for improvement.

“Formalized allyship can improve access to mentorship and these programs, while also alleviating the burden that is often placed on URM faculty and residents in academic settings,” the authors wrote. “We believe the creation of these two positions may make a significant impact on URM applicants and may help to increase diversity in dermatology.”