Do Doctors Need Better Training to Care for Skin of Color?

The need for increased training in dermatology for individuals with skin of color

is evident based on the following factors:

- Disparities in dermatological care: Studies have consistently found that individuals with skin of color are more likely to experience disparities in dermatological care compared to their white counterparts. These disparities include longer wait times for appointments, lower rates of accurate diagnosis and treatment, and higher rates of adverse events.

- Lack of representation in dermatology: The field of dermatology is predominantly white, with a lack of representation of individuals from minority groups. This can contribute to a lack of understanding of the unique skin concerns and needs of individuals with skin of color, as well as cultural insensitivity and bias.

- Specific challenges in diagnosing and treating skin of color: The skin of color is more prone to certain skin conditions and has unique characteristics that can make diagnosis and treatment more challenging. For example, individuals with skin of color may have higher rates of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as conditions such as keloids and hyperpigmentation. Additionally, the skin of color may respond differently to certain medications and treatments.

- Importance of cultural competency: Providing culturally competent care involves understanding and respecting the patient's cultural background, beliefs, values, and preferences. This can impact how patients perceive and experience their skin conditions, as well as their adherence to treatment recommendations.

To address these factors and improve dermatological care for individuals with skin of color, it is essential that doctors receive better training in this area. This training should include:

- Increased curriculum time devoted to skin of color: Medical schools and residency programs should allocate more time in their curricula to teaching about the unique skin concerns and needs of individuals with skin of color. This should include information on the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of common skin conditions in individuals with skin of color, as well as cultural competency training.

-Experiential learning opportunities: In addition to didactic lectures and readings, doctors should also have opportunities to gain hands-on experience in treating individuals with skin of color. This can be achieved through clinical rotations in dermatology clinics that serve diverse patient populations, as well as through community outreach programs.

- Mentorship and role models: Doctors from minority backgrounds can provide valuable mentorship and role models for medical students and residents interested in dermatology. This can help to increase the representation of individuals from minority groups in the field and foster a more inclusive and culturally sensitive environment.

By providing doctors with better training in dermatology for individuals with skin of color, we can improve the quality of care for this underserved population and reduce the disparities that they experience. This is essential for achieving equitable and inclusive dermatological care for all patients.