Why dermatology is the second least diverse specialty in medicine: How did we get here?

Abstract

Dermatology is currently the second least diverse medical specialty, after orthopedic surgery, with only a minority of physicians identifying as underrepresented in medicine (UIM). To diversify our specialty, our understanding and recognition of multifactorial barriers to inclusivity such as financial barriers, lack of mentorship, and the implicit bias against minorities UIM is critical. With collaborative efforts by national dermatology organizations, dermatology residency programs, and medical schools to increase the presence of UIM dermatology physicians in the US health care, this important issue continues to receive the attention it deserves.