Dermatological health disparities have long been well-documented in people of color: non-white patients have higher rates of morbidity and mortality associated with dermatologic disease as compared to their NHWC. Additionally, under-recognition of erythema migrans in Lyme disease has resulted in increased rates of late manifestations in Black patients. Black children, based on race alone, are also less likely to see a medical provider for their eczema in the ambulatory setting. These disparities may have to do with the fact that representation of race and skin tone in medical textbooks are predominantly skewed towards White skin tones.
As a result, inclusivity in dermatological education is long overdue. Given that dermatology is the second least diverse specialty in medicine, action should also be taken to reduce this educational disparity. Medical students themselves have already begun to advocate for this change.
More Than Skin Deep: Underrepresentation of Brown and Black Skin in Medical Education
