Supporting Underrepresented in Medicine (UIM) and non-UIM Trainees Applying into Dermatology: A Qualitative Analysis

Recently, there have been calls to improve diversity among the dermatology workforce, with emphasis placed on the resident selection process and trainee pipeline. However, there is limited data on the perspectives of dermatology applicants, especially among UIM trainees, and the support that they need and want to successfully apply in dermatology.

To assess trainee perspectives, we disseminated a survey to medical students, interns (matched into dermatology), and dermatology residents asking how dermatology residency programs can best support trainees through the dermatology application process. We developed a codebook drawing upon grounded theory methodology, and consensus coded all qualitative responses.

We received 224 qualitative responses from underrepresented in medicine (UIM) (65, 29.0%) and non-UIM trainees (159, 70.9%). UIM trainees were more likely to mention diversity and inclusion initiatives (46.2% vs 3.8%, P<0.001), transparency in program information (40.0% vs 24.5%, P=0.021), holistic review (30.8% vs 6.3%, P<0.001), UIM student outreach/pipeline programs (23.1% vs 0.6%, P<0.001), and mentorship (21.5% vs 8.2%, P=0.009).

Improving programmatic efforts to address unique challenges UIM trainees face when applying into dermatology is instrumental to mitigating barriers. We highlight opportunities for dermatology residency programs to create a more fair and equitable dermatology application process and support a more diverse pipeline of future dermatologists. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(7):795-797. doi:10.36849/JDD.6043.