Diversifying the dermatology workforce: Physician characteristics vary by race/ethnicity

In the United States (US), dermatology remains one of the least diverse specialties in medicine. Increasing the diversity of the dermatology workforce is essential for reducing health disparities.

To describe the experiences of racially and ethnically diverse physicians in the US who successfully matched into dermatology.

Board-certified dermatologists and dermatology residents were recruited to participate in an anonymous, online survey in which self-reported demographic, socioeconomic, pre-residency, and post-residency career data were obtained.

Of the 100 participants included in the study, 30% were dermatology residents and 25% belonged to a group underrepresented in medicine (UIM). Black physicians were 3.69 times more likely to select dermatology prior to medical school (odds ratio [OR], 3.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 - 13.0) compared to non-Black physicians. UIM dermatologists and trainees were more likely to receive a need-based scholarship in medical school (OR, 4.37; 95% CI, 1.30 - 14.7), graduate from a private medical institution (OR, 6.49; 95% CI, 1.95 - 21.6), and have at least one UIM dermatology mentor during medical school (adjusted OR, 13.1; 95% CI, 2.77 - 61.5) compared to non-UIM physicians.

A holistic review of dermatology applicants by residency programs may reduce racial/ethnic disparities in the admission process. Our data provide further evidence in support of pre-medical outreach programs, mentorship, and institutional funding to promote diversity in dermatology.