Racial and ethnic disparities in clinical research and the dermatology workforce: Part 2

Although racial and ethnic demographics are shifting in this country, it is not reflected in the diversity of clinical trial research participants; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics pipeline programs; or the workforce in the field of dermatology. Barriers to recruitment of minority patients for research studies also exist for numerous reasons including lack of education of prospective subjects, lack of awareness of ongoing trials, and mistrust within the health care system. Gaps in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics pipeline for racial and ethnic minorities, particularly Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and American Indian or Alaska Native, are due in large part to structural racism. Lack of exposure as well as lack of educational, mentorship, and research opportunities contribute to gaps in the dermatology workforce. Having a representative population in the dermatology workforce and in clinical research trial patients is essential for optimum patient care, excellence in the specialty, and knowledge of appropriate treatments for minority populations. This article will discuss knowledge gaps for increasing minority subjects who participate in clinical research trials and discuss mechanisms to engage this community in trial recruitment. Additionally, this article addresses lack of racial and ethnic diversity of the dermatology workforce and performance gaps in the recruitment of racial/ethnic minorities into dermatology.