DermWorld Academy Insider: Skin of Color Curriculum

July 20, 2022

As part of a continued effort to equip its members to provide the best possible care for the skin, hair, and nails of all patients, the AAD recently rolled out a new Skin of Color Curriculum. The Curriculum will allow dermatologists to broaden the scope of their expertise to ensure that a diverse population of patients — who come from a wide spectrum of races, ethnicities, and skin colors — receive the best possible care. In this exclusive DermWorld Academy Insider interview, Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, and Daniela Kroshinsky, MD, MPH, FAAD, discuss the Skin of Color Curriculum and its importance to the field of dermatology.

DermWorld: What evidence is there that some dermatologists have broader scopes of expertise in treating patients with skin of color than others? Why do you believe that is?

Drs. Taylor and Kroshinsky: In an article by Kaundinya et al.¹, the authors make the following three points. First, data has shown a lack of formal education on skin of color (SOC) across medical school and residency programs as well as in continuing medical education. Second, this lack reflects a knowledge gap that impacts the diagnosis and treatment of skin and hair disorders in patients with skin of color. Third, a lack of focus on SOC may lead to lower recognition rates of dermatologic pathology in SOC patients, as well as poor confidence by physicians in evaluating patients of color which may contribute to poor health outcomes in SOC patients.

Likewise, Perlman, et al.², discussed the paucity of SOC dermatology images and representation in medical student learning materials including board preparation material. They demonstrated inability of medical students to accurately diagnose common cutaneous disease in SOC patients as compared to non-skin of color patients. Most importantly, the students’ confidence in their ability to diagnose dermatology pathology was significantly increased after participating in educational modules.

Mhlaba, et al.³, piloted a study examining the effect of a week-long curriculum on the perception of dermatology residents, measuring the comfort level of treating patients of color to determine if this type of curriculum could be expanded to other dermatology residents. Results demonstrated that 100% of learners felt their ability to care for patients of color was improved by this curriculum and that a skin of color curriculum should be an annual component of their dermatology academic curriculum.

Therefore, dermatologists who have had SOC formal education during residency are more confident and better able to care for this patient population.

DermWorld: What are some ways dermatologists can address these gaps in knowledge?

Drs. Taylor and Kroshinsky: If a dermatologist has not had SOC education or involvement with a diverse patient population during medical school or residency, there is valuable and comprehensive continuing medical education that is readily available. The AAD has an important SOC learning resource at the AAD Learning Center. This Skin of Color Curriculum for practicing dermatologists and dermatology residents is the definitive in-patient and out-patient curriculum for the diagnosis and effective treatment of SOC disease as well as for the accurate identification and management of general adult and pediatric conditions presenting in patients with SOC. In addition, trainees can consider external rotations at residency programs that serve diverse patient populations from their home institutions.

DermWorld: Are there any additional benefits to dermatologists making use of the free Skin of Color Curriculum offered by the AAD?

Drs. Taylor and Kroshinsky: The SOC Curriculum is an easily accessible, free resource to help dermatologists and trainees continue to optimize their knowledge and care. It is also a wonderful way for dermatologists reach their Continuing Medical Education goals for the year and at the same time become more skilled and comfortable treating all patients that walk into their office.

Sources

1. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.03.060. Epub 2021 Mar 23.

2. doi: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.12.018. eCollection 2021 Mar.

3. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(7):786-789. doi:10.36849/JDD.6193.