Diversity and the Academy
The American Academy of Dermatology advances inclusion by removing barriers to care, learning, and participation in our specialty. Our initiatives are open to all and focus on access, education, mentorship, and leadership development – especially in underserved communities and dermatology deserts.
The Academy has taken several steps and implemented initiatives over the last several years with the intentional goal of creating an inclusive workforce for dermatologists of varied backgrounds and perspectives. Learn more about the Academy’s historical commitment to inclusion. That work continues with a four-prong plan to:
Promote and facilitate inclusion within the AAD — its governance structures and programs.
Ensure education prepares future dermatologists to close gaps in care and improve patient outcomes.
Expand the Academy’s advocacy priorities to eliminate structural, logistical, and financial barriers to care and training.
Increase the number of practicing dermatologists who are from disadvantaged or medically underserved communities and provide leadership and professional development programming.
Learn more about the Academy's diversity initiatives
Explore our program to increase the number of practicing dermatologists who are underrepresented minorities.
Resources for members to learn how to talk about race, how to be an effective ally, and how to develop cultural competency.
This course teaches practical skills to overcome unintended biases in practice, supporting good communication and optimal care for patients.
Equip dermatologists with the knowledge, skills and community needed to lead change within their institutions and the specialty.
The program offers students hands-on exposure to dermatology through a one-on-one mentorship experience with a dermatologist.
A Diversity Champion is a dermatologist who is committed to improving diversity in dermatology and gets involved in activities to achieve this goal.
The mentorship is open to a variety of practice settings, including academic, private practice, research, surgical dermatology, etc.
The John Kenney Jr., MD Lifetime Achievement Award and Lectureship recognizes dermatologists for their treatment of underserved populations.
The A. Paul Kelly, MD Research Award and Lectureship recognizes lifetime achievement in researching issues associated with skin of color.
The AAD is a collaborator on Project IMPACT, which is intended to help ensure that those who treat dermatologic conditions can recognize them in skin of color.
The AAD’s Skin of Color Curriculum helps members improve the treatment of patients with darker skin tones.
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology
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