Diversity and the Academy
The American Academy of Dermatology believes in creating a diverse and inclusive environment where all its members have opportunities that enable them to succeed and thrive, and is committed to ensuring quality medical care for all our patients regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. The Academy recognizes that in order to do both, increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the dermatology specialty must be a priority. See the Academy’s Statement of Intent.
The Academy has taken several steps and implemented initiatives over the last several years with the intentional goal of increasing diversity among our dermatologists and trainees and creating a culture of inclusivity. Learn more about the Academy’s historical commitment to diversity. That work continues with a four-prong plan to:
Promote and facilitate diversity, equity, and inclusion within the AAD — its governance structures and programs.
Ensure education and research encompasses health disparities and skin of color, and advocate for Black and Latino patient representation in research.
Expand the Academy’s advocacy priorities to include addressing health inequities.
Increase the number of practicing dermatologists who are underrepresented minorities and provide leadership and professional development programming.
The Academy’s diversity, equity, and inclusion three-year plan
Read the Academy's plan (PDF) to foster diversity in the dermatology specialty and develop strategies to increase dermatological services to underserved populations.
Learn more about the Academy and its diversity, equity, and inclusion 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.
Become a Diversity Champion and attend the workshop to discuss diversity outreach programs, exchange ideas, and share success stories.
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.
Your support helps underrepresented medical students receive opportunities encouraging them to join the specialty, increasing diversity in dermatology.
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.
Learn more about the Curriculum for Advancing Racial Equity (CARE) program.
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology
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