Inclusivity champions: For faculty dermatologists

Dermatology faculty members play a critical role in strengthening access to dermatology education and training. Through inclusive, transparent processes and intentional barrier-removal strategies, faculty help ensure the next generation of dermatologists is selected and supported based on experience, potential, and program fit, while expanding opportunity for students with limited access to dermatology pathways.

Use of the strategies included in the Inclusivity Champion Toolkit can help departments broaden exposure, strengthen mentorship, and support an inclusive dermatology workforce that improves patient care and outcomes.

Inclusivity Champion Alex Ortega, MD, FAAD

Alex Ortega, MD, FAAD, assistant professor of dermatology at Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, serves as faculty sponsor for the first medical Spanish elective sponsored by a U.S. medical school.

The program supports effective communication and culturally responsive care, helping reduce language-related barriers in clinical settings.

Getting started: Faculty action steps

Step one: Discuss goals of the dermatology residency selection process and develop a mission statement with the department chair and faculty that emphasizes equal opportunity, transparency, and access.

Step two: Meet with medical school leadership responsible for student support and outreach to understand existing programs that expand access, mentorship, and early exposure to medical careers.

Step three: Establish an inclusivity or workforce development committee within the department focused on barrier removal, mentorship access, and outreach.

Step four: Identify current opportunities at the medical school and affiliated institutions to improve access to dermatology education and training.

Step five: Review the Inclusivity Champion Toolkit and determine how its resources can be implemented at the medical school and within surrounding communities.

Step six: Develop a budget and resource plan to support outreach, mentorship, and educational activities.

Step seven: Recruit faculty, community dermatologists, trainees, students, and institutional partners to help implement toolkit strategies.

Step eight: Implement activities and establish objective ways to measure impact, such as participation, engagement, and educational outcomes.

Step nine: Share program activities and outcomes with the Academy to support learning and continuous improvement.

Outreach ideas

• Serve on medical school admissions or advisory committees to support transparent, holistic review practices that consider applicants’ experiences, challenges navigated, commitment to service, and interest in practicing in underserved areas.

• Share peer-reviewed data demonstrating improved patient outcomes associated with effective communication, trust, and inclusive care delivery.

• Form a departmental committee focused on outreach, mentorship access, and workforce readiness.

• Invite nationally recognized speakers to discuss patient access, health disparities, and evidence-based approaches to improving care delivery.

• Provide training for faculty involved in interviews and applicant review on recognizing and reducing unintended barriers in evaluation processes.

• Strengthen outreach to applicants from institutions or regions with limited access to dermatology by offering clear communication, informational sessions, and consistent engagement during recruitment.

• Develop second-look or follow-up opportunities that allow applicants to better understand departmental culture, training expectations, and support resources.

• Participate in national and regional meetings for medical and pre-medical student organizations to share information about dermatology careers and training pathways.

• Create research or summer learning opportunities that expand early exposure to dermatology and biomedical science for students with limited access to specialty training.

Mentoring ideas

• Serve as a mentor through Academy-sponsored or institution-based mentorship programs.

• Participate in mentorship initiatives focused on supporting students from varied backgrounds and perspectives.

• Engage in structured faculty-led mentorship programs that support students during early medical school training, such as a “Gotcha Covered” program.

• Offer regular check-ins, academic guidance, and referrals to tutoring, counseling, or peer support resources as needed.

• Participate with students in community clinics, screenings, and service activities to highlight the impact of dermatologic care in medically underserved settings.

• Encourage student involvement in educational outreach, research, and service programs that build confidence and specialty awareness.

• Invite students to participate in free skin cancer checks.