Racial/ethnic health disparities in dermatology in the United States, part 1: Overview of contributing factors and management strategies

Abstract

Racial or ethnic disparities are prevalent in the field of dermatology. Part 1 of this continuing medical education series aims to elucidate contributors to racial and ethnic disparities within dermatology and highlight potential actionable steps to combat these disparities. We review access to care, workforce diversity, cultural competency, implicit bias, dermatologic education material, patient education, and clinical research. Part 2 of the continuing medical education series will address disease-specific inequities that influence the clinical practice of dermatology.

Keywords: Asian; Black; Hispanic; White; access to care; clinical research; cultural competence; disparities; diversity; educational material; health outcomes; implicit bias; insurance types; patient education; race; skin of color; teledermatology; telehealth; teletriage; underrepresented minority.