Geomapping of pediatric dermatologists: A tool to promote diversity and equity in dermatology

Pediatr Dermatol. 2024 Jan-Feb;41(1):70-72. doi: 10.1111/pde.15487. Epub 2023 Dec 11.

Abstract

There is a lack of racial and ethnic diversity across the field of dermatology, including the subspecialty of pediatric dermatology. Residency programs are improving recruitment and mentorship of medical students who identify with racial or ethnic minority communities (underrepresented in medicine [URiM]) to dermatology overall, a goal similarly held by our subspecialty. The objectives of this study were to create an online mapping tool to visually centralize the list of 142 dermatology residency programs, 105 with practicing pediatric dermatologists on faculty and 51 that offer financial scholarships for URiM visiting medical students completing away rotations. With this tool, we hope that prospective students may not only identify potential pediatric dermatology mentors for virtual and in-person activities, but that they may also build connections with and increase their chance of matching at prospective residency programs with demonstrable commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Keywords: equity; geomapping; medical education; pediatric dermatology; underrepresented in medicine.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Dermatologists
  • Dermatology* / education
  • Ethnicity
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency*
  • Minority Groups
  • Students, Medical*