National trends in gender and ethnicity in dermatology training: 2006 to 2018

Characteristics and career outcomes of dermatology-focused medical student research grant recipients

Although several dermatology-focused research grants for medical students exist, studies have yet to evaluate the outcomes of grant recipients, such as entry into dermatology residency and academic careers. We have described the characteristics of recipients of dermatology-focused medical student research grants and outcomes, including entry into dermatology residency and academic careers, and we have focused on seven dermatology-focused national and regional research grants eligible for US medical students. Data were obtained from publicly available online sources for grants from 2004 to 2023. Of the 235 medical student recipients of dermatology research grants between 2004 and 2023, 45.5% attended one of the top 20 medical schools funded by National Institutes of Health research grants. Of those who completed medical school, 68.3% advanced to a dermatology residency (n = 123/180). Among board-certified dermatologists, 44.7% held an academic position (n = 34/76); among those who attended a top 20 medical school, 50% held an academic position (n = 23/46) compared with 36.7% who did not (n = 11/30). Limitations of this study include selection bias and incomplete data availability. Medical student research grants allow students to thoughtfully engage in dermatology research early in medical education. These grants may facilitate entry into dermatology residency and academic careers and lead to continued research endeavors.

Trends in sex and ethnicity among U.S. dermatopathology and Mohs surgery trainees: 2011-2021

Dermatology has been cited as the second-least racially diverse medical specialty in the United States. In the last decade, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the Skin of Color Society (SOCS), the Dermatology Section of the National Medical Association (NMA), and other stakeholders have made significant efforts to increase diversity in dermatology. This study aims to explore the potential impact of these efforts by analyzing sex and ethnic trends in ACGME-accredited dermatology fellowships; Mohs surgery, and dermatopathology, using data from 2011-2021. Our findings reveal that over the last decade, significant strides to increase sex diversity within dermatology have led to a growing number of female resident trainees (62%). This trend is also reflected in Mohs surgery (50%) and dermatopathology (52%) fellowships. In addition, the proportion of Underrepresented in medicine (URiM) fellowship trainees has also increased significantly over the last decade, with a now similar proportion of URiM trainees between dermatology residency, Mohs surgery, and dermatopathology.

Gender Diversity of Mohs Micrographic Surgery Fellows and Program Directors in the US

This cross-sectional study examines trends in the percentage of females comprising Mohs micrographic surgery fellows and program directors for the past 2 decades in the US.

Demographics and perceptions of diversity in dermatopathology workforce and training environments in the United States

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the demographics and perceptions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the field of dermatopathology to provide a measurable baseline for future efforts to enhance equity measures within our subspecialty.

METHODS

A questionnaire based on a previously validated instrument by Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) was sent to American Society of Dermatopathology (ASDP) members to collect the demographic information (gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, experience and practice setting, etc.) and evaluate eight diversity, engagement, and inclusivity statements on a 1-5 Likert scale.

RESULTS

The demographics of 207 of 1331 (15%) respondents showed slight male predominance. Eleven percent of respondents identified as LGBTQI. The major racial distribution was comprised of 62% White, 18% Asian (including Middle Eastern/Indian), 10% Hispanic, and 4% Black respondents. New-in-practice respondents (those in practice-5 years or less) were more likely to have a pathology background (71% vs. 56%, p = 0.047) than their more-established peers with more than 5 years of service. This trend also contributed to increased diversity in terms of gender (66% females) and race (48% non-White) among the newer generation. Dermatology-trained dermatopathologists were mostly White (70%) and male (53%). Analysis of respondent demographics with perception statements showed that White and US graduate respondents (compared to other groups) were more likely to have a positive perception about DEI within the field of dermatopathology.

CONCLUSIONS

The results provide a snapshot of the current state of diversity within the field of dermatopathology. Moreover, these results highlight opportunities for further increasing diversity in general and leadership in particular within dermatopathology.

Diversity and Career Goals of Graduating Allopathic Medical Students Pursuing Careers in Dermatology

Importance

Dermatology is one of the least diverse specialties, while patients from minority racial and ethnic groups and other underserved populations continue to face numerous dermatology-specific health and health care access disparities in the US.

Objectives

To examine the demographic characteristics and intended career goals of graduating US allopathic medical students pursuing careers in dermatology compared with those pursuing other specialties and whether these differ by sex, race and ethnicity, and/or sexual orientation.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This secondary analysis of a repeated cross-sectional study included 58 077 graduating allopathic medical students using data from the 2016 to 2019 Association of American Medical Colleges Graduation Questionnaires.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The proportion of female students, students from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in medicine (URM), and sexual minority (SM) students pursuing dermatology vs pursuing other specialties. The proportions and multivariable-adjusted odds of intended career goals between students pursuing dermatology and those pursuing other specialties and by sex, race and ethnicity, and sexual orientation among students pursuing dermatology.

Results

A total of 58 077 graduating students were included, with 28 489 (49.0%) female students, 8447 (14.5%) URM students, and 3641 (6.3%) SM students. Female students pursuing dermatology were less likely than female students pursuing other specialties to identify as URM (96 of 829 [11.6%] vs 4760 of 27 660 [17.2%]; P < .001) or SM (16 [1.9%] vs 1564 [5.7%]; P < .001). In multivariable-adjusted analyses, students pursuing dermatology compared with other specialties had decreased odds of intending to care for underserved populations (247 of 1350 [18.3%] vs 19 142 of 56 343 [34.0%]; adjusted odd ratio [aOR], 0.40; 95% CI, 0.35-0.47; P < .001), practice in underserved areas (172 [12.7%] vs 14 570 [25.9%]; aOR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.34-0.47; P < .001), and practice public health (230 [17.0%] vs 17 028 [30.2%]; aOR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.38-0.51; P < .001) but increased odds of pursuing research (874 [64.7%] vs 29 121 [51.7%]; aOR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.57-1.97; P < .001) in their careers. Among students pursuing dermatology, female, URM, and SM identities were independently associated with increased odds of caring for underserved populations (eg, URM: aOR, 4.05; 95% CI, 2.83-5.80) and practicing public health (eg, SM: aOR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.51-4.31). URM students compared with non-URM students pursuing dermatology had increased odds of intending to practice in underserved areas (aOR, 3.93; 95% CI, 2.66-5.80), and SM students compared with heterosexual students pursuing dermatology had increased odds of intending to become medical school faculty (aOR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.01-2.57), to pursue administrative roles (aOR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.01-2.59), and to conduct research (aOR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.01-2.98).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that diversity gaps continue to exist in the dermatology workforce pipeline. Efforts are needed to increase racial and ethnic and sexual orientation diversity and interest in careers focused on underserved care and public health among students pursuing dermatology.