The importance of pathway programs in increasing diversity in dermatology: Efforts made by the American Academy of Dermatology

Abstract

Our country's population continues to diversify, highlighting the need for an equally diverse physician workforce to care for patients. Unfortunately, the percentage of underrepresented minority residents in dermatology has remained relatively unchanged over the past several years. To address this disparity, the American Academy of Dermatology created the Pathways Programs to focus on early exposure to dermatology, skill-building workshops, research, and mentorship. The overarching goal is to increase the number of underrepresented minority dermatologists, which will result in improved patient care and mitigation of healthcare disparities.

Keywords: dermatology; health care disparities; mentorship; pathway programs; physician workforce; pre-medical school programs; underrepresented in medicine.