Including multiple races and ethnicities shows companies are interested in having those patients be part of the overall strategy for how these products will be used and who will use them in the long run. The Benefits of Diverse Representation of Skin Types and Ethnic Backgrounds in Medical ResearchĬorey Hartman, MD, a dermatologist in Birmingham, AL, says that it’s critical that all different skin types and ethnic backgrounds are represented in clinical trials in order to understand how all products interact with different populations. “I think that we should obviously be testing on all skin types and that we should open up the floor to more diversity,” Dr. ![]() She explains that diversity in those performing the trials as well as those participating in them is extremely important. But, she says, she’s had to fight her way into many clinical trials. She has been the primary investigator for 40 clinical trials since 2003. Downie has vast experience-more than 25 of her 73 peer-reviewed articles have been on skin of color. “I think that can be improved upon as well as looking at the decision-makers for clinical trials, the decision-makers for who writes what paper, who gets up on the podium-all of that.”ĭr. She notes that there is also a lack of representation in some of the bigger pharmaceutical companies in terms of African-Americans, Asian Americans, Latino Americans at the lower rungs as well as at the higher levels. Only three percent of dermatologists are African-American across the country,” says Jeanine Downie, MD, a dermatologist in New Jersey. “We, as the leaders in the industry, need to help other people to understand that diversity is not in dermatology at all. ![]() The lack of representation of minority physicians and patients with skin of colors is one such issue that the group agrees must be addressed in order to move the specialty forward and ensure best outcomes for all patients. 1-3 Roundtable participants agree that lack of diversity of race and ethnicity in the physician and industry workforce has many negative consequences, including an impact on patient care, and concur that the inequity must be addressed and corrected. Lack of diversity in the medical workforce, including dermatology, has been well documented. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention to existing racial disparities in health care. In part 1 of this 2-part series, a panel of dermatologists and industry professionals discuss why diversity in race and ethnicity is important in dermatology in everything from clinical trials to physician and industry representation. From the effects on patient care to treatment outcomes, they share personal insights about the issues, what needs to change, and opportunities to makes those changes a reality that will improve access to dermatology for people of all races and ethnicities. A panel of dermatologists and industry executives discussed the challenges facing the field due to a lack of diversity in physician and industry representation, clinical trials, and more. ![]() This discussion was supported by L’Oreal Dermatological Beauty brands CeraVe, La Roche-Posay and SkinCeuticals. In November 2020, Practical Dermatology® hosted a virtual roundtable discussion on Diversity and Inclusion in Dermatology.
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