Medical Student Confidence in Diagnosis of Dermatologic Diseases in Skin of Color

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate medical student confidence in diagnosing dermatologic diseases in skin of color. Methods: A voluntary supplemental module was implemented as part of the second-year dermatology curriculum at Wayne State University School of Medicine (WSU SOM) in Detroit, Michigan. The goal of the module was to ascertain whether it may increase confidence in students with their approach to diagnosing diseases in darker skin tones. Results: Seventy-seven of 295 students (26%) completed a “Skin of Color” optional module consisting of thirteen cases of common skin pathologies in African American patients. A pre-and post-survey performed to assess students’ confidence using a five-point Likert scale. After completing the module, medical students demonstrated a statistically significant increase in confidence in diagnosing skin pathologies in skin of color. Conclusion: Dermatology pre-clinical course work should include supplementary materials to increase student confidence in diagnosing skin diseases in darker skin tones.