Improving Representation of Skin of Color in a Medical School Preclerkship Dermatology Curriculum

Abstract

Anti-Black racism has contributed to significant disparities in health status for Black individuals in Canada. Dermatology is one area where these health disparities are evident. Lack of appropriate medical education regarding dermatologic conditions in persons of color has been associated with worse health outcomes. This project improved representation in a preclerkship dermatology medical school curriculum, through a constructivist approach, by adding images and discussion points of skin diseases in persons of color to existing teaching sessions. Student evaluations demonstrated strong agreement with improved exposure to images of dark skin and improved comfort in identifying skin conditions in persons of color. This intervention represents an effective approach to updating representation in the dermatology curriculum.