September Women's Derm Digest Editorial

 An interview with the co-chairs of the WDS DEI Committee, Dr. Olabola Awosika & Dr. Leah Cardwell conducted by WDS Communications Committee co-chair, Dr. Susuan Massick.

The Women’s Dermatologic Society has long championed mentorship and professional development. How does the DEI Committee build upon that mission, and what are its primary goals for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within dermatology?

"The DEI Committee builds upon WDS’s longstanding commitment to mentorship by making sure that opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and leadership are accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds. We want to create an environment where people not only have a seat at the table, but also feel supported and empowered to contribute once they get there.

Our goals include increasing awareness of barriers within dermatology, broadening members’ understanding of diversity, fostering meaningful mentorship and sponsorship, promoting inclusive education, and creating opportunities for professional and leadership development. Ultimately, we want DEI to be integrated into the fabric of dermatology—not viewed as a separate initiative, but as an important part of advancing our specialty."

Efforts are underway to increase diversity within our specialty. From your perspective, what are the greatest opportunities to create a more inclusive pipeline—from medical student recruitment through faculty leadership—and how can WDS members contribute?

"We have to look at the pipeline as a continuum, not a single entry point. It starts with exposing medical students to dermatology early, and continues through residency, fellowship, early faculty development, and ultimately leadership.

WDS members can make a real difference at every stage of that continuum through mentorship, research opportunities, career guidance, and sponsorship. We especially highlight sponsorship, because it’s the piece we talk about least. Mentorship is guidance; sponsorship is using your own influence and credibility to open doors — putting someone’s name forward for a talk, a committee seat, or a leadership role they might not have known was available or accessible to them.

It’s also worth remembering that diversity extends beyond race — it includes gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, and more. Once we see it that broadly, the work in front of us comes into focus. Our challenge to every WDS member: think of one person less represented in our field whom you’ve actively helped along the way, and ask what that did for them — and for dermatology as a whole."

One important area of focus has been improving education on dermatologic conditions across the full spectrum of skin tones. What are ways that our members can advance these efforts? What progress have you seen in residency training and educational resources?

"Representation in dermatology education is so important because what we learn ultimately influences how we recognize and diagnose disease in our patients. Members can help by intentionally incorporating patients with a range of skin tones into lectures, presentations, publications, research, and educational resources.

We have been encouraged by the increased attention to skin of color in residency education, conferences, textbooks, and other educational resources. We are seeing more recognition that dermatologic conditions can look different across skin tones. At the same time, there is still significant room for growth, particularly when it comes to expanding clinical images and research involving diverse patient populations.

We should continue asking ourselves, Who is represented in the images and cases we are teaching, and who might be missing? That simple question can help us continue moving forward."

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, how can clinicians provide more culturally responsive care?

"Culturally responsive care starts with listening — being willing to understand each patient’s individual experience rather than making assumptions based on their background.

In dermatology, that includes understanding cultural approaches to hair and skin care, cosmetic practices, family influences, health beliefs, and treatment preferences. And last but certainly not least, we must acknowledge the historical experiences with medicine and practitioners that are unique to a given culture or racial/ethnic group — experiences that shape trust, and rightfully so.

It’s equally important to recognize the tremendous diversity within Hispanic and Latino communities themselves. There is no single, universal cultural experience, and treating it as one does a disservice to the individuality of each patient.

Practically, that means using a patient’s preferred language, bringing in professional interpreters when needed, offering accessible educational materials, and asking open-ended questions rather than making assumptions. These small choices build trust over time. Ultimately, culturally responsive care isn’t a checklist — it’s about meeting patients where they are and making sure they leave feeling heard and respected."

Can you share a recent initiative or accomplishment of the DEI Committee that you’re particularly proud of, and what impact do you hope it will have on our specialty in the years ahead?

"We’re particularly proud of the committee’s continued work to create opportunities for education, dialogue, and visibility around diversity, equity, and inclusion within WDS. A recent accomplishment was the inclusion and leadership of the DEI committee in the WDS Breakfast Panel at the AAD Annual Meeting, “Mentorship Matters: Growing and Thriving Throughout Your Dermatology Career”.

At this event, we created a space where these conversations can happen openly and become part of the broader mission of professional development and mentorship.

Looking ahead, we hope this work contributes to a culture where DEI is integrated into how we approach mentorship, education, leadership, and patient care. Our hope is that future generations of dermatologists will see diversity and inclusion not as an initiative that needs to be explained, but simply as part of what excellence in dermatology looks like."

Looking toward the future, what message would you like to share with medical students, residents, and early-career dermatologists—particularly those from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in medicine—who are considering a career in dermatology?

"Our message is simple: You belong here.

Dermatology has not always reflected the diversity of the patients we serve, but that is changing. Your background, experiences, and perspective are valuable, and they can make you a stronger physician and advocate for your patients.

Find mentors, but also look for sponsors and communities that will support your growth. Don’t be afraid to put yourself forward for opportunities, even when you may not feel completely ready.

And remember that representation matters. When you enter a room, give a lecture, conduct research, lead an organization, or care for a patient, you may be showing someone else what is possible.

There is still work to do, but we are incredibly optimistic about the future of dermatology and the generation of physicians who are helping shape it."