Women's Dermatologic Society

  Caring for our Transgender Patients Susan Massick, MD As dermatologists, we should strive to create an inclusive environment for patients regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. While progress has been made in embracing diversity and advocating for equity and inclusion, changing political landscapes and partisan politics may negatively impact access to care for underserved and vulnerable groups. Currently over 1.3 million Americans adults (0.5%) and 300,000 adolescents ages 13-17 (approximately 1.4% of the youth population) identify as transgender.¹ People who are receiving gender-affirming care may seek our dermatologic expertise to manage physiologic changes that will occur with hormonal therapy. The National Center for Transgender Equality just completed its largest transgender survey in December 2022 with results to be released in fall 2023. Based on 2015 data, however, the NCTE found that “One-third (33%) of those who saw a health care provider…reported...

 By Dr. Susan Massick      Despite changing racial and ethnic demographics in the U.S. with African Americans composing 12.8% and Hispanics composing 16.3% of the U.S. population, African Americans represent only 3% and Hispanics 4.2% of all dermatologists (Pandya, Alexis, Berger, & Wintroub, 2016). Studies have shown that diversity among health care providers improves patient satisfaction with race-concordant visits showing greater patient satisfaction (Cooper, et al., 2003). Dermatology is the second LEAST diverse specialty in medicine, ranking behind only orthopedics in racial and ethnic diversity (Pandya, Alexis, Berger, & Wintroub, 2016). Moreover, lack of minority representation occurs in all aspects of dermatology, including faculty educators, resident trainees, and skin of color images in textbooks and publications. Where is the pipeline?      Key action areas for enhancing diversity in dermatology include widening and fueling the ...