Continuing medical education modules, quizzes, and other educational materials provided by the American Academy of Dermatology’s (AAD) Skin of Color Curriculum may help dermatologists better identify dermatologic conditions in patients with skin of color, according to a press release from the American Medical Association. In one such quiz, dermatologists were asked to identify psoriasis—which may present as gray or brown plaques for those with skin of color—on a Hispanic patient. For medical students, residents, and physicians, this task has proven difficult and illuminated gaps in the understanding of how to diagnose and treat dermatologic conditions related to patients who have darker skin types. Worth 15.25 credits toward continuing medical education, the Skin of Color Curriculum has 64 modules and utilizes case studies and quizzes to cover the diagnosis of skin diseases in pediatric and adult patients with skin of color; underrepresentation in the dermatology profession for individuals with darker skin types; and inequities in health care for this underserved group of patients. Additionally, one of the lessons focuses on how patients with skin of color may be treated with negligence and disrespect by dermatologists more often than White patients. The AAD hopes its new curriculum will help medical professionals exercise humility, empathy, respect, awareness, and an understanding of workplace diversity when treating patients and mentoring students. Dermatologists were encouraged to participate in the Skin of Color Curriculum by visiting edhub.ama-assn.org.
May 25, 2023