From the Vault: A JDD survey of dermatology residents highlights concerns among underrepresented groups that may influence interest in Mohs micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology fellowships
In this article from the JDD vault, authors report results of an IRB approved survey of dermatology residents that explored perceived barriers to pursuing fellowships in Mohs micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology. The study examines factors that underrepresented groups in medicine cite when considering MSDO fellowship training and the broader implications for workforce diversity in dermatology.
The survey, distributed to accredited residencies between December 2020 and April 2021, received responses from 133 residents. About one fifth of respondents identified as underrepresented in medicine. Interest in applying to MSDO fellowship did not differ significantly between underrepresented and non underrepresented respondents. However, residents from underrepresented groups rated several program and field related factors as more important when deciding whether to pursue MSDO fellowship. These included perceived lack of diversity among patient populations served, the race and gender composition of past fellows, concerns about fellowship attitudes toward applicants of different backgrounds, and limited diversity among MMS trainees and faculty.
This study is among the first to document resident perceptions that may hinder diversification of the Mohs workforce. The findings suggest multifaceted barriers that warrant local and specialty level attention, including mentorship, outreach, and program transparency about trainee and faculty composition.
Read the full JDD article to review the data and consider raising this topic at your next department meeting. Programs may want to assess recruitment and mentorship practices, and explore targeted outreach to support equitable access to MSDO fellowship pathways.
Hoffman L, Benesh G, Soliman Y, et al. Diversifying the Mohs workforce: understanding barriers of applicants to mohs micrographic surgery fellowship.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(5):471-474. doi:10.36849/JDD.7083
Blog write-up assisted by AI
