Characterizing Dermatology Interest Groups (DIGs) in US Medical Schools: A Nationwide Survey of Student Leaders

July 2021 | Volume 20 | Issue 7 | Original Article | 767 | Copyright © July 2021


Published online June 22, 2021

Zizi Yu BA,a Jennifer T. Huang MDa,b Vinod E. Nambudiri MD MBAa,c

aHarvard Medical School, Boston, MA
bDivision of Dermatology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
cDepartment of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA

Abstract
Background: Dermatology is among the least racially/ethnically diverse medical specialties in the US Dermatology Interest Groups (DIGs). DIGs may play a critical role in addressing these disparities by facilitating early exposure and mentorship, both associated with higher rates of medical students pursuing specific fields.
Objective: This study sought to characterize the activities, goals, and challenges of DIGs in medical schools nationwide.
Methods: A 15-question survey was distributed electronically to 92 DIG leaders enrolled in four-year accredited allopathic/osteopathic medical schools nationwide. Data collected included DIG leaders’ demographic information, medical training stage, DIG size/age, number/type of DIG activities hosted, presence of faculty/resident mentors, and goals/challenges.
Results: There were 48 total and 46 complete responses (52% response rate). Most DIG leaders were female (81%), white (63%), and from allopathic medical schools of roughly equal geographic distribution. Over three-quarters of DIGs had affiliated dermatology departments and residencies. Most had faculty advisors; few had resident mentors. Presence of an affiliated dermatology department was associated with statistically significant increase in mentoring opportunities (P=0.034), significantly increased odds of having dedicated faculty mentors (OR=6.10, 95%CI 1.11–33.56), and non-significantly increased odds of having dedicated resident mentors (OR=2.96, 95%CI 0.33–26.79). DIG leaders self-identified early dermatology exposure, aiding in the match, relationship-building, and community engagement as main objectives and mismatches in opportunities, time, funding, and interest as main challenges.
Conclusions: DIGs provide valuable opportunities to medical students exploring the field and may play a role in reducing future dermatology workforce disparities. Dermatology departments, residencies, and medical schools should support their aims and reduce structural barriers to success.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(7):767-770. doi:10.36849/JDD.5732

INTRODUCTION

For many medical students, specialty interest groups provide first exposures and help generate interest in various medical specialties. Specialty interest groups also serve as important resources for gaining information and accessing opportunities for career exploration or building residency applications.1,2 Dermatology is among the most competitive medical specialties to match into, and one that has been plagued by gender and racial disparities.3,4 Studentidentified barriers to applying for dermatology residency include expectations of high standardized test scores and clinical grades and the risk of not matching.5 Among minority students, additional barriers include lack of mentorship, lack of diversity among practicing dermatologists, and negative perceptions of minority students by residency programs,5 prompting calls to address disparities and increase diversity.3,4

Dermatology interest groups (DIGs) may play a major role in helping to achieve this goal, particularly at medical schools with limited resources and dermatology exposure opportunities. The Dermatology Interest Group Association (DIGA) is a national student-run organization that provides volunteering, research, and mentoring opportunities to support all medical students interested in a career in dermatology.6 DIGA unites over 112 individual DIG chapters nationwide through a board of regional directors; chairs of diversity, research, patient education/advocacy; professional societies liaison, webmaster/database coordinator, and public relations/ social media representative.6 This study sought to characterize the activities, goals, challenges of DIGs nationwide.

METHODS

A 15-question survey was distributed electronically through
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