Underrepresented Groups and Perceived Educational Barriers for Residency and Fellowship Success

December 2023 | Volume 22 | Issue 12 | 1210 | Copyright © December 2023


Published online November 16, 2023

Akshitha Thatiparthi BSa, Amylee Martin BSa, Olive Anagu BAa, Fiore Casale MMS BSa, Cristina Nguyen MD MSBS MHAb, Gabrielle Baker a, Natasha Atanskova Mesinkovska MD PhDa, Lucia Z Diaz MDc, Sara Hogan MDd, Takesha J Cooper MD MSe, Janiene Luke MDf

aLoma Linda University
bDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
cDepartment of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Dermatology, Dell Medical School at UT Austin, Austin, TX
dDivision of Dermatology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
eDepartment of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA
fDepartment of Dermatology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA

Abstract
Background: The study aimed to compare barriers perceived by medical students and resident physicians identifying as of underrepresented groups in medicine (UIM) and/or as sexual and gender minorities (SGM) to individuals not identifying with these groups, especially for trainees with an interest in dermatology.
Methods: Cross-sectional survey of medical students and resident physicians based in the United States from February 2021 to July 2021, with subgroup analysis of trainees with interest in dermatology.
Findings: Among trainees interested in dermatology, the most notable barriers for the UIM group were 1) lack of home program in specialty/fellowship of interest (4.71±1.73); 2) lack of connections/networking opportunities (4.14±1.29); 3) lack of opportunity to obtain AOA membership (4.00±1.96); 4) obtaining mentorship (4.00±1.47); and lack of diversity in specialty/fellowship of interest (3.93±1.14).
Conclusions and Relevance: Increasing focused mentorship programs and fostering environments that embrace diversity are key to reducing perceived barriers for minority candidates.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(12):1210-1215. doi:10.36849/JDD.7528R1

INTRODUCTION

As the United States (US) continues to rapidly diversify (racially/ethnically), the field of dermatology remains slow to follow suit. African Americans and Hispanics account for 13% and 16% of the US population, respectively, but only comprise 3% and 4% of dermatologists.1 Insufficient representation of underrepresented groups in medicine (UIM) and sexual and gender minorities (SGM) may perpetuate health disparities for minority patient populations.2 Studies have suggested that physicians from underrepresented groups are more likely to provide care for underserved populations and individuals of lower socioeconomic status, which can help alleviate health disparities and improve clinical outcomes for minority patient populations.2–5

The American Academy of Dermatology made a call to action in 2017, with proposals to address a lack of diversity.6 This was an instrumental step toward achieving greater diversity within dermatology; nevertheless, there is a need for further characterization of the barriers that limit representation within the field.

As a result, the primary objective of this study was to compare perceived barriers for US-based medical students and resident physicians who self-identify as UIM or SGM to students and physicians who do not self-identify with these groups, with a special emphasis on the perceived barriers for dermatology applicants compared to applicants pursuing other medical specialties.
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