By Allison Sit
The City of Philadelphia issues a formal apology for unethical medical experiments performed at the Holmesburg Prison from the 1950s to the 1970s. The University of Pennsylvania experiments intentionally exposed inmates – the vast majority of which were Black men — to pharmaceuticals, viruses, fungus, asbestos and dioxin, a component of Agent Orange. Many of those subjected to experimentation were illiterate, awaiting prosecution and attempting to save enough money to make bail.
“While this happened many decades ago, we know that the historical impact and trauma of this practice of medical racism has extended for generations—all the way through to the present day,” said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. “Recognizing the deep distrust experiments like this have created in our communities of color, we vow to continue to fight the inequities and disparities that continue to this day.”
A new Howard University fellowship provides medical students from underrepresented backgrounds with clinical and research experience in dermatology prior to applying to residency. La Roche-Posay and the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) are sponsors of the first-of-its-kind Diversity in Dermatology Fellowship, which helps students strengthen their application with the hopes of securing a spot in a dermatology residency program. During the year-long fellowship, the fellow will conduct translational and clinical research in addition to participating in Howard University’s dermatology clinics and community outreach events. The inaugural fellow is Chidubem Okeke, a third year medical student at Howard University College of Medicine and co-president of Howard’s Student Dermatology Society.
“Change comes in the form of action, and that is precisely what this partnership is aiming to accomplish,” says Mona Gohara, MD, WDS president and associate clinical professor of dermatology, Yale School of Medicine.
“I was fortunate enough to receive an academic scholarship to college, which was not something my family could have afforded otherwise. Being able to support funding for an incremental opportunity for a DEI candidate is something I am proud to pay forward,” says Tyler Steele, vice president, medical and media relations, La Roche-Posay.
“I am grateful to the WDS and La Roche-Posay for funding this fellowship. It provides an accessible opportunity for underrepresented in medicine (UIM) students to obtain research experience, mentorship and networking opportunities at the only dermatology department at an Historically Black University,” says Ginette A. Okoye, MD, FAAD, professor and chair of dermatology at Howard University.
The American Society of Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA) presents Patient Safety Hero Awards to three dermatologic surgeons.
Mathew Avram, MD, JD, is recognized for his long history of researching and publishing on patient safety, and his work to promote board-certified dermatologists. Dr. Avram also has testified several times at the FDA on key patient safety matters including compounding and laser safety.
Joel Cohen, MD, is noted for his work as an educator to raise awareness about the importance of patient safety during cosmetic medical procedures. Dr. Cohen has presented to the Colorado Board of Medicine on complications from various injections, laser and other dermatological procedures.
“We appreciate the hard work that both Drs. Mathew Avram and Joel Cohen have dedicated to ASDSA, particularly laser safety,” says Sue Ellen Cox, MD, ASDSA president.
