The U-M Dermatology Diversity Pathways Program offers formal mentorship, teaching, clinical exposure, networking, and research opportunities for pre-clinical U-M medical students from backgrounds traditionally under-represented in medicine. By supporting early interest in dermatology, we seek to encourage a more diverse pool of applicants for dermatology residency programs. By supporting diversity amongst dermatologists, we aim to improve representation of the patient populations we serve and reduce dermatologic health disparities.
- Formal mentorship: Students are paired with a dermatology resident to serve as their mentor throughout the program, with a faculty mentor assigned to each pair.
- Didactic and hands-on teaching: Clinical skills training with surgical sessions covering biopsy techniques, basic suturing and cryotherapy, as well as skin of color clinical training and didactic teaching.
- Clinical practice and exposure: Students work with their resident mentor in clinic, with possible opportunities to shadow in the Mohs surgery unit and/or inpatient consult service.
- Global networking: A guest seminar on topics on skin of color in dermatology provide students opportunity to interact with a national leader in the field.
- Research opportunities: Students who show substantial interest or participate in research projects within the department may have opportunity to attend the American Academy of Dermatology (potentially virtual) annual meeting.
- Additional experiences: Opportunity to attend research and diagnostic conferences, and possibility to shadow faculty in clinic, volunteer in free clinics and other non-academic events are also support by the U-M Dermatology Diversity Pathways Program.
