La Roche-Posay Launch Fellowship At Howard University To Increase Diversity In Dermatology

La Roche-Posay and the Women’s Dermatological Society (WDS) launch a fellowship at Howard University. They wanted to support Howard U. medical students in efforts to increase diversity in the dermatology industry. Only 3% are Black in the dermatology field.

A committee of WDS members designed the fellowship. La Roche-Posay announced that The Inaugural Diversity in Dermatology Fellowship sponsors a year of supplementary work experience for an underrepresented medical student pursuing a skin disease diagnosis and treatment residency. It provides the candidate with a livable salary, research grant, health insurance stipend, and stipend for travel and family visits.

“This inaugural first of its kind, collaborative fellowship is a three-year commitment that promises to prioritize DEI in dermatology. Change comes in the form of action, and that is precisely what this partnership aims to accomplish,” said Mona Gohara, MD, president of WDS and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine.

The Inaugural Diversity in Dermatology Fellowship Recipient

This year’s recipient is Chidubem Okeke. She aspires to reduce health disparities by studying skin diseases disproportionately affecting people of color. Okeke is a Cornell University graduate and the co-president of Howard’s Student Dermatology Society. Additionally, she helps lead the Scarring Alopecia Foundation’s Journey to Acceptance medical working group.

During her fellowship, Okeke will “conduct translational and clinical research in addition to participating in Howard University’s dermatology clinics and community outreach events,” according to La Roche-Posay.

La Roche-Posay expressed how many programs offering fellowships in dermatology aren’t typically backed by funding. Thus, limiting the pool of potential candidates to those with the financial means.

“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,” said Tyler Steele, vice president of medical and media relations at La Roche-Posay. “I am confident this program will allow a bright medical student to become an incredible dermatologist.”