Skin of color clinics in dermatology: survey study of practice models, barriers, and strengths
摘要
Patients with skin of color (SoC) are disproportionately affected by certain dermatologic conditions, yet standardized models of SoC-focused care are lacking. Dedicated skin of color clinics (SoCCs) have emerged to address gaps in clinical care, education, and research, but little is known about their structure or challenges. We conducted a national cross-sectional survey of board-certified dermatologists who identified as SoC providers or who led SoCCs. Respondents reported demographics, patient populations, practice characteristics, and clinic organization. Seventy-two dermatologists completed the survey, including 19 affiliated with SoCCs. Half identified as Black, and fewer than half had received formal SoC-specific training during residency. Pigmentary disorders, alopecia, acne, and atopic dermatitis were the most common diagnoses, with pigmentary disorders and alopecia most often described as difficult to treat. Nearly 70% of providers incorporated cosmetic or laser procedures into their practice. Most SoCCs were located within academic centers, though few received institutional support. Reported strengths included expertise in SoC-specific conditions and educational opportunities for trainees, while challenges included language barriers, limited treatment options, reimbursement issues, and lack of institutional resources. These findings underscore the critical role of SoCCs in equitable dermatologic care and highlight the need for greater institutional support, standardized training, and outcomes-focused research.