LAUSR

According to the US Census Bureau, by 2030, more than half of the population will be composed of individuals with skin of color (SOC). Skin of color refers to persons of African, Asian, Native American, Middle Eastern, and Hispanic backgrounds. Matters of SOC are receiving increased attention, especially with regard to the lack of research and education, dearth of representation of racial minorities within medicine including dermatology, and the need to improve our understanding and care of skin disorders for members of this population. During the years 2006–2013, dermatology had the secondlowest representation of non-White physicians when compared with other specialties. While medical schools and internal medicine residencies have increased their proportion of non-White enrollees and graduates over time, dermatology continues to have disproportionately low percentages of underrepresented in medicine (URM) trainees. These stagnant trends highlight the need to promote diversity within dermatology at all levels of training to meet the needs of our diversifying population. The American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS) recognizes these disparities in SOC education, research, and representation in dermatology and within our ownACDS community. As such, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and health care disparities (HDs) have been identified as areas of focus within the ACDS. Herein, we outline our current understanding and ACDS's plan for the path forward.