American Academy of Dermatology Votes to Keep DEI Policies

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Attacks on DEI programs have been witnessed in some unexpected places. In a recent turn of events, Brain Raphael, MD, proposed an end to DEI policies in the American Academy of Dermatology. During the AAD’s annual conference on Sunday, the non-profit organization rejected this proposal. 

In 2021, the AAD produced a three-year plan to expand diversity equity, and inclusion in dermatology. The four key points are to promote DEI in the organization’s structure, ensure research addresses health disparities involving skin color, expand priorities to include these disparities and increase dermatologist presence from underrepresented communities. 

The statement of intent defined in 2022 says that “The Academy believes in creating a diverse and inclusive environment where all its members have opportunities that enable them to succeed and thrive and is dedicated to ensuring quality medical care for all our patients regardless of race,

ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.” 

In a letter cosigned by 92 dermatologists, Raphael links diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to antisemitism. The letter states that in recent months the DEI programs have evolved into a political movement that labels some groups as oppressors and others as oppressed. Critics of DEI often tote the line that the programs create a racist atmosphere. 

The connection to anti-Semitism is something new for opponents of diversity programs. Raphael claims that the DEI movement has weaponized against Jewish people since the Hamas attack on October 7. He says that while the program was designed with good intentions it is now believed to “hinder rather than help diversity.”

Pushback on the Resolution

Three American Academy of Dermatology members wrote a counter-resolution. These doctors state that there is no evidence backing the claims of antisemitism. “Authors who are calling for the dismantling of DEI wrote an opinion piece with no evidence-based examples, case histories, or any objective measurable items to support their claims that DEI is antisemitic,” the counter statement says.  

Nationally, there has been a rise in antisemitic instances since October but it is unclear if any of these attacks took place in the realm of dermatology. 

Before the vote was taken on Sunday, Black and pro-DEI dermatologists testified in defense of the inclusion program. The American Academy of Dermatology Board of Directors considered these testimonies and ultimately voted against the anti-DEI proposal. 

Black Medical Professionals

Research shows that Black doctors account for only 3% of dermatology practitioners. The percentage is slightly higher for general physicians who weigh in at 5.7%.

Having a doctor who looks like them is better for Black patients. Working with a doctor whom you can more easily identify and connect with can increase the quality of care. The Institute of Medicine released a report that calls for greater diversity among doctors and nurses. However, with Black doctors consisting of such a small portion of American doctors, this is not always possible. 

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Around 55% of Black patients have reported a negative experience in the field of healthcare. These experiences and lack of access are reasons why Black Americans have worse health outcomes. Generally, people of color have a higher risk of infant mortality and chronic illnesses. 

This is where diversity, equity, and inclusion training comes into play. DEI helps to even the playing field for patients of diverse backgrounds. One professional notes that increasing the capacity for inclusion is in line with achieving excellence in the medical field. 

Addressing diverse groups and their cultural differences can ensure best practice is provided for patients of all backgrounds. It can also improve employee retention rates for doctors of color. 

Researchers and professionals have diligently worked to create a more inclusive healthcare workforce, but they need further effort to enhance patient care for all.