ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The study aimed to compare barriers perceived by medical students and resident physicians identifying as of underrepresented groups in medicine (UIM) and/or as sexual and gender minorities (SGM) to individuals not identifying with these groups, especially for trainees with an interest in dermatology. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of medical students and resident physicians based in the United States from February 2021 to July 2021, with subgroup analysis of trainees with interest in dermatology. FINDINGS: Among trainees interested in dermatology, the most notable barriers for the UIM group were 1) lack of home program in specialty/fellowship of interest (4.71±1.73); 2) lack of connections/networking opportunities (4.14±1.29); 3) lack of opportunity to obtain AOA membership (4.00±1.96); 4) obtaining mentorship (4.00±1.47); and lack of diversity in specialty/fellowship of interest (3.93±1.14). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Increasing focused mentorship programs and fostering environments that embrace diversity are key to reducing perceived barriers for minority candidates. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(12):1210-1215. doi:10.36849/JDD.7528R1.
