Equity, Culture & Practitioner Wellness

This set of three lectures explores the intersection of culturally responsive care, bias awareness, and practitioner well-being in dermatology. Learners will develop essential skills to deliver inclusive, patient-centered care by examining the principles of cultural humility, recognizing and addressing implicit bias in dermatologic diagnosis and treatment, and implementing strategies to manage burnout and foster resilience. Together, these lectures aim to promote health equity, improve patient outcomes, and support clinician well-being in the evolving landscape of dermatologic care.

Cultural Competency/Humility in Dermatology

This session highlights the importance of cultural humility (formerly known as cultural competency) in dermatology, focusing on how understanding patients’ diverse cultural backgrounds can improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Participants will explore strategies for fostering culturally sensitive communication, addressing health disparities, and tailoring dermatologic care to meet the unique needs of patients from various ethnic and cultural groups. The session aims to enhance practitioners’ ability to build trust, foster inclusion, and provide equitable, patient-centered care.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• Participants will define cultural humility and its relevance in delivering equitable dermatologic care.
• Participants will identify common health disparities and barriers to dermatologic care among diverse patient populations.
• Participants will demonstrate culturally sensitive communication strategies to improve patient trust and engagement.
• Participants will design personalized treatment plans that consider cultural, social, and environmental factors influencing skin health.

Implicit Bias in Dermatological Diagnosis and Treatment

This session examines the role of implicit bias in dermatological diagnosis and treatment, exploring how unconscious assumptions can affect clinical decision-making and patient care. Participants will learn to recognize and address implicit biases, improve diagnostic accuracy, and provide equitable treatment across diverse patient populations. The session will also highlight strategies for fostering an inclusive clinical environment and mitigating bias through continued education and self-awareness.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• Participants will review implicit bias and its impact on dermatological diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
• Participants will identify common biases in dermatology that contribute to disparities in care for patients with skin of color and other underrepresented groups.
• Participants will evaluate strategies to recognize and mitigate implicit bias in clinical practice.
• Participants will implement actionable approaches to create an inclusive and equitable environment for all dermatology patients.

Managing Practitioner Burnout Tools for Resilience and Self-Care

This session addresses the growing challenge of practitioner burnout and provides tools to build resilience and foster self-care. Participants will explore the signs and causes of burnout, as well as strategies for maintaining mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The session will include evidence-based practices such as mindfulness, time management, and stress reduction techniques to help practitioners sustain their passion for patient care while prioritizing their own health.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• Participants will identify the key signs and underlying causes of practitioner burnout.
• Participants will analyze the impact of burnout on patient care and personal well-being.
• Participants will apply evidence-based strategies, such as mindfulness and stress reduction, to build resilience and prevent burnout.
• Participants will formulate personalized self-care plans to support long-term professional fulfillment and mental health.