MIMS Learning Dermatology dedicates issue to skin of colour

Today Monthly Index of Medical Specialities (MIMS) announced its biannual medical publication MIMS Learning Dermatology is dedicating its first issue of 2021 to dermatology for skin of colour, a topic that is overlooked in medical education in the UK.

“The UK is diverse and it is important our content and education resources reflect this. Our readers – dermatologists, GPs and specialist nurses – will increasingly encounter skin and hair conditions in people of colour. We are proud to dedicate an entire MIMS Learning Dermatology issue to raising awareness and understanding of dermatology for skin of colour,” said MIMS Learning Dermatology editor Rhiannon Ashman.

In collaboration with Dr Sharon Belmo, Consultant Dermatologist in London and Clinical Lead for the Centre of Evidence-Based Dermatology Skin of Colour Resource, MIMS Learning Dermatology will develop content and educational resources dedicated to skin and hair disorders amongst non-white populations. MIMS Learning is also organising a free webinar with Dr Belmo on 22 March at 6 pm, where she will highlight the importance of dermatology for skin of colour. Dr Belmo will discuss how skin and hair conditions may differ in people of colour, compared with the “conventional”‘ dermatology taught and practised in Western society, which is largely focused on lightly pigmented, Eurocentric skin. Medical professionals interested in the webinar can register here.

“UK dermatology teaching and training has largely focused on lighter skin types to date. This can lead to clinicians having difficulties when diagnosing conditions in darker skin, possibly resulting in delayed or misdiagnosis. In order to best serve our diverse communities, it is important that we all become familiar with skin of colour. Our demographics are changing, it’s time dermatology caught up,” said Dr Belmo.

Philip Swinden, MD of our Haymarket Business Media division said “As a media and information business, it is our responsibility to use our reach to influence the agenda and improve diversity and inclusion within our markets. It is great to see the MIMS team raising awareness of dermatology for skin of colour and filling the knowledge gap in the medical community”.