Pfizer Inc.
It is our intent to support institution-based fellowship opportunities with a research focus on dermatologic diseases in skin of color, particularly in areas where further clinical, translational, and observational/prospective research is needed. Programs with either established or emerging areas of research focus are encouraged to apply.
The ethnic/racial demographic of the United States is in the midst of significant change.1,2 There is now an increasing demand for understanding dermatologic conditions and treatments in patients with skin of color, as well as an accompanying need for education in this growing patient population as by the year 2060, people with skin of color will represent more than half of the US population.
Physicians must be adept at recognizing and effectively treating dermatologic disease states in patients with skin of color. Inherent in effectively treating these cutaneous diseases is sufficiently understanding the pathophysiology of the condition, the patient’s viewpoint about their disease, as well as hindrances to treatment, compliance, patient satisfaction and access to leading treatment modalities. Information about the physical and psychosocial impact of a disease can also be used to guide treatment practices and appropriately address patient expectations.
There is overall limited data and research specifically on skin of color dermatologic disease. There also exist health care disparities revolving around these underrepresented minorities. Given the current dermatology workforce shortage, the increased patient load has the potential to have detrimental and adverse effects on dermatologic care for underrepresented minorities. Additional concerns include the state of dermatologic training and insufficient research involving racial/ethnic minorities. As the US demographics shift to become more racially diverse, the need to understand skin of color needs and diseases will continue to increase.
Full Proposal Deadline: August 2, 2021