Diversity, Inclusion & Equity
Mission Statement
The Department of Dermatology of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is committed to cultivating an environment that achieves excellence by attracting exceptional and diverse individuals poised to become leaders and innovators in dermatology for the betterment of humanity.
We believe that a diverse community includes individuals across a broad spectrum of race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, physical and mental abilities, economic, geographic, political philosophy, and intellectual focus. In creating a culture of diversity and inclusion, we hope to cultivate a department that is reflective of our broader community, where we are able to constantly reflect and expand our perspectives.
We are committed to improving equity throughout our community through serving the unique needs of our diversifying patient population, partnering with community organizations to improve access to Dermatologic care, promoting inclusion of a diverse patient population in clinical research, and cultivating a diverse Dermatology workforce by recruitment and retention underrepresented minority trainees and faculty.
Diversity and Inclusion Committee
The diversity and inclusion committee is composed of faculty, residents and staff and co-chaired by Drs. Roopal Kundu and Julia Mhlaba. The committee meets quarterly to work towards expansion of our mission and goals.
Committee Members
Recent Events
Dr. Roopal Kundu and Dr. Julia Mhlaba spoke on a panel titled "Social and Medical Representation and Discrimination of Skin Diversity" during Feinberg's first Diversity and Inclusion Week.
Read More HereEducation
Skin of Color Education
At Northwestern Dermatology, we value the representation of all skin types in dermatologic educational material from medical student lectures through residency training. In an effort to address this, we have edited all medical student lectures to include clinical images of skin of color, when relevant. Additionally, Northwestern residents partake in a Skin of Color Curriculum, specifically designed to focus on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions common in skin of color.
Visiting Student Electives for Medical Students
We encourage applicants who identify as underrepresented in medicine to also apply to Northwestern’s Visiting Student Elective Program for Students Underrepresented in Medicine, which provides a stipend to help defray the cost of the rotation as well as faculty and resident mentorship.
Research
Clinical Trials
We are committed to recruitment of a diverse patient population for clinical trials.
Pfizer Skin of Color Research Fellowship
Northwestern Dermatology was recently awarded the Dermatology Research in Skin of Color Fellowship grant which will allow for two fellows to join us for a year of research, clinical exposure and mentorship. Please check back soon to learn more.
Clinical Care
The Northwestern Medicine Center for Ethnic Skin was one of the first centers in the United States specifically dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair and nail conditions unique to women and men of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, such as Black, Asian, East Indian, Latinx and mixed descent. Selected services include the treatment of acne, melasma, skin discoloration, keloid scarring and more.
Dr. Roopal Kundu
Dr. Julia Mhlaba
Dr. Oyinade Aderibigbe
Community Programs
Community Health Clinic
Northwestern Dermatology has a long-standing relationship with the Community Health Clinic (CHC) located on Chicago's West Side. CHC provides medical care at no cost to low-income, uninsured adults. Dermatology attending physicians and residents volunteer one Saturday per month, evaluating and managing a diverse array of dermatologic conditions.