Diversity in pediatric dermatology: A report from the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance and a call to action.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

The Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) connects pediatric dermatologists, trainees, basic scientists, allied health professionals, and patient advocates to improve the lives of children with skin disease through research. As a training pipeline for future pediatric dermatologists and steward of research in the field, PeDRA has a responsibility to examine its history and take actionable steps to diversify its membership, grant recipients, study leads, research priorities, and leadership.

METHODS

In 2020, PeDRA formed an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Force to address this need. In an effort to assess PeDRA's past and plan for PeDRA's future, a review of PeDRA's membership, leadership, grant awardees, and research topics was conducted.

RESULTS/

CONCLUSIONS

Results demonstrated gaps in PeDRA's current operational efforts to diversify the pediatric dermatology workforce and identified areas for improvement. Recommendations are proposed as a call to action for the community.