Diversity Mentorship Grant Program

The Diversity Mentorship Grant Program aims to enhance ethnic diversity in dermatology by providing mentorship to underrepresented medical students. Participants receive 160 hours of hands-on experience with a dermatologist, fostering a deeper understanding of the field. A stipend of $1,500 is available for travel and living expenses. Applications are open until November 1 for the upcoming year, encouraging students from diverse backgrounds, including Black, Hispanic, and Native American groups, to apply.

A lack of ethnic diversity exists among dermatology's physician population. This affects ethnic minority patients because they may seek medical care less frequently or when it is too late.
The Diversity Mentorship Program offers hands-on exposure to students who are interested in learning more about the specialty of dermatology through a one-on-one mentorship experience with a dermatologist of the student's choice.
Program Details
This mentorship encompasses 160 hours during the course of one month. Medical students commonly participate in this program in the summer months, but it must be complete by Dec. 1. The mentorship may be completed in a choice of environments such as a medical center, hospital, or private practice. A $1,500 stipends will be awarded to assist with travel and living expenses.
Applications submitted on or before November 1 will be considered in the selection cycle for the coming year. Applications submitted after this date will be held for the following year's award cycle.

Eligibility

Prior to applying, a medical student must receive the mentor’s acceptance to be a mentor and pre-determine mentorship time for the following year. Mentors may be chosen from the AAD’s mentor list or by reaching out directly to an AAD member.
Who should apply: First- through fourth-year medical students who are considered to be underrepresented in medicine may apply to participate in the American Academy of Dermatology’s Diversity Mentorship Program.The Academy recognizes the following racial groups as underrepresented in the field of dermatology (as related to the U.S. population): Black/African-American, Hispanic, Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander. Must be a U.S. citizen or have a permanent resident visa.