Table 2:

Open comments

I think dermatopathology is one of the most diverse groups of people in the US and abroad. Just attend any ASDP meeting and it’s plain to see. I also think this “baseline” study is simply “woke” BS and no further time or money should be wasted on it!

Surveys such as this only allow and provide for the escalation of DIVISION in America. We should celebrate and encourage TALENT & ABILITY, period.

I am very ashamed that our society has lowered themselves to this political level. We are all created equal by our Creator.

This survey is long overdue. The lack of diversity in the field of dermatopathology needs to be addressed and cultural competency should be a priority. At the 2019 ASDP conference, a prominent and well known dermatopathologist was giving a talk and made an insensitive and racist comment about black people in South Africa. It is quite unfortunate that this was not addressed. I hope the ASDP will take the necessary steps to address the lack of diversity in dermatopathology.

I think the dermatopathology community shares the same problem that pathology and all of medicine shares, that it does not adequately represent black folks.

In my DP program we have had White, Asian, Arab, Indian and Black.

I am the only dermatopathologist in my (private) practice setting, so I am unable to answer some of the questions. I feel like any student who is interested in dermatopathology, works hard, and has a likeable personality has the opportunity to succeed in the field.

I would like to see funding from ASDP for meetings and other mentorship opportunities specifically for diverse students and residents interested in dermpath.

While I believe there are dermatopathologists of all races, I believe there is discrimination within the dermatopathology community based on training - with pathologists discriminated against and treated as inferior (compared to dermatologists).

In addition to the above, there is a gender bias and a “belonging to a white boys club” attitude that is all prevailing in the ASDP leaderships.

Who you know is more important than what you can actually do/contribute, sadly...

Tribalism and territorialism are the prevailing attitudes of leaders in our fields. How this field could grow and be so much more relevant than it is, if neurodiversity were embraced.

To an extent I can’t comment on the amount of diversity within the field as I am only aware of what I see and what is present, not what is absent.

How would anyone know the answer to his: “Funding opportunities for members of our dermatopathology community are available and administered in an equitable manner.” best case scenario, it is a feeling

Our society needs to have leadership and opportunities equitable for all. This representation should be apparent for all to see. There is an obvious lack of underrepresented groups serving critical and relevant roles within our society.

As a non US graduate, my chance of getting dermatopathology fellowship is diminished as the programs prefer white US graduates.

I feel that most people that are accepted into dermpath fellowships are Caucasian. I have applied to every program in the country and I only received 2 interviews and no offers. I love dermatopathology and I want to be a part of the dermpath community, but I am unable to gain access into the specialty because I am not Caucasian. This needs to change.

Many dermpath programs are run primarily by a dermatology department and they are strongly biased towards white Americans. In my geographic area I have found that dermatology groups who hire dermatopathologists would rather hire a white pathologist who is not specialty trained than a non-caucasian, well trained, board certified, published and experienced dermatopathologist.

The lack of objectivity and personal discretions contribute to the lack of diversity. Your connections rather your merit plays more in selection. More than our subjective opinions, one should examine the diversity in leadership and fellowship directors and you will get the answers.

There is a clear diversity problem caused by Dermpath attendings. They see applicants as derm trained or path trained. They tent to not choose (offer) non-US graduates. They behave differently to non-native speakers.

There is discrimination, bias and less range of opportunity for pathology-trained dermatopathologists versus the dermatology trained dermatopathologists. This is especially apparent when I applied for dermatopathology jobs at academic institutions, especially when the position was in a dermatology department. This lack of diversity and discrimination also applies to private equity dermatology practices in the private sector.