When it comes to highly melanated skin, much has been made about the lack of knowledge and training in dermatology. But as many of us Black folk know firsthand, it still results in delays, incorrect diagnosis and mistreatment.
According to the National Library of Medicine, Black physicians currently comprise only 3% of all board-certified dermatologists in the United States, despite the fact that 13.4% of Americans are Black. This alarming statistic underscores a serious health disparities gap that, thankfully, African American doctors continue to work hard towards changing.
In part one of a series that features Black dermatologists from all across the United States, the following list not only amplifies their advocacy for dark skin but also shines a critical spotlight on why their mastery in diagnosis and treatment is so important.
California: Onyeka Obioha, MD, FAAD
CITY: Beverly Hills, CA
SPECIALTY: Cosmetics, acne, hyperpigmentation
WEBSITE: boutikdermatology.com
WHY SHE CHOSE DERMATOLOGY: Unlike other medical conditions, dermatologic issues are usually quickly noticeable and can significantly affect one’s self-confidence, especially for those with more complex, darker skin tones. This area of interest aligns with Dr. Obioha’s own personal struggles with eczema and acne specifically, which fuels her deep commitment to dermatology.
Texas: Rawn Bosley, MD, FAAD, FASDS
CITY: Southlake, TX
SPECIALTY: Medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology
WEBSITE: prismdermatology.com
WHY HE CHOSE DERMATOLOGY: While in medical school, Dr. Bosley found dermatology to be an innovative, ever-changing specialty, specifically when it comes to the nuances and intricacy of caring for darker skin tones. Today, he carries the same unwavering enthusiasm and devotion to his patients.
California: Karen Chinonso Kagha, MD
CITY: Los Angeles, CA
SPECIALTY: Dermatology
WEBSITE: campsite.bio/drkarenk
WHY SHE CHOSE DERMATOLOGY: Dr. Kagha firmly believes that everyone deserves an opportunity to feel seen and to look and feel their best. As a dermatologist, she says she is honored to have a part in these personal journeys for Black and brown patients.
Georgia: Chynna Steele Johnson, MD, FAAD
CITY: Atlanta, GA
SPECIALTY: General and cosmetic dermatology
WEBSITE:
WHY SHE CHOSE DERMATOLOGY: The gratification in helping people feel better just by looking better is a major part of why Dr. Steele chose to practice dermatology. She believes in collaborating with her patients during treatments, as it enhances outcomes and care.
Massachusetts: Uchenna Okereke, MD, FAAD
CITY: Boston, MA
SPECIALTY: Multicultural cosmetic dermatology, hair loss
WEBSITE: apderm.com
WHY SHE CHOSE DERMATOLOGY: For Dr. Okereke, representation is everything. While in medical school, she shadowed a Black female dermatologist at her private practice and the experience was life-changing. To witness the relief and warm reception of Black patients’ for a Black doctor showed her how the opportunity to help those who might feel helpless about their appearance is invaluable.
New Jersey: Naana Boakye, MD, MPH
CITY: Englewood Cliffs
SPECIALTY: Dermatology
WEBSITE: bergenderm.com
WHY SHE CHOSE DERMATOLOGY: As a self-described visual learner with childhood aspirations of becoming an artist (both of her parents are physicians and exposed her to medicine at an early age), dermatology provided the perfect blend of Dr. Boakye’s passions. Not only does she take great satisfaction in assisting her patients to achieve clearer complexions, but she also enjoys supporting their confidence and effort for healthier lifestyles.
California & Florida: Laura Scott, MD, FAAD
CITY: San Diego, CA and Miami, FL
SPECIALTY: Adult and pediatric medical dermatology, with special interest in pregnancy/postpartum-related hair and skin concerns, cosmetic dermatology
WEBSITE: laurascottandco.com
WHY SHE CHOSE DERMATOLOGY? Inspired by the opportunity to care for patients of all ages, from infancy to the elderly, Dr. Scott is passionate about helping her patients manage the visual impact of skin and hair conditions on their quality of life and overall health.
Florida: Latanya T. Benjamin, MD, FAAD, FAAP
CITY: Coral Springs, Florida
SPECIALTY: Pediatric dermatology, atopic dermatology, eczema, acne
WEBSITE: youngskinmd.com
WHY SHE CHOSE DERMATOLOGY: With an abiding interest in dermatology and caring for children, Dr. Benjamin focuses on building youngsters’ self-esteem so they may feel equally as accepted as others.
New York: Camille Howard-Verovic, DO, FAAD
CITY: New York City, NY
SPECIALTY: Dermatology, hair loss, acne
WEBSITE: dermbeautydoc.com
WHY SHE CHOSE DERMATOLOGY: Dr. Howard-Verovic’s love for dermatology began on a medical school rotation where she discovered how dermatologists possess an uncanny talent for using their hands and eyes to offer various diagnoses for dark complexions.
Illinois: Edidiong Kaminska, MD, MBS, FAAD
CITY: Chicago, IL
SPECIALTY: Dermatology, skin of color-specific conditions
WEBSITE: kaminskadermatology.com
WHY SHE CHOSE DERMATOLOGY: Dr. Kaminska became a dermatologist because while growing up, she simply did not see anyone else who looked like her. Today, while her practice provides skin and hair care for patients of all backgrounds, her commitment to providing thorough access to patients of color is top priority.
Kansas: Brittany Oliver, MD, FAAD
CITY: Overland Park, KS
SPECIALTY: General medical and surgical dermatology with a special interest in pigmentary concerns.
WEBSITE: bluevalleydermatology.com
WHY SHE CHOSE DERMATOLOGY: “I was drawn to dermatology because of the complexity and variety of patients and problems, the ability to perform fast bedside diagnostic procedures as well as minor surgeries, and the accessibility of the skin. It is right there, and we frequently see what’s going on from the moment we enter the room,” Dr. Oliver shares in an interview with Allure. “Often, what’s going on at the surface level is a clue to a systemic issue that we can help to uncover. The fact that dermatology continues to be one of the least diverse fields in medicine only drove me to work harder to be part of the change I knew needed to happen.”
Washington, D.C.: Cheri Frey, MD, FAAD
CITY: Washington, D.C.
SPECIALTY: Medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology, hair loss, acne
WEBSITE: drcherifrey.com
WHY SHE CHOSE DERMATOLOGY: After the encouragement of a family member to pursue dermatology while studying in medical school, Dr. Cheri Frey was immediately taken aback by the lack of information on Black skin and hair in the field. It was at that moment that she knew she would strive to make an impact on patient care for individuals of color.
New York: Lian Mack, MD, FAAD
CITY: New York City and Scarsdale, NY
SPECIALTY: Medical and cosmetic dermatology
WEBSITE: glamderm.com
WHY SHE CHOSE DERMATOLOGY: A board-certified dermatologist with a special interest in conditions in skin of color, Dr. Lian Mack customizes all facets of aesthetic enhancements to suit her patients’ needs while preserving and flattering their inherent features.
Maryland: Crystal Aguh, M.D.
CITY: Baltimore, MD
SPECIALTY: Hair loss in Black women
WEBSITE: crystalaguhmd.com
WHY SHE CHOSE DERMATOLOGY: “I was one of those medical students who was fascinated by every rotation in medical school,” Dr. Aguh explained in an interview. “When I learned that dermatology was one of the few – if not only – fields that allowed me to perform surgeries, see children and adults, and study images under the microscope, I was all in! The variety of conditions I see every day continues to captivate me daily.”
