Discussing Work as the Director of a Skin of Color Clinic in Dermatology

In this segment from her interview on Skin of Color Savvy: The Art and Science of Treating Patients of Color, produced by HCPLive in partnership with the Skin of Color Society (SOCS), Nicole Negbenebor, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology and director of the Skin of Color Clinic at the University of Iowa, highlights key clinical and cultural considerations when caring for patients with skin of color.

Negbenebor discusses how dermatologic conditions in diverse patient populations often require a broader clinical perspective integrating cultural awareness with evidence-based care. While many dermatologic diseases present across all skin types, she notes differences in pigmentary response, hair-care practices, and product use can influence both disease presentation and treatment outcomes. As a result, dermatologists must remain attentive to patient-specific factors potentially shaping clinical decision-making.

A central theme of the discussion is the importance of listening to patients and creating an environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their concerns. Negbenebor notes patients with skin of color may sometimes feel their symptoms or experiences have been overlooked in healthcare settings. Building trust through open communication, particularly around culturally relevant practices such as hair care routines or skincare products, can improve diagnostic accuracy and strengthen therapeutic relationships.

Negbenebor also emphasizes the value of education and mentorship in expanding dermatologists’ ability to care for diverse populations. Through her work at the Skin of Color Clinic at the University of Iowa, she helps train residents to recognize conditions that may be more prevalent or present differently in patients with darker skin types, including pigmentary disorders, scarring alopecias, and inflammatory dermatoses potentially leading to postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

The segment further underscores the importance of continued research and scholarly engagement in advancing dermatologic care. Negbenebor describes writing and academic work as providing opportunities to highlight patient experiences, address gaps in clinical knowledge, and advocate for improved access to therapies.

Taken together, this portion of the conversation reflects Negbenebor’s broader message throughout the episode: delivering effective dermatologic care requires not only clinical expertise, but also cultural awareness, mentorship, and a commitment to expanding the evidence base for patients with skin of color.

Editor’s note: This summary was developed with the help of AI tools.