How to Get Involved in Community Service in Dermatology, With Elizabeth Kiracofe, MD

In this segment of April’s The Medical Sisterhood episode, Mona Shahriari, MD, of the Yale School of Medicine, continues her discussion with Elizabeth A. Kiracofe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Airia Comprehensive Dermatology, about practical ways physicians can engage in community service without becoming overwhelmed by logistical or time-related barriers.1

Kiracofe emphasizes that meaningful involvement does not need to begin with large-scale initiatives, instead pointing to the value of small, actionable steps. Referencing her work with My Block, My Hood, My City, she highlights the organization’s guiding principle, focusing on one simple action each day to improve the lives of others. This philosophy, she explains, reframes community engagement as something accessible and incremental, rather than requiring significant planning or institutional backing. Whether through small acts of service or participation in existing programs, she suggests that consistent, manageable contributions can evolve into more substantial efforts over time.

Kiracofe also underscores that service does not have to be limited to clinical or dermatologic care. She describes her involvement with the The Daisy Foundation, where philanthropic work has included supporting underserved schools through initiatives such as funding essential resources like playgrounds, teacher spaces, and basic household appliances for students in need. Through events like the organization’s “holiday magic” program, Kiracofe and collaborators have built relationships with local schools, which later enabled more targeted dermatologic outreach, including eczema education and screenings for hundreds of students.

A key takeaway from her experience is the importance of relationship-building in facilitating sustainable outreach. Kiracofe notes that earlier attempts to engage directly with school systems were met with skepticism, but partnerships developed through community organizations created trust and opened doors for ongoing programming. These efforts ultimately allowed her to integrate dermatologic education into broader community initiatives, demonstrating how nonclinical entry points can lead to meaningful health interventions.

The discussion also addresses barriers that often prevent dermatologists from participating in traditional free clinics, including administrative complexity, unfamiliar electronic medical records, and limited clinical infrastructure. In response, Kiracofe outlines a vision for simplifying participation through a “clinic-in-a-box” model, enabling physicians to deliver care directly in community settings such as shelters with minimal logistical burden. By bringing essential tools and support staff to patients, rather than relying on centralized systems, she suggests more clinicians could realistically engage in outreach.

Ultimately, Kiracofe frames the challenge not as a lack of willingness among physicians, but as a need to reduce friction. She and Shahriari emphasize that creating accessible pathways to service, much like simplifying patient adherence strategies in clinical practice, can empower more clinicians to contribute. The conversation reinforces that impactful community involvement begins with small, intentional actions and grows through connection, adaptability, and a focus on practicality.

Editor’s note: This segment was summarized with the help of AI tools.

References

1. Shahriari M, Kiracofe E. The Medical Sisterhood: Exposure is Power-Women in Medicine Creating Opportunity, With Elizabeth Kiracofe, MD. April 30, 2026. Accessed May 4, 2026. https://www.hcplive.com/view/the-medical-sisterhood-exposure-is-power-women-medicine-creating-opportunity-elizabeth-kiracofe-md.