Skin of Color Savvy: Improving Global Access in Dermatology with GLODERM

Welcome to Skin of Color Savvy: The Art and Science of Treating Patients of Color!

This special Clinical Episode of the Skin of Color Savvy: The Art and Science of Treating Patients of Color features an illuminating conversation between Nada Elbuluk, MD, current president of the Skin of Color Society (SOCS), and esteemed dermatologists and global health leaders Esther Freeman, MD, PhD, and Karolyn Wanat, MD. Freeman is known for her work as Associate Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School and Wanat as an Associate Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

Together, the Elbuluk, Wanat, and Freeman explore the fast-growing field of global health dermatology, the work of the International Alliance for Global Health Dermatology (GLODERM), and an exciting new collaboration between GLODERM and SOCS. Freeman begins by defining global health dermatology as the practice of dermatology in under-resourced settings, whether domestic or international.

Freeman, GLODERM's co-founder, emphasizes that global health is not limited to crossing borders—it is about ensuring access to dermatologic care wherever inequities exist. Wanat, the current chair of GLODERM, describes the group’s mission: advancing global skin health for all by building partnerships across clinicians, trainees, and communities.

The conversation outlines GLODERM’s exponential growth since its founding in 2017—from a grassroots effort by 10 dermatologists to an international network of nearly 3000 members across over 60 countries. Freeman and Wanat explain how GLODERM fits into the broader ecosystem of international dermatologic organizations, operating within the International Foundation for Dermatology (IFD), the humanitarian arm of the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS).

A highlight of the discussion is the recently passed World Health Assembly resolution designating skin disease as a global public health priority—a milestone Freeman helped achieve after years of collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). Backed by multiple sponsoring countries, the resolution formally acknowledges the critical health burden posed by skin disease worldwide and urges ministries of health to address it through funding and policy action.

The episode also explores GLODERM’s flagship mentorship program, which pairs emerging dermatology leaders in low-resource settings with international mentors. Wanat and Freeman share real-world examples of how mentees have launched transformative programs in countries like Burundi, Ecuador, and St. Lucia, from creating albinism outreach initiatives to launching new residency programs and public health campaigns.

Education is another pillar of GLODERM’s work. The organization hosts global webinars, scientific symposia, and podcasts to amplify expertise and support knowledge exchange. These efforts led to the creation of SEED (Supporting Emerging Education in Dermatology), a peer network of educators working to build new dermatology training programs in countries such as Rwanda, Fiji, and Ethiopia.

Freeman and Wanat emphasize the synergy between GLODERM and SOCS, pointing to shared priorities around mentorship, advocacy, and educational equity. Together, the organizations plan to co-develop webinars, support SOCS’s new global council and SOC Serves platform, and broaden outreach to underserved communities around the world.

They conclude the episode on an optimistic note, pointing to the remarkable momentum building around global health dermatology. What was once a niche passion is now a growing field with a thriving infrastructure, a deepening pipeline of young leaders, and an expanding global reach—all anchored by the belief that skin health is essential to overall health and that access to care should be universal.

To learn more about the Skin of Color Society's (SOCS) mentorship programs and initiatives, visit Skin of Color Society.

Editor’s note: This podcast summary was edited with the help of artificial intelligence tools.