La Roche-Posay Supports University of Southern California's Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorders Research Fellowship to Advance Skin of Color Dermatology

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Feb 10, 2023, 08:35 ET

NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Committed to working alongside dermatologists to improve the quality of life for those with skin conditions, La Roche-Posay is proud to support the Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorders Research Fellowship at the Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California (USC.) The fellowship allows students, between their third and fourth year of medical school, the opportunity to conduct research related to ethnic skin conditions and pigmentary disorders that will advance skin of color dermatology.

After observing the need for increased clinical programs and research related to skin of color and pigmentation, Nada Elbuluk MD, MSc, FAAD, Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology, created the USC Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorders Program with the support of Department Chair, Dr. David Peng. "Significant health disparities exist in dermatology and across medicine for skin of color populations including delayed and incorrect diagnoses which directly contribute to disease morbidity and mortality," says Dr. Elbuluk.

A first of its kind at an academic institution in Southern California, the USC Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorders Program includes medical and procedural clinics specializing in comprehensive, personalized, and culturally sensitive care for a broad variety of conditions that disproportionately impact the skin of color population. To create a comprehensive center of excellence, the program aims to increase education and research through the Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorders Research Fellowship.

This year's Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorders Research fellow is Sarah Gonzalez, a medical student from Wayne State in Detroit Michigan. Under the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Elbuluk, Ms. Gonzalez, and future students, conduct important dermatologic research with a focus on skin of color, pigmentation, and diversity. "The USC Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorders Research Fellowship will help us move towards health equity for all," says Dr. Elbuluk.

The fellows also lead service-related initiatives aimed at supporting underserved communities: DermRISES, a pipeline service program with the goal of increasing exposure to the sciences, medicine, and dermatology amongst inner city students, and Dermmunity, a community service program aimed to increase education about dermatologic health in underserved Los Angeles communities.

La Roche-Posay believes in supporting initiatives that "Act for Good". This means supporting a variety of grants in dermatology to advance research, humanitarianism, and programs that encourage and promote diversity in the specialty. "We're proud to sponsor the USC Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorders Research Fellowship. Not only will this research improve dermatologic care for people of color and health equity for all patients, but the fellowship also helps pave the way for a medical student to become an incredible dermatologist" says Tyler Steele, VP, Medical & Media Relations, La Roche-Posay, USA.

To learn more about the USC Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorders Program: https://keck.usc.edu/dermatology/training-and-education/diversity-and-Inclusion/usc-skin-of-color-and-pigmentary-disorders-program

About LA ROCHE-POSAY
Recommended by 90,000 dermatologists worldwide, La Roche-Posay's mission is to offer life-changing dermatological skincare. La Roche-Posay offers a unique range of daily skincare developed for every skin type to address various skin concerns and complement prescription treatments. At the center of the brand is the exclusive selenium-rich La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, a core ingredient in its skincare formulas known for its soothing and antioxidant properties that is sourced from its Thermal Center in France, the first Dermatology Center in Europe. The products are developed using a strict safety and formulation charter with a minimal number of ingredients and are formulated at optimal concentrations. Additionally, La Roche-Posay products undergo stringent clinical testing for efficacy and safety with over 750+ studies and 25 years of extensive research, even on sensitive skin.

For additional information about La Roche-Posay, visit www.laroche-posay.us and follow La Roche-Posay USA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @LaRochePosayUSA

SOURCE La Roche-Posay