Mentee: Preetha Kamath, MD
Mentor: Lynn Cornelius, MD
Washington University in St. Louis
The Skin of Color Society Observership Grant program allowed me to have an invaluable experience at Washington University in St. Louis working with Dr. Cornelius and Dr. Mwanthi. Prior to my Observership, I was able to connect virtually with my mentors to talk with them about my interests and career goals. We were able to brainstorm ideas and work on a virtual project analyzing social media content pertaining to acral melanoma.
During my Observership, I received both individualized mentorship as well as clinical experience. I had the opportunity to work in the dedicated skin of color clinic and learn pearls to help with making challenging diagnoses as well as tailored management for these patients. I particularly enjoyed learning about the broad spectrum of inflammatory dermatoses such as lichen planus and how to manage pigmentary concerns. I also had the opportunity to learn about mole mapping and new technologies to aid with identification of suspicious pigmented lesions which can be especially challenging to identify in patients with darker skin. My mentors were kind enough to share additional interesting cases and kodachromes with me in skin of color patients. During my rotation I gave a presentation at grand rounds discussing acral melanoma and public health initiatives to increase awareness of this disease entity.
This program has been an amazing opportunity that will have a significant impact on both my personal and career development. I am extremely thankful for the Skin of Color Society Observership Grant program for supporting me and allowing me to build new relationships with mentors who are supportive of the goals that I have set for myself. As I transition to the next chapter in my career, I feel better equipped to care for skin of color populations and will take the pearls that I have learned with me as I progress. Furthermore, I look forward to being part of this program and similar initiatives throughout my career, given the need for not only increasing underrepresented minority student interest in our profession but also ensuring retention. This grant program has provided me with more tools to be a successful dermatologist, colleague, and mentor.