Growing the Next Generation of Dermatology Leaders
Medscape Education has teamed up with the Comprehensive Medical Mentoring Program (CMMP) to expand opportunity and belonging in dermatology. Together, they’re focusing on underrepresented minority (URM) students in college and medical school, with a shared aim: close gaps in care, build trust between clinicians and patients, and open real pathways into the specialty. The partnership centers on empowerment—of students, mentors, and the communities they’ll one day serve—so the field looks more like the patients who rely on it.
Facing the Diversity Gap
This collaboration grows out of a widely recognized need for stronger representation of URM students in dermatology. Both organizations see a direct link between who practices medicine and how well patients feel seen, heard, and cared for. When clinicians and patients share understanding—cultural, linguistic, and lived—it strengthens relationships and can improve outcomes. By encouraging more inclusive routes into medical careers, the initiative works to meet a broad range of patient needs with respect and skill.
Mentorship That Opens Doors
At the heart of the partnership is a simple promise: guide URM pre-med and medical students toward dermatology with steady, practical support. Medscape Education and CMMP are offering mentorship, educational tools, and hands-on experiences that help students picture themselves in the specialty—and prepare to get there. The approach isn’t one-and-done; it’s a sequence of touchpoints that link classroom learning to real clinical settings, with mentors who can demystify the process and advocate along the way. Step by step, the result is a more diverse workforce ready to meet the specialty’s demands.
Voices From the Partnership
Jennifer Bomberger, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at Medscape Education, shared her excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing its goal to inspire URM students to choose dermatology and to foster a culture of inclusion across practices. That commitment mirrors CMMP’s mission. Dr. Lauren Payne, a Board Certified Dermatologist and Chairperson of the Board of Directors at CMMP, underscored why this work matters now: dermatology remains one of the least diverse medical specialties in the United States, and growing representation is essential to progress.
A Training Program With Many Paths
To support selected URM students across the full arc of their academic journey, Medscape Education and CMMP have designed a multi-component training program. It includes a pre-medical boot camp that lays the groundwork for success, clinical shadowing that brings day-to-day dermatology into focus, and scholarship opportunities that help reduce financial barriers. Students will also take part in events—such as an upcoming panel hosted at recognized institutions—that offer practical insight into the specialty, from patient care to professional development. The goal is to knit together learning, mentorship, and experience so students can build confidence and momentum.
Learning in the Clinic and the Community
Support doesn’t stop in the classroom. The program prioritizes real-world exposure so students can test their skills, ask better questions, and learn from seasoned clinicians. Experiential learning helps them connect the dots between textbooks and exam rooms, and community engagement gives them a sense of the broader impact of their work. As students deepen relationships with mentors and peers, they’re not only preparing for residency and beyond—they’re strengthening the care pipeline for patients from many backgrounds. That’s how progress takes root: one learner, one clinic, one patient at a time.
About Medscape Education
Medscape Education is a leading resource for ongoing professional development in healthcare. With more than 30 specialized resources, it offers a wide range of free accredited continuing medical education (CME) and continuing education (CE) courses for healthcare professionals, including physicians and nurses. As part of WebMD Health Corp., Medscape Education plays a key role in advancing medical education and supporting clinicians throughout their careers.
About the Comprehensive Medical Mentoring Program
The Comprehensive Medical Mentoring Program (CMMP) advances diversity in medicine by walking alongside underrepresented minority students from their earliest pre-medical steps through residency. CMMP provides mentorship, educational resources, and direct clinical experiences so future healthcare leaders can grow, thrive, and contribute across many medical fields—including dermatology.
Taken together, this partnership invests in people and in possibility. It meets students where they are, creates space for them to see what’s ahead, and helps them take the next right step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main goal of the Medscape Education–CMMP partnership?
The partnership aims to increase diversity in dermatology by supporting URM students with mentorship, education, and real-world experiences, while strengthening the mentorship culture within the specialty.
What does the training program offer to URM students?
It provides a pre-medical boot camp, clinical shadowing, scholarship opportunities, mentorship, and access to events—such as an upcoming panel at recognized institutions—that offer practical insight into dermatology.
Why does representation matter in dermatology?
Diverse clinicians can help build trust and understanding in patient relationships, which supports better care. A more inclusive workforce is also better positioned to meet the needs of many different patients.
How do mentorship and experiential learning fit together?
Mentors guide students through decisions and milestones, while hands-on exposure turns advice into practice. Together, they help students gain confidence, clarity, and momentum toward a dermatology career.
Where can students learn more about these opportunities?
Students can look for announcements and educational resources shared by Medscape Education and CMMP that describe program components, timelines, and ways to participate.
