OUR MISSION
Through collaborative research, open discourse, and decisive action, the Physicians Council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion aims to elevate the standards of care for skin of color communities.
As a multidisciplinary group, the council serves as a trusted resource for fellow physicians, patients, and the industry, promoting overall skin health in an accessible and inclusive format.
PCDEI brings together board-certified physicians across dermatology and aesthetic surgery, united by a shared commitment to closing longstanding gaps in care for patients with skin of color. Through peer-reviewed research, clinical trial leadership, and ongoing education, the council works to ensure that dermatologic diagnosis, treatment, and prevention reflect the full range of skin types.
Since its founding, PCDEI has published original research, hosted an annual symposium at the Skin of Color Update, and developed educational materials for physicians and patients.
WHO WE ARE
Despite people of color comprising roughly a quarter of the U.S. population, dermatologic research has historically underrepresented skin of color. PCDEI's own analysis found that only a small fraction of published sunscreen literature, for example, addresses darker skin types.
This gap extends beyond the literature into physician training itself. In a PCDEI survey of 100 U.S. dermatologists and plastic surgeons, the majority reported that their education and training did not sufficiently prepare them to address skin-aging prevention for patients with skin of color, a gap physicians with skin of color themselves felt most acutely. Nearly 8 in 10 physicians surveyed agreed there is too little clinical evidence available to guide sunscreen recommendations for skin of color, underscoring the need for more research, more representative clinical data, and better-prepared clinicians.
Closing this gap through research, education, and collaboration is the foundation of the council's work.
Why it matters
The Physicians Council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is an independent initiative, supported by SkinCeuticals. This support is financial, not directive: SkinCeuticals has no role in shaping the council's research, discussions, or conclusions, which remain the independent work of its physician members.