Diversity and Inclusivity in Training

Fostering an Inclusive Community

The Department of Dermatology greatly values diversity and is committed to creating a medical team that reflects the community in which we practice and serve.

Our training programs seek to foster an environment that is inclusive and supportive of racial, ethnic, religious and cultural diversity; disabilities; and gender, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.   

Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) Visiting Student Stipend 

Vanderbilt Dermatology is committed to increasing diversity in the specialty of dermatology. We believe that having physicians that reflect the population that we serve results in better health care outcomes. 

We offer one stipend of $2,000 to a qualified student to assist in reducing the cost of an away rotation. 

Underrepresented groups include: Black (African/African American), Latino/Hispanic (Mexican American, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Central American, South American), Native American with tribal affiliation, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and LGBTQ+. 

Eligibility 

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident 
  • Must be pursuing a medical degree at an LCME- or AOA-accredited medical school located outside of Nashville, Tennessee. 
  • Must be a fourth-year or rising fourth-year medical student 
  • Must be in good standing with medical school 
  • Must have completed core clerkships in Internal Medicine, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Surgery 

Application Process 

  • Complete an application in VSLO for the Clinical Dermatology Advanced Clinical Elective at Vanderbilt University SOM (DERM-5790). 
  • Complete the Vanderbilt Dermatology URiM Visiting Student Stipend Application. 
  • Obtain one letter of recommendation from a faculty member who can attest to your interest in dermatology. Clerkship directors, dermatology faculty advisors/mentors, and non-dermatology faculty advisors/mentors are acceptable. Provide the letter writer with this link to upload their letter. 

Please email Ellie Lewis, GME Program Manager, with any questions.

Diversity Scholars Visiting Student Program 

Vanderbilt University Medical Center values diversity and is committed to making diversity and inclusion intentional. The Diversity Scholars Visiting Student Program is designed to expose medical students from underrepresented in medicine (URiM) backgrounds to our clinical departments and foster interest in Vanderbilt residency training programs. 

This program provides financial assistance for current fourth-year medical students to complete a four-week clerkship at Vanderbilt in one of our outstanding clinical departments. Eligible students must be in good standing at an accredited medical school in the U.S. Acceptance into this program is dependent upon acceptance for an away clerkship by the registrar and the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Office of Enrollment Services. Accepted students will be provided with a stipend to offset application fees, travel to Nashville, and housing costs during their four-week clerkship.

Any questions about this program should be directed to the Office for Diversity Affairs at (615) 343-8299.