Meeting the Challenge in Research Committee 

The Meeting the Challenge in Research Committee oversees key initiatives focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the field of dermatology. This committee leads efforts to improve representation and participation in dermatological research, with particular attention to clinical trials. The committee achieves its goals through strategic actions such as:

Meeting the Challenge Summit: This biannual event brings together stakeholders from across dermatology to address and explore specific challenges related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field. The Summit serves as a platform for generating insights and recommendations aimed at promoting diversity within clinical trials, patient care, and the dermatology workforce. 

Ongoing Initiatives and Publications: In the years between Summits, the committee force continues its work by developing manuscripts and other work products that build on the Summit’s findings. These efforts are designed to sustain momentum and ensure the progress made during the Summit translates into lasting changes in dermatology.

Driving Meaningful Change: The ultimate aim of the committee is to drive innovative solutions to critical issues within dermatology. By advocating for greater inclusivity and representation, the committee seeks to improve patient outcomes and foster a more equitable environment for both practitioners and patients in the field.

Through these efforts, the committee plays a central role in reshaping dermatology into a more inclusive discipline, ensuring that the benefits of research and advancements in the field are accessible to all populations.

Meeting The Challenge In Research Committee

  • Amy McMichael
    Amy McMichael
    Wake Forest University School of Medicine
    Co-Chair
  • Tarannum Jaleel
    Tarannum Jaleel
    Duke University
    Co-Chair
  • Stafford G. Brown III
    Eastern Virginia Medical School
    Committee Member
  • Cheryl Burgess
    Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery
    Committee Member
  • Angel S. Byrd
    Howard University
    Committee Member
  • Valerie D. Callender
    Valerie D. Callender
    Callender Dermatology & Cosmetic Center
    Committee Member
  • Ayana Crawl-Bey
    Ayana Crawl-Bey
    Howard University
    Committee Member
  • Hermon Feron
    Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
    Committee Member
  • Tammy González
    University of Miami
    Committee Member
  • Valerie M. Harvey
    Hampton Roads Center for Dermatology
    Committee Member
  • Daniela Mary Mendez
    Daniela Mary Mendez
    Cleveland Clinic
    Committee Member
  • Chidubem A. Okeke
    Howard University
    Committee Member
  • Junko Takeshita
    University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology
    Committee Member
  • Jonathan S. Weiss
    Jonathan S. Weiss
    Co-Managing Partner Gwinnett Dermatology
    Committee Member
  • Jane Yoo
    Jane Yoo
    Jane Yoo, MD, PLLC
    Committee Member