Building trust with patients is essential for effective treatment. Dr. Aleta Simmons runs Simmons Skin Center and joins That’s Derm Good! And shares her personal journey from her early love of science and the absence of Black dermatologists in her hometown. That lack of representation fueled her commitment to addressing health disparities in skin care, particularly for Black patients who are often underrepresented in research and underserved in clinical settings.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Dr. Simmons explains how these disparities affect diagnosis, treatment outcomes, and patient trust, and why culturally competent care is essential in dermatology. Education sits at the center of Dr. Simmons’ work. She emphasizes the importance of teaching patients how to understand their skin and make informed decisions, while also preparing future dermatologists to provide equitable, empathetic care.

Dr. Simmons discusses how patients often seek out Black dermatologists not only for medical expertise, but for relatability and trust. To expand access to accurate information, Dr. Simmons created Get the SKIN-E, an educational platform designed to counter misinformation and help patients navigate skincare trends that can sometimes cause more harm than good, especially when advice fails to consider diverse skin types and tones. However, Dr. Simmons emphasizes that dermatologists should understand diverse skin types, but that, depending on whether they trained in a homogeneous region, their education may be limited. This episode emphasizes that self-advocacy is valuable and that you can always ask for a referral if you feel your skin is not being treated properly.

Focused on educating others, Dr. Simmons is passionate about mentorship and the future of dermatology. She highlights the need to support trainees holistically, addressing both their professional development and personal well-being. She also calls for greater diversity in clinical trials, noting that inclusive research is critical to improving outcomes for all patients. Through education, advocacy, and representation, Dr. Simmons continues to push the field of dermatology toward a more informed, inclusive, and patient-centered future.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for small business owners and creatives.