Skin is one of the most powerful predictors of health, yet nearly half of all new dermatologists admit to feeling uncomfortable identifying health issues on darker skin tones -- resulting in poorer health outcomes for patients of color. In this crucial talk, TED Fellow and dermatologist Jenna C. Lester shares her effort to extend medical training beyond its current limited scope and ensure all medical students get trained in the full spectrum of diseases as they appear in all patients, regardless of skin tone.

Jenna C. Lester: Why skin disease is often misdiagnosed in darker skin tones

Why skin disease is often misdiagnosed in darker skin tones

Nearly half of new dermatologists feel uneasy diagnosing skin issues in dark tones, risking misdiagnosis and poorer health outcomes.

Lyme disease's appearance varies drastically by skin tone, highlighting the critical need for diverse dermatological training.

Biased AI in dermatology stems from unrepresentative data, underscoring the urgency for inclusive skin disease education.