Boston, MA – A major step toward equity in dermatology was announced at the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting. Dr. Vinod Nambudiri, a Harvard dermatologist and educator, introduced the AAD Clinical Image Collection—a new resource designed to reflect the full range of human skin tones in clinical education.
Dr. Nambudiri, who is also the program director of the Harvard Combined Dermatology Program, spoke with the HCPLive team about the image database, which officially launched in early 2025. The collection is the result of a joint effort by multiple AAD committees to address a long-standing issue: the lack of diverse clinical images in dermatology training materials.
Filling a Gap in Dermatology Education
Most dermatology textbooks and teaching slides have historically focused on lighter skin tones. This can make it harder for medical professionals to recognize skin conditions in people with darker skin. The AAD Clinical Image Collection aims to solve that problem by offering a wide range of images that show how skin diseases appear in various skin tones.
“This collection is about making sure our tools reflect the real world,” said Dr. Nambudiri. “We want doctors to have the resources they need to recognize and treat conditions in all patients.”
A Free, Open Resource for Members
The new image library is free for all AAD members. It is designed to be used in many ways—whether in medical school lectures, clinician training, or even one-on-one patient discussions. Dermatologists across the U.S. and around the world have contributed images, helping to build a wide-ranging, accurate collection.
These images are already being used in lectures for primary care doctors and to help patients understand how their condition might look over time.
Built by the Community, for the Community
One of the strengths of the collection is its grassroots structure. The images come directly from practicing dermatologists, making it a living resource that continues to grow. Dr. Nambudiri also pointed out the important role of the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) in the project. SOCS members have helped shape and review the image submissions to ensure they are relevant, accurate, and representative.
“Collaboration has been key,” he said. “Working with SOCS ensures this tool stays clinically useful and inclusive.”
Open Submissions for Greater Impact
Any AAD member can submit images to the collection. SOCS members can also contribute through the Society’s website, where submissions are automatically routed to the AAD’s portal. For non-members, contributions are still welcome by reaching out to the AAD directly through the project’s website.
Toward More Inclusive Care
Dr. Nambudiri closed the conversation by stressing that real progress in healthcare begins with better education. A diverse, high-quality image library helps medical professionals learn to identify skin conditions accurately—no matter the patient’s skin tone.
“We’re building a better future for dermatology,” he said. “One image at a time.”
This initiative represents an important move toward fair and inclusive medical care. By giving doctors better tools, the AAD Clinical Image Collection helps ensure that all patients receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatment, regardless of skin color.
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