Conference Abstracts - Summit on Cancer Health Disparities (SCHD25)
Vol. 5, Issue Supplement 1, 2025 · S1-3
Implementation of Teledermatology in a Student-Run Primary Care Clinic
Mary Virginia Glennon, B.S.,Brenda Santellano, MD,Elizabeth Seiverling, MD,Niels Kvorning, MD, PhD,Kendall Buchanan, MD,Jorge Cortes, MD
Submission received: 2025-02-15 / Accepted: 2025-02-23 / Published: 2025-04-24
Abstract
Background
Skin cancer, while an extremely prevalent disease worldwide, often goes undiagnosed and untreated in uninsured and minority populations. Access to dermatologic care drives this disparity. Dermatologists are better trained and equipped to treat skin cancer, but uninsured and minority populations are less likely to have access to this specialty care. To increase accessibility of dermatologic care, Clínica Latina, a free, student-run clinic, has partnered with the Teledermatology in Rural Georgia program to deliver specialty care in a primary care setting.
Methods
Medical students (MS) were trained to use DermLoop, a store-and-forward electronic consultation platform equipped with AI-assisted image acquisition and dermoscopy. Patients complete a skin cancer survey and are offered examination of concerning lesions. MS utilizes DermLoop to complete a history and photograph lesions. Photos are sent via DermLoop to a dermatologist; consultation occurs within 20 minutes. Patients are scheduled for follow-up as needed. Interpreters facilitate communication.
Results
Meeting 2-3 times per month, Clínica Latina hosts 25 patients, 10 MS, 3 physicians, and 4 interpreters. Patients are uninsured; the majority are Hispanic/Latino. Initially hesitant to participate due to uncertainty, patients became more receptive through paper surveys and interpreters, improving communication and engagement. These surveys, offered in English and Spanish, serve as a triage tool, gathering information on family history of cancer and skin concerns, increasing patient acceptance of screenings. For physicians and MS, DermLoop improves workflow efficiency and diagnostic confidence. MS training takes <30 minutes, with trainees feeling well-prepared. Data collection will assess patient experience (follow-up rates, diagnosis-to-treatment time, satisfaction), physician experience (diagnostic accuracy, workflow efficiency), and overall program effectiveness.
Conclusion
Clínica Latina's Dermloop initiative facilitates efficient access to specialty care for uninsured Hispanic and Latino patients and enhances awareness of skin cancer. Potential impact supports introduction into additional student-run clinics to enhance melanoma screening of vulnerable populations.