GW Free Teledermatology Clinic and Health Fair
The George Washington University Free Teledermatology Clinic and Health Fair is a monthly, no-cost dermatology clinic dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities by providing essential dermatologic care to underserved communities in Wards 7 and 8 of Washington, D.C. – areas without access to local dermatologists. The clinic was established in 2022 and is held at the Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church in Southeast, Washington, D.C. It offers in-person and virtual appointments, conducts blood pressure and blood glucose screenings to detect comorbidities of inflammatory dermatoses, and provides patient education on common skin conditions and digital health. This clinic and health fair aims to provide holistic care and serve as a critical access point for patients who otherwise may go without dermatologic care due to financial, logistical, or systemic barriers.
A key component of the clinic is the active involvement of GW dermatology residents, who dedicate time each month as part of their clinical schedule to care for patients who attend the free clinic. By participating in the clinic, residents gain invaluable experience treating underserved populations and patients with a variety of skin tones. Through the dedicated work of clinic leaders, residents, and medical student volunteers, the clinic continues to advance equitable dermatologic care, promote health education, and improve access to essential medical services in Washington, D.C.
This clinic is made possible through grant support from Pfizer and Lilly, philanthropic support from Johnson & Johnson, and in-kind donations from Cetaphil, L’Oréal, and Kenvue.
For more information regarding the clinic and/or scheduling appointments, please contact us at gwfreeteledermclinic@gmail.com.
Learn2Derm
Learn2Derm is a nonprofit organization, founded by a former George Washington University medical student, that is dedicated to expanding dermatologic education and care for communities with limited access. With a mission to bridge knowledge gaps and dispel misconceptions, Learn2Derm fosters meaningful connections between dermatology professionals and the community through engaging educational initiatives.
Learn2Derm’s annual skin health fair serves as a cornerstone of its outreach efforts, providing free skin cancer screenings led by dermatology residents from across Washington, D.C. residency programs. Residents collaborate with local medical students to run interactive educational booths covering a range of dermatologic conditions. Throughout the year, Learn2Derm implements youth and community-based curriculums designed to enhance dermatologic literacy and empower individuals to take charge of their skin health. These programs make dermatology education accessible and engaging for students, families, and community members across Washington, D.C.
For more information, visit learn2derm.godaddysites.com.
Skin Smart Campus
The George Washington University has been designated a Skin Smart Campus by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention (NCSCP), recognizing the university's ongoing commitment to creating a safe and health-conscious learning environment with a focus on skin cancer prevention and UV safety. The agreement between The George Washington University and the NCSCP includes a series of initiatives aimed at promoting sun safety, including banning indoor tanning devices on campus and university-owned properties, increasing educational outreach, and implementing policies to protect students, faculty, and staff from harmful UV exposure. Notably, the university has installed sunscreen dispensers for public use and has launched a dedicated webpage to raise awareness about skin cancer prevention and UV safety.
GW's Skin Smart Campus Initiative aims to educate the campus community on the dangers of UV exposure, fostering an environment that prioritizes health and wellbeing. This initiative is a crucial step in promoting long-term skin health at GW, encouraging awareness of the importance of sun safety and working to prevent skin cancer.