Our media contributions & features
If You “Don’t See Color,” You’re Doing It All Wrong. July 9, 2025.
In a powerful and essential new article, we challenge a common misconception in healthcare: the idea of being "colorblind." Co-written by Caleb Runyon, NP-C and Dr. Kimberly Madison, DNP, of Mahogany Dermatology, "If You ‘Don’t See Color,’ You’re Doing It All Wrong" delves into the profound clinical significance and cultural weight of melanated skin, advocating for a more nuanced and empathetic approach to patient care.
The article highlights a crucial reality within medical practice:
"Despite my training, I wasn’t equipped to confidently diagnose certain conditions in melanated skin. That experience taught me something deeper than medicine, it taught me that vulnerability is a strength. As India Arie says, 'I am not my hair, I am not this skin'. People of color are not defined by these features, but their skin is seen, felt, judged, and treated every day. It carries clinical significance and cultural weight. As providers, we have a responsibility not just to see it, but to understand it, respect it, and treat it with the skill and empathy it deserves. I want other providers to know this: you can be fully genuine and transparent with your patients, regardless of their race, language, or background. Many will appreciate your honesty more than you realize. Infact, that candor often becomes the foundation for a meaningful, long-term rapport. When we lead with humility, we make space for trust, and trust is where true healing begins."
This compelling piece calls on healthcare providers to move beyond superficial interpretations and engage with the full spectrum of their patients' identities, recognizing that acknowledging and understanding race and cultural background is not a barrier but a cornerstone of equitable and effective care.
Don't miss this vital conversation. Read the full article on the Mahogany Dermatology Blog.
-The Closer Look Project
Health Expert Says Hairdressers Could Help Spot Skin Cancer Early. July 1, 2025.
Hey everyone, I'm really excited to share something we covered right here on WBDJ7 earlier this month that's incredibly important. We had the chance to feature the Hairdresser Dermatologic Detection Initiative, and it's a project that's truly innovating how we think about early skin cancer detection.
Think about it: who sees your scalp and neck more often than your hairdresser? That's exactly the brilliant idea behind this initiative. It's all about empowering those trusted professionals, your hairdressers, to become an extra set of eyes in the fight against skin cancer.
We talked about how the project is surveying hairdressers right now to understand what they already know about spotting suspicious moles or lesions, and more importantly, how willing they are to learn even more. The goal? To develop targeted training and resources, maybe even some specific medical education, to give them the tools they need to identify potential issues during your regular haircut.
It's such a smart approach, leveraging those frequent appointments to catch something potentially life-saving early on. We're really hopeful this initiative grows and makes a huge difference right here in our community. If you're a hairdresser watching and you're interested in getting involved or learning more, you can still find information on how to participate in the survey right over on our website.
-The Closer Look Project
Check out our news feature on WDBJ7! Check out the full event information here. Special shout-out to news reporter Leila Mitchell at WDBJ7 for covering the story!
-The Closer Look Project