Measuring the impact of medical student-led dermatological classes in underserved areas in West Texas

Background: Skin cancer and dermatological conditions disproportionately affect elderly individuals, especially in underserved communities where access to preventative education is limited. Medical students can serve as valuable health educators in these settings, helping address and bridge gaps in skin health literacy. Methods: Three in-person, student-led educational classes were held at the Lubbock Dream Center between September and October 2024. Each session focused on a different skin health topic: (1) skin anatomy and aging, (2) skin cancer prevention and when to seek care, and (3) common skin conditions and management. Pre- and post-assessments were administered to gauge knowledge and changes in self-reported confidence. Sessions also included interactive presentations, Q&A discussions, and hands-on activities. Results: Participants demonstrated measurable gains in knowledge and significant increases in confidence. In Class 1, those reporting “a lot” of knowledge on skin anatomy rose from 4% to 33%. Class 2 showed an increase from 0% to 39% in knowledge about skin cancer. In Class 3, those reporting “a lot” of knowledge about common skin conditions rose from 8% to 38%. Across all sessions, 79% to 96% of participants said the classes were relevant and useful, and 78% to 93% felt more motivated to care for their skin afterward. Discussion & Conclusion: Student-led educational sessions improved skin health knowledge and self-efficacy among elderly individuals in a resource-limited setting. The program also offered medical students practical experience in teaching and communication. While limited by sample size and duration, the findings support the value of student-driven health education as a tool for improving outcomes in underserved populations.