Exeter medical students pioneer use of diverse skin tones

Medical students at the University of Exeter have developed their own education resources that feature a range of skin tones.

They started the project, supported by the university, to raise awareness of the current lack of diversity in medical education materials.

Another student has set up a website with images of the most common skin conditions using a range of skin tones.

Academics said the work shows the lack of diversity in dermatology teaching.

The students took their "Skin Diversity: Closing the Gap" stand to the Exeter Respect Festival, where they interacted with more than 1,000 members of the public over the issue.

Natasha Syed, a fourth-year medical student and Project Lead for the Skin Diversity Project, said: "We're currently developing a website which strives to improve awareness and understanding of healthcare inequalities experienced by minority ethnic groups.

"We hope this will be an insightful educational resource which broadens discussion beyond just dermatology in skin of colour, but advocates for inclusive medical education and equitable healthcare access for all."

Naabil Khan, a third-year medical student is also calling for more diversity in medical education resources via her Skin For All website.

"Diversity is at the heart of this website and it aims to support every patient we have sworn to provide for as healthcare students," she said.

"I hope everyone can feel seen, heard, represented and respected when they use Skin For All."

Follow BBC News South West on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk