Dr. Dina Strachan named finalist in Anthem Awards

New York dermatologist Dr. Dina Strachan has been named a finalist in the 6th Annual Anthem Awards for work advancing equity in skin and hair health through medicine, media and advocacy. Public voting for the Anthem Community Voice Award runs through October 29, with winners set for November 5.

Why it matters: - Dr. Dina Strachan’s finalist spot puts skin- and hair-health equity on a national stage. - The recognition underscores ongoing gaps in dermatologic care for patients across skin tones and hair textures. - Public voting could help elevate a mission focused on access, representation and informed care.

What happened: - Dr. Dina Strachan, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Aglow Dermatology and FindABlackDoctor.com, was named a finalist in the 6th Annual Anthem Awards. - The finalist recognition honors work advancing equity in skin and hair health through medicine, media and advocacy. - The Anthem Awards celebrate purpose- and mission-driven work with social impact worldwide. - Winners will be announced on November 5, 2026. - Public voting for the Anthem Community Voice Award is open through October 29, 2026.

The details: - Dr. Strachan is a Harvard College and Yale School of Medicine graduate who completed her dermatology residency at the University of California, San Francisco. - She began her career treating patients in South Central Los Angeles. - As director of medical education at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, she paired clinical care with physician training in a community with limited access to dermatologists. - She later founded Aglow Dermatology in Manhattan, where she treats patients of all skin types. - Her clinical focus includes skin of color, hair loss and scalp disorders. - Her work addresses gaps in clinicians’ familiarity with conditions affecting different skin tones and hair textures, even for patients with insurance and financial resources. - Dr. Strachan has published research on acne in skin of color and hair care in African American girls. - She has lectured nationally and taught dermatology residents through her faculty role at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. - She currently teaches dermatology residents at Bellevue Hospital through her faculty role at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. - In 2005, she founded FindABlackDoctor.com, a free directory connecting patients with Black physicians across specialties. - The directory was created to help patients find doctors whose backgrounds and perspectives could inform care. - Dr. Strachan has used media to expand public education on dermatology. - She has been a featured expert in The Black Beauty Effect and has contributed to The New York Times, KevinMD, Essence and The Atlantic. - Her research and commentary have covered acne in skin of color, hair care in African American girls, dermatologic manifestations of HIV in people of color, disparities in the dermatology workforce and telemedicine. - Her advocacy includes service on New York State’s Board for Professional Medical Conduct. - She also authored a 2024 American Academy of Dermatology resolution defending diversity initiatives in the specialty. - To support Dr. Strachan, voters can visit the Health Individual Recognition voting page and select her entry, “Advancing Equity in Skin & Hair Health Through Medicine, Media, and Advocacy.”

Between the lines: - The nomination reflects broader attention to equity in medicine, especially in specialties where diagnosis and treatment can vary by skin tone and hair texture. - Dr. Strachan’s career blends direct care, education, research and public-facing advocacy, which makes the finalist nod more than a single achievement. - The Community Voice Award gives the public a role in amplifying that work beyond the judges’ picks.

What's next: - Public voting remains open until October 29, 2026. - Anthem Awards winners will be announced on November 5, 2026. - The Community Voice Award outcome will add a public-facing measure of support to the judged awards process.