Our Mission
To strengthen Indigenous representation in dermatology and advance culturally grounded, community-driven care for American Indian and Alaska Native communities through networking, mentorship, and education focused on Indigenous dermatology.
About Us
NDNS was founded by Katie Wilson (Luiseño/Payómkawichum) and Dr. Lucinda Kohn, who first connected as mentor and mentee. What began as a relationship rooted in guidance, learning, and mutual support has grown into a shared commitment: to bring that same spirit of mentorship and collaboration to community.
Why We Were Created
The Native Dermatology National Society was created in response to community voice.
Before formally launching NDNS, we conducted an initial interest survey to understand whether Native trainees and physicians desired a dedicated professional home within dermatology. We received responses spanning the pipeline, from premedical students to practicing physicians.
The response was clear: there is both desire and readiness to build Indigenous community within dermatology.
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Respondents across the educational and professional pipeline
91% expressed interest in a Native Dermatology professional and networking community
59% identified as American Indian/Alaska Native, alongside engaged allies
Representation from premedical students through practicing physicians
Strong willingness to serve as mentors and leaders
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Native trainees in dermatology often navigate training without visible community or structured support. At the same time, there is clear capacity for Indigenous leadership within the field.
NDNS was founded to meet that moment grounded in accountability, mentorship, and collective growth.
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Rooted in community, NDNS aims to advance Native representation, strengthen mentorship across the training pipeline, and promote culturally grounded dermatologic care. Through initiatives such as the Indigenous Dermatology Guide, mentorship networks, and partnership with Tribal communities, we are building sustainable infrastructure for Indigenous presence in dermatology.
Meet the Team
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Katie Wilson, MS
Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians
FOUNDER
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Lucinda Kohn, MD, MHS
Ally
FOUNDER
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Anna Chacon, MD
Maya
BOARD MEMBER
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Madison Esposito, MPH
Berry Creek Rancheria of Maidu Indians of California
BOARD MEMBER
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Desirae Barragan, BS
Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians of Southern California
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Our Skin Matters
It all begins with the skin. It carries our stories of ancestry, of survival, of joy, of challenge. For Indigenous peoples, skin is not only biology, it is identity, culture, and connection to land. We honor the original caretakers of this land, and we recognize that the health of our people is inseparable from the health of the lands and waters that sustain us.
Our work begins here: with a commitment to respect, representation, and restoration. We tell our story in a way that uplifts community, lived experience, and bridges traditional knowledge with modern medicine.
There are countless voices in medicine and science, but our story is what sets us apart. If you don’t hear our voices, our people, and our values in the work we share, then it means we still have work to do.