Send us a text

What if you could revolutionize skincare for women of color by addressing a glaring gap in medical education? On this episode of the Wellness Musketeers podcast, we welcome Sheena Franklin, the visionary founder of K'ept, as she tackles the monumental challenge of health disparities in dermatology. With a startling revelation that less than 3% of medical textbook images cover skin conditions on skin of color, Sheena shares how her company is taking bold steps with tele-dermatology to fill this void. We'll unpack the complexities of forming academic partnerships and crafting a comprehensive dataset that aids physicians at the crucial point of care, ultimately aiming to reduce the burden on dermatologists and enhance healthcare outcomes for women.

As our conversation unfolds, we delve into the historical mistrust communities of color face in healthcare, rooted in injustices like the Tuskegee Study and the story of Henrietta Lacks. Sheena discusses how K'ept is leveraging technology to foster an environment of trust, enabling women to safely share skincare data in their own spaces. We also confront the systemic changes needed in the healthcare industry to genuinely engage with marginalized communities, examining how familiar methods like photo data collection can reduce misdiagnosis and improve health conditions that disproportionately affect women.

Rounding out our discussion, we explore the promising yet challenging frontier of telemedicine and AI in skincare. Sheena envisions a future where these technologies are seamlessly integrated into places like pharmacies and retailers, bringing skincare solutions closer to those who need them most. We'll touch on the logistical hurdles of tele-dermatology, the critical role of dermatologists in initial assessments, and K'ept's ambitious goal of reaching a million women. Join us as we face the broader issues of trust, poverty, and accessibility in healthcare, and discover how slow but steady progress can lead to more inclusive solutions for everyone.

Learn more about K'ept Health and Sheena Franklin's work:

• K'ept Health App
• Sheena D. Franklin Website
• The Velvet Lab Newsletter: Women's Health, Femtech, & Technology In Healthcare

Support the show

Contact Wellness Musketeers:

Email Dave at davidmliss@gmail.com with comments, questions, and suggestions for future guests.

Follow us on our social media:

• Bluesky
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• YouTube

Subscribe to our newsletter:

• Contact our co-host "Aussie" Mike James and sign up for our newsletter: Wellness Musketeers Newsletter