The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly two billion people around the world suffer from skin diseases, and more than half of them do not have access to skin healthcare. Without trained dermatologists and effective treatments, common and serious skin diseases like fungal infections, atopic dermatitis, albinism, cancer, leprosy and lupus contribute significantly to the global burden of disease, with skin diseases ranking as the fourth-leading cause of disability worldwide.
Esther Freeman, MD, PhD, director of Global Health Dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital, has devoted her career to addressing this crisis in access to dermatological care, especially for the most vulnerable patients worldwide. Her career has been characterized by visionary leadership, groundbreaking research and a steadfast dedication to global health equity. A trailblazer in dermato-epidemiology, Dr. Freeman has revolutionized the medical field’s understanding of infectious disease dermatology. Her seminal contributions to Kaposi’s sarcoma and HIV, along with her leadership in COVID-19 and Mpox dermatologic registries, have directly influenced international treatment protocols. As the founding chair of the International Alliance for Global Health Dermatology (GLODERM), she and her co-founders have ignited a global movement, advancing mentorship, research and capacity-building efforts in more than 60 countries. By integrating rigorous epidemiology with clinical dermatology, her work has reshaped public health policy at the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Dermatology, ultimately improving patient outcomes in underserved regions.
“One of my favorite African proverbs is, ‘If you think one person is too small to make a difference, you’ve never spent a night in a tent with a mosquito.’ This endowed chair ensures that I have the time and resources to invest in future leaders and address the most pressing challenges related to skin disease as a global public health concern.”
CeraVe, a leading skincare brand that is part of the L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty Division, has taken notice of her efforts: the company has made a gift to Mass General to establish the L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty/CeraVe Endowed Chair in Global Health Dermatology. Dr. Freeman will serve as the inaugural incumbent of the chair, which marks the first corporate chair at the hospital and the first global health dermatology chair worldwide. CeraVe’s support provides Dr. Freeman with flexible funding to explore and act on innovative solutions that will help the world’s most vulnerable people living with skin disease.
“This chair acknowledges that global health dermatology is an important field and access to care for skin disease is an important public health issue,” Dr. Freeman says. “I’m so appreciative of the team at CeraVe and L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty for going on this journey with me, and for their commitment to finding meaningful ways to support and uplift local teams around the world who are tackling these challenges every day.”
“At CeraVe and L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty, we believe that skin health is a fundamental right and is the social impact focus for the brand. In fact, CeraVe’s social impact program, Care For All, aims to advance access to dermatological care in underserved communities by investing in dermatologists and frontline caregivers to create sustainable change,” says Gene Colón, global senior vice president of Medical Affairs and Communications for CeraVe.
“Endowing a Chair in Global Health Dermatology was a logical next step and totally in line with CeraVe’s Care For All mission. However, the true inspiration behind establishing this endowed chair lies with Dr. Esther Freeman herself,” Mr. Colón adds. “Her passion and dedication to mentor dermatologists in underserved areas to create true changemakers is nothing short of impressive. Esther’s expertise and experience are pivotal to this work, and this endowed chair is a perfect way to further empower leaders like her in the global health dermatology field.”
Drawing a New Career Map
Dr. Freeman came to dermatology via her doctorate in infectious disease epidemiology. When she was working in a remote area of Lesotho during medical school, she and her colleagues did not have easy access to laboratory testing that could determine the progression of a patient’s HIV disease. Dr. Freeman quickly realized she could gauge a person’s immune status by the infections she saw on their skin.
“There were visual clues on the patient’s skin in front of us, and those clues really mean something if you knew how to interpret the patterns,” Dr. Freeman says. “I realized I could merge my interests in clinical dermatology and global public health and make this a career. But there wasn’t a blueprint for this. Pursuing a career that combined dermatology and global health was like living in a ‘choose your own adventure’ book, where each step opened new pathways. Fortunately, I’ve had the privilege of learning from and collaborating with remarkable colleagues who have helped shape my direction along the way.”
In that adventure, Dr. Freeman has built Mass General’s Global Health Dermatology program from the ground up. In 2019, she co-founded GLODERM, a non-governmental organization that connects dermatologists and trainees who are focused on advancing skin health in resource-limited communities. GLODERM’s mentorship program, which matches experienced dermatologists with emerging leaders and which CeraVe is an integral partner, is a cornerstone of the organization’s approach to improving dermatologic clinical care, education, research, policy and advocacy.
Dr. Freeman serves as a mentor in the program, with her mentees hailing from Indonesia, Rwanda and the Solomon Islands. She also serves as the director for clinical innovation and education at Mass General’s Center for Global Health, including as a key facilitator in Mass General’s collaboration with the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda. Her work, supported by Mass General’s Medical Practice Evaluation Center, extends to the World Health Organization, where, in addition to her work on outbreaks and emerging diseases, she assists with the WHO roadmap to prevent, control, eliminate and eradicate certain neglected tropical diseases by 2030.
“One of my favorite African proverbs is, ‘If you think one person is too small to make a difference, you’ve never spent a night in a tent with a mosquito,’’’ Dr. Freeman says. “I’ve been lucky to have wonderful mentors along my journey, and I am eager to provide that same support to others. This endowed chair ensures that I have the time and resources to invest in future leaders and address the most pressing challenges related to skin disease as a public health concern.”
Creating a Ripple Effect
Endowed chairs serve as the highest academic award a hospital can give, and they provide a reservoir of flexible support to help Mass General recruit and retain the best and brightest. With this first corporate endowed chair at the hospital, CeraVe is creating what Dr. Freeman sees as a ripple effect, directly supporting her career as she promotes skin health and shares her expertise with others worldwide.
“The CeraVe Endowed Chair is a great example of what corporate philanthropy can do, and I hope it inspires other industry partners and groups to think about how they can make an impact in the space that stretches beyond their own products. I’d like to see this chair as the first of many to expand the field of global health dermatology and promote high-quality dermatologic care for everyone.”
“Having a supporter who understands the grassroots needs is wonderful,” Dr. Freeman says. “CeraVe has been focused on what true impact means, and the company is willing to listen, work with us and co-create programs that are making a difference.”
“Big problems like public health need big solutions rooted in innovation, collaboration and a deep commitment to improving healthcare worldwide,” Mr. Colón says. “Awareness and education will be key to amplify the need for more knowledge and action in providing relevant access to dermatological care, especially in underserved communities. We are excited to be taking this first step in this regard, and remain agile and ready to pivot as necessary to achieve significant social impact where it is needed the most.”
“The CeraVe Endowed Chair is a great example of what corporate philanthropy can do, and I hope it inspires other industry partners and groups to think about how they can make an impact in the space that stretches beyond their own products,” Dr. Freeman adds. “I’d like to see this chair as the first of many to expand the field of global health dermatology and promote high-quality dermatologic care for everyone.”
To learn more about global health dermatology at Mass General and support Dr. Freeman’s work, contact us.
