A Dermatologist’s Fight Against Human Trafficking: Launching the First Pro Bono Tattoo Removal Progr
Join us for an inspiring talk by Dr. Shadi Kourosh, the founder of Harvard’s Pro Bono laser clinic and tattoo removal program—the first of its kind—dedicated to supporting survivors of human trafficking.
You might wonder, what do tattoos have to do with human trafficking? Many traffickers and gangs brand their victims with tattoos to mark and control them. Dr. Kourosh’s innovative program helps remove these painful, dangerous markers, offering survivors a fresh start.
Human trafficking—which includes both labor and sex trafficking—affects people of all genders, backgrounds, and ages. A landmark study has found that 88% of trafficked survivors reported passing through the healthcare system unnoticed, largely due to gaps in training and lack of treatment protocol. Dr. Kourosh’s work has led to the creation of an international task force that unites doctors, NGOs, the WHO, and government agencies and the first international registry to recognise skin signs of trafficking.
Tattoo removal often requires many costly laser treatments, making it inaccessible to most survivors. Harvard’s pro bono clinic has inspired dermatologists nationwide to volunteer their expertise. Dr. Kourosh has consolidated these efforts in a smartphone app called SSTEAR, which also provides educational resources and a toolkit for healthcare workers who may encounter trafficking victims. In HCS's inaugural virtual session, Dr. Kourosh will share her journey in fighting against human trafficking and how we can work together to better identify trafficked victims and ultimately end this global crisis altogether.
Shadi Kourosh, MD, MPH, is a board certified dermatologist and Associate Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School. Learn more about Dr. Kouroush's work here:
https://www.cfr.org/blog/shadi-kourosh-medical-community-efforts-identify-and-combat-human-trafficking
https://www.thinkglobalhealth.org/article/health-care-frontline-defense-against-human-trafficking
This is a virtual session conducted via Zoom. Access details will be shared prior to the start of the event.
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