Barbie Like Me Campaign Brings Joy to Pediatric Dermatology Patients Thanks to Einstein Medical Student Diana Zarowin and Mattel, Inc

Albert Einstein College of Medicine fourth-year medical student Diana Zarowin saw firsthand the power that a simple toy can have.

While shadowing Brittany G. Craiglow, MD, in Fairfield, Connecticut, Zarowin was given the opportunity to gift an alopecia Barbie to a young alopecia patient in Dr. Craiglow’s clinic. Alopecia is a dermatologic autoimmune condition that can cause partial or full baldness. Watching the young girl’s face light up at the sight of a glamorous Barbie doll that looked like her, Zarowin felt deeply moved.

“I was struck by so many emotions as I told the patient how beautiful she was, just like the Barbie,” Zarowin said. Zarowin has spent time shadowing in Dr. Craiglow’s clinic and earned a 2023 Emerging Investigator Research Grant from the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) with the renowned physician.

Knowing more could be done with these special toys, Zarowin saw an opportunity to create a ripple effect in the pediatric dermatology community. She approached Mattel, Inc., in early 2023 with her Barbie Like Me campaign idea, to bring medical representation Barbies (alopecia and vitiligo Barbies with different skin tones, genders and body sizes) to children dealing with visible skin diseases.

When Mattel heard Zarowin’s pitch for the Barbie Like Me campaign, it quickly sent her 300 pounds of these special dermatological Barbies to distribute to young alopecia patients in clinics around the country.

“Mattel was really excited about this project,” said Zarowin. “They’ve been really wonderful to work with. I think that they see the tremendous value in these special Barbies and the impact that these toys can have on pediatric patients. I am very grateful for their support.”

The campaign further expanded to Camp Discovery, a one-week summer camp experience for children living with chronic skin conditions, provided at no cost to families. Zarowin hopes to continue to grow the campaign even further to include additional clinics around the country. She also has dreams to expand the line and work with Mattel to create additional medical representation Barbies.

“I’m so excited to be able to share these special Barbies with deserving pediatric dermatology patients,” said Zarowin. “Bringing this project to fruition has been a dream come true.”

Learn more about Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein’s pediatric dermatology services or call 718-920-2680 to schedule an appointment. If you’re interested in getting involved with the Barbie Like Me campaign, contact Zarowin at diana.zarowin@einsteinmed.edu.