Blog

2022 Achievements

BREAKING NEW GROUND

The first-ever SOCS Summit, Meeting the Challenge: Diversity in Dermatology Clinical Trials, resulted in these important firsts:

Two manuscripts submitted for publication in two high impact peer-reviewed dermatology journals.
Expansion of the task force's focus to address language and classification of terms to be used in clinical trials.
Creation of a working group to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based review focusing on the use and misuse of the current scales used to measure skin tone.
Coverage in Dermatology Times.

The SOCS Foundation launched its first fundraising campaign, Project Gratitude, raising nearly $108,000 in donations from 241 donors. THX2U!
Thanks to the vision and generosity of Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, FAAD, SOCS introduced the Early Career Innovations Grant, which provides startup funding for young visionaries and innovators who have creative solutions addressing needs and opportunities within the skin of color dermatology ecosystem.
We rolled out SOCS Speaks, which matches SOCS experts with public-facing opportunities to engage, enlighten and educate.
We worked to increase recognition of the Society and its place/role in dermatology by expanding collaborative efforts to advance education and awareness around skin of color dermatology. We now have active relationships with nearly 40 external, mission-aligned partners.
We presented a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the New York State Department of Health and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on “Dermatologic Considerations for Monkeypox among People of Color” featuring SOCS leader Donald A. Glass II, MD, PhD, FAAD and Esther Freeman, MD, PhD, FAAD.
SOCS leaders completed and operationalized a comprehensive strategic plan.

The dream of reaching out to people of all ages, skin types and tones to spread awareness about managing winter skin came to life beautifully on the world’s first My Best Winter Skin (MBWS) Day on October 24 on Michigan Avenue in Chicago and on campus at Howard University. This year’s MBWS Day marked a thrilling start to a full-fledged seasonal campaign built around public education, volunteerism and giving to the SOCS Foundation to help support innovative research in skin of color dermatology.

The Sanofi-Regeneron Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mid-Career Award will be available to three established investigators beginning in 2024; applications accepted beginning September 15, 2023

P1176732 scaled 1 1024x683 Pictured from left: John Bournas, DF Executive Director; Sewon Kang, MD, FAAD, DF Vice President; Andrew Korotzer, PhD, Regeneron; Deb Sierka, PharmD, Sanofi; Janet Fairley, MD, FAAD, DF President; Valerie M. Harvey, MD, MPH, FAAD, SOCS Immediate Past President; Jonathan Weiss, MD, FAAD, DF Board member, and Kimberly Miller, SOCS Executive Director.

The Dermatology Foundation (DF) and the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) have partnered to create and deliver an impactful opportunity to advance health equity in the specialty of dermatology.

my best winter skin

October 24 is international My Best Winter Skin (MBWS) Day! This unique holiday marks the beginning of a season of giving, education and volunteerism for SOCS members. In the coming months at numerous events around the world, SOCS members and advocates will distribute dermatologist-developed educational material and donated product samples to raise awareness about optimal winter skin care and generate donations to the SOCS Foundation. Donations will help support innovative research in skin of color dermatology.

Open Call for Applications for SOCS Scientific Symposium, Abstracts, Mentorship Programs, and Research Awards

The Skin of Color Society is now accepting applications for our 2024-2025 program year!

Current membership is required for all programs. Please review the guidelines and eligibility requirements for each program for more details.

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2022 Reflections: An unprecedented year of working together to change the world

The World’s 1st “My Best Winter Skin” Day Events in Chicago and DC Successfully Launch Our Seasonal Campaign of Education, Volunteerism and Giving!

The Dermatology Foundation and Skin of Color Society Partner to Deliver New DEI Research Support for 2024 with $1M Grant from Sanofi-Regeneron

My Best Winter Skin

It’s Application Season at SOCS: Deadlines Approaching!

Open Call for Applications for SOCS Scientific Symposium, Abstracts, Mentorship Programs, and Research Awards