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The Skin of Color Society Kicks Off a Season of Giving with its My Best Winter Skin Campaign

The first of its kind campaign is built around public education, volunteerism and giving in support of much-needed mentorship and research in skin of color dermatology

Chicago volunteers (top photo) gathered together, with SOCS member dermatologists (center, from left, Drs. Roopal Kundu, Caroline Robinson and Elizabeth Kiracofe), surrounded by Northwestern University Dermatology Interest Group students, led by President Hannah Soltari (seated, far right). Bottom photo shows student volunteers from the Howard University Dermatology Society, led by Shanae’ Henry and Ugonna Nwannunu, co-founders of Skin Scholars (far left), with Andrea Speight, Sr. Mgr. Medical & Community Relations - DEI, Integrated Medical Communications, L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty (far right).

(November 14, Chicago, IL)—The Skin of Color Society (SOCS), the world’s leading professional skin of color dermatology organization, has established a national health awareness day known as My Best Winter Skin Day, kicking off an annual seasonal campaign built around public education, volunteerism and giving. While raising awareness about a common skin condition that affects people of all ages, skin types and tones in the colder months of the year, funds raised through this public educational campaign will go to the SOCS Foundation to help support innovative research and mentorship in skin of color dermatology.

My Best Winter Skin Day launched nationally on October 24, featuring two successful community outreach events in Chicago and Washington, D.C.,  involving teams of SOCS members, medical students and dermatology residents from Northwestern University and Howard University respectively. As part of their public outreach activities, participating SOCS volunteers shared educational tips for managing winter skin that were developed by the SOCS Patient Education Committee, and distributed free moisturizers generously donated by campaign sponsors, La Roche-Posay and CeraVe. Campaign support was also provided by Restore Hair. 

Building on the tremendous momentum of these two MBWS launch events, SOCS members in 18 states in the USA have committed to conduct outreach events in their communities and on college campuses in the coming winter months. In a variety of settings, SOCS volunteers will distribute MBWS educational material and donated moisturizers in SOCS-branded travel bags to raise awareness about optimal winter skin care and generate donations to the SOCS Foundation.

Winter skin is a seasonal condition that can be bothersome, uncomfortable or even unsightly for many people. The cold, dry air draws moisture from the skin, leading to dryness, cracking, itching, and even bleeding. SOCS’ dermatologic experts recommend the following steps to keep  skin healthy during harsh, winter weather:

• Moisturize daily. Pay attention to areas that are more prone to dryness because of exposure to the outside elements. Moisturize within 3-5 minutes of patting the skin dry after bathing or showering.
• Think thick. Heavier creams and ointments may be more effective than lotions in colder months.
• Be gentle. Avoid harsh cleansers that may strip the skin of its natural oils. Use suds-free and fragrance-free soaps.
• Go cool. Shower or bathe in lukewarm water for no more than 10 minutes at a time.
• Cover up. Wear gloves, mittens and scarves to protect your skin from the cold and the harsh effects of wind on the skin.
• Protect skin. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen even in the winter.
• Stay hydrated. It’s important all year long. 

To learn more about how to engage with SOCS and support mentorship and research, as well as the My Best Winter Skin Campaign, visit here.

About the Skin of Color Society

The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) is a globally recognized leader in advancing skin of color dermatology, with dermatologist members from 30 countries around the world. Founded in 2004 by Dr. Susan C. Taylor, the SOCS mission is to achieve health equity and excellence in patient care through research, education, mentorship, and advocacy. Since inception, SOCS has worked tirelessly to strengthen the pipeline of dermatology students, and residents as well as comprehensively train dermatology fellows in delivering culturally competent care to diverse populations. SOCS membership includes highly skilled mentors across dermatology subspecialties (medical, cosmetic and surgical), and practice settings (private practice, public service and academia).  SOCS has successfully mentored hundreds of medical students, dermatology residents and fellows and has awarded various research, fellowship, observership, career development and innovation grants to early and mid-career dermatologists. www.skinofcolorsociety.org

THE DERMATOLOGY FOUNDATION AND SKIN OF COLOR SOCIETY PARTNER TO DELIVER NEW DEI RESEARCH SUPPORT FOR 2024 WITH $1M GRANT FROM SANOFI-REGENERON

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

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.

(August 22, 2023, Chicago, IL)—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.

Developed especially for the exceptional mid-career investigator with an established trajectory of excellence in basic, clinical or translational science, the Sanofi-Regeneron Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mid-Career Award will expand the understanding of dermatological issues impacting underrepresented or underserved groups in medicine.

This substantial award adds a critical piece to the pipeline of investigators working to address healthcare disparities. Supported research projects are expected to yield novel results that will provide urgently needed preliminary data and will serve as a springboard for obtaining larger research grants. 

Administered and promoted by the DF/SOCS Collaborative, this unique award will leverage the DF’s experience and infrastructure in award development and management, along with the SOCS’s expertise in DEI and deep reach into the community of DEI investigators. 

About the Sanofi-Regeneron Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mid-Career Award

• All research must be conducted in the US under the sponsorship of a department/division of dermatology that is ACGME-approved for training in dermatology. Applicants must meet the DF’s general eligibility requirement, in addition to the award-specific requirements at the time of funding. 
• The request for research proposals opens on September 15 and closes on December 1, 2023, with disbursements to commence in 2024. 

Award Funding 

Each Award will provide $100,000 in annual funding for up to three years. Award dollars could be used for any combination of salary and related benefits, and project expenses supporting a meritorious research project. A total of three awards will be available for funding. 

Selection Process 

Each of the award recipients will be selected by the DF and SOCS Collaborative according to a well-defined evaluation process based on the National Institutes of Health procedure for research grants. The collaborative review process will identify worthy applicants—talented researchers with the ideas, thought leadership and experience needed to pave the way for scientific advancements and improvements in patient care. 

Eligibility Requirements 

Each applicant must meet the DF’s stringent eligibility requirements, including, but not limited to: 

• The proposed project must address an issue impacting groups underrepresented/underserved in medicine. Award applicants belonging to groups underrepresented/underserved in medicine are encouraged to apply for this award.
• A strong demonstrated commitment to research. 
• At least 75% of their time is devoted to research. 
• Appropriate training and experience in relevant research. 
• A faculty appointment in an accredited dermatology department/division, within 12 years of appointment as an Assistant Professor. 
• An MD, DO, MD/PhD or PhD degree. 

Application Timeline

Application packages for the Award will be accepted through the Dermatology Foundation online portal beginning September 15 through December 1 of each year for funding beginning July 1 of the following year. 

“The Dermatology Foundation is excited about the opportunity to collaborate with the Skin of Color Society on the Sanofi-Regeneron sponsored DEI mid-career award.  We believe this award can be transformative in supporting the next generation of clinical, translational, and basic researchers in this critical area," comments Janet A. Fairley, MD, FAAD, President of the Dermatology Foundation and Strauss Professor and Chair, Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa. “Furthermore, our research programs need to reflect the changing demographics and skin problems in the U.S. and this program will help us achieve this aim.”

“We are honored to collaborate with the Dermatology Foundation on this extraordinary opportunity to support highly trained investigators with a special interest in skin of color dermatology whose work will contribute  much-needed research into dermatologic diseases affecting our patients of color,” comments Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH, FAAD, Skin of  Color Society President (2023-2024), and Professor of Clinical Dermatology and Vice Chair for Diversity and Inclusion at Weill Cornell Medicine.

“Given the dire need for more research into skin conditions that disproportionately impact underrepresented/underserved patients, this generous grant from Sanofi-Regeneron will facilitate seminal contributions to science, which will ultimately bring about health equity for patients,” remarks John E. Harris, MD, PhD, FAAD, Chair of the Skin of Color Society’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Research Grant Committee (2023-2024), Chair of Dermatology, Director of the Autoimmune Therapeutics Institute and Director of the Vitiligo Clinic and Research Center at UMass Chan Medical School, and past recipient of research grants and awards from both the Dermatology Foundation and the Skin of Color Society.

For more information, visit https://dermatologyfoundation.org/rap/

About the Dermatology Foundation 

The purpose of the Dermatology Foundation is simple but powerful. For nearly sixty years, the Dermatology Foundation has identified and supported the early career work of investigators with great potential. Our research awards have helped launch outstanding research and academic careers and have helped make the practice of dermatology what it is today. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than 2,500 research awards to enable advancements in patient care by providing more than $82.7M in funding for discovery to talented investigators. The Dermatology Foundation has a proven track record of funding novel ideas and individuals who are dedicated to expanding the understanding of dermatologic conditions and diseases. www.dermatologyfoundation.org

About the Skin of Color Society

The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) is a globally recognized leader in advancing skin of color dermatology, with dermatologist members from 30 countries around the world. Founded in 2004 by Dr. Susan C. Taylor, the SOCS mission is to achieve health equity and excellence in patient care through research, education, mentorship, and advocacy. Since inception, SOCS has worked tirelessly to strengthen the pipeline of dermatology students, and residents as well as comprehensively train dermatology fellows in delivering culturally competent care to diverse populations. SOCS membership includes highly skilled mentors across dermatology subspecialties (medical, cosmetic and surgical), and practice settings (private practice, public service and academia).  SOCS has successfully mentored hundreds of medical students, dermatology residents and fellows and has awarded various research, fellowship, observership, career development and innovation grants to early and mid-career dermatologists. www.skinofcolorsociety.org

THE SKIN OF COLOR SOCIETY APPROACHES ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GROUNDBREAKING INITIATIVES UNDERWAY TO CHANGE THE DERMATOLOGY LANDSCAPE FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR

(June 28, 2023, Chicago, IL)— As the world’s leading professional organization dedicated to skin of color dermatology, the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) is approaching its 20th anniversary milestone with several signature programs and groundbreaking initiatives underway that help bring greater diversity to dermatology, reduce healthcare disparities, advance much-needed research, expand training and mentorship opportunities for dermatologists, and amplify patient education.

Founded in 2004 by dermatology leader Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, SOCS is flourishing with unprecedented growth and expansion in recent times, making seminal contributions to the field of dermatology. Highlights from its most active and innovative year in history include:

Leading the way with skin of color patient and dermatology educational videos

Today, SOCS releases a wide-ranging series of educational videos generated through its recent 6th Annual SOCS Media Day, including the “MelanatED” series of eight short-form educational videos and ten SOCS Identity Videos. Covering key topics ranging from cultural competency, hair loss, inflammatory diseases, and sunscreen in skin of color to patient safety, the importance of early detection, how to find “Dr. Right” and much more, this powerful collection sheds lights on issues of special importance and interest to patients of color and the physicians who care for them. 

These insightful videos feature nationally and globally recognized SOCS leaders,  including: Drs. Susan C. Taylor, Andrew F. Alexis, Valerie M. Harvey, Candrice R. Heath, Janiene Luke, Corey L. Hartman, Shawn Kwatra, and Nkem Ugonabo. 

This initiative was made possible thanks to the support of: Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Senté, Bristol Myers Squibb, Arcutis Biotherapeutics and Dove. 

Advancing Diversity in Dermatology Clinical Trials

Through an unprecedented initiative led by then-President Valerie Harvey, MD, MPH, FAAD, SOCS presented the Inaugural Summit, Meeting the Challenge: Diversity in Dermatology Clinical Trials, in June 2022. This gathering brought together key stakeholders across numerous disciplines and sectors, leading to several innovations. The Summit was supported in part by AbbVie and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson. Key outcomes from this meeting include:

• A first-ever collaboration with the National Medical Association Dermatology Section, offering a Diversity in Clinical Trials Mentorship Program to tomorrow’s researchers, which is now in progress. The program is made possible thanks to support from Janssen/Johnson & Johnson; 
• Two manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, including one published article (Cobb CBC, Heath CR, Byrd AS, et al. The Skin of Color Society’s Meeting the Challenge Summit, 2022: Diversity in Dermatology Clinical Trials Proceedings. JAMA Dermatol. Published online May 24, 2023. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.1285), and another pending publication in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology;
• The creation of a SOCS working group to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based review focusing on the use and misuse of the current scales used to measure skin tones; 
• The development of the 2^nd Annual Meeting the Challenge Summit: Redefining Population Descriptors in Dermatology Research Studies, which will be dedicated to addressing language and classification of terms to be used in clinical trials, scheduled for December 2023.

Supporting Much-Needed Research in Skin of Color Dermatology

SOCS is working within the field along with collaborative partners to address the dire need for more research into various dermatologic diseases that disproportionately impact patients of color through a variety of initiatives, including:

The SOCS Foundation Institutional Research Fellowship (IRF) Program supports critical research into dermatologic diseases in skin of color and provides valuable opportunities for physicians of color, who are disproportionately underrepresented in dermatology and medicine. SOCS is working to increase the number of physicians from diverse backgrounds who can provide culturally competent care to these often-underserved communities. The IRF program provides outstanding opportunities for underrepresented minority (URM) physicians to train for and assume leadership roles in clinical care, public policy, health services research and biomedical research. Applications are currently being accepted until August 1, 2023.

2023 SOCS Research, Career Development and Innovations Award Programs

Several yearly SOCS awards were presented at the recent 19th Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium, held on March 16, 2023, in conjunction with the American Academy of Dermatology’s Annual Meeting, including:

The SOCS Dermatology Research Award  provides grants to assist early career dermatologists and scientists in furthering their academic careers and promoting the development of innovative ideas in clinical and translational research. This year’s awards were supported by Bristol Myers Squibb, L’Oréal and Pfizer. 2023 Research Awardees include: 

• Hyejin Leah Chung, MD, for Fractional CO2 Laser versus Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling for Hidradenitis Suppurativa-Related Atrophic Scars: A Randomized Controlled Rater-Blinded Study;
• Jennifer Fernandez, MD, RD, for Teledermatology in Kenya: An Assessment of Provider Preferences
• Nazgol Sadat Haddadi, MD, MPH for The role of Type I IFNs on Keratinocyte’s response to Ultraviolet Light B in Photosensitive Skin Diseases;
• Courtney Johnson, MD, PhD, for Single Cell Transcriptomic View of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Early-Stage Mycosis Fungoides;
• Tasneem Mohammad, MD, for Exploring the clinical, spectroscopic, histologic, and immunohistochemical features of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation using disease specific validated in-vivo models with comparison to ultraviolet b induced skin pigmentation.

SOCS Career Development Awards provide grants to investigators to fund basic, translational, or clinical research related to inflammatory disorders in skin of color. 2023 Awardees include:

• Crystal Aguh, MD, for Establishing A Transcriptomic Model for CCCA Diagnosis and Severity;
• Carmelo Carmona-Rivera, PhD, for Dysregulation of NETs modulates inflammation, autoimmune features and end-organ damage in Hidradenitis suppurativa;
• Candrice Heath, MD, for Elucidating Scarring Alopecia to Extend Follicular Life in Black children and adolescents (ESCAPE Study).

The 2023 SOCS Career Development Awards were supported by Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer and L’Oréal.

The SOCS Early Career Innovations Award provides grants to support new ideas that have potential to positively disrupt the practice of dermatology and dermatologic care. 2023 recipients are Favour A. Akinjiyan, BSc, MD/PhD Candidate, for Using Artificial Intelligence and Short Wave Infrared Imaging to Predict Acne and Vartan Pahalyants, MD, MBA, for DermDiscovery: Leveraging Technology and Augmented Reality to Increase Diversity in Dermatology.  This award program was established thanks to the vision and generosity of SOCS member Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali. 

Bringing “Where Science, Innovation & Inclusion Meet on the Global Stage” to the 25th World Congress of Dermatology (WCD)

For the first time in the Society’s history, SOCS will present a Scientific Session at WCD in Singapore on July 3. The program includes presentations by leading dermatologic experts from Australia, India, South Africa and the United States. Esteemed invited speakers will present on a variety of dermatologic conditions and issues affecting skin of color patients, including: facial pigmentation, lichen planopilaris, cutaneous tuberculosis, inflammatory disorders, and cultural beauty around the world. This meeting is supported by an educational grant from Pfizer.

Mentoring the next generation of dermatologists

The SOCS Observership Program provides grants to medical students, dermatology residents, and junior faculty to enable an in-person rotation with a SOCS mentor, allowing them to acquire additional academic or research skills that will further their careers as leaders in dermatology. Eleven SOCS Observership Grants were awarded in 2023. The SOCS Observership Program is made possible thanks to funding from Urban SkinRx, EltaMD and L’Oreal.

The SOCS Mentorship Program has been growing dramatically in recent years. In 2023, 40 matches pairing SOCS mentors with SOCS mentees were made. Through this highly beneficial program, medical students, residents and junior faculty can connect with an approved SOCS mentor for up to one year. In addition to one-on-one mentoring relationships, group mentoring sessions by video conferencing were instituted in 2022. Applications for the 2024-2025 cycle will open up in August 2023.

Presenting the latest skin of color research

A signature program for SOCS and the skin of color dermatology community at-large, the 19th Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium continued its tradition of showcasing the latest skin of color dermatology research and insights from emerging and highly respected experts and researchers from around the US and the world. This year’s Symposium in March featured esteemed experts, researchers, and future dermatology leaders who shared their insights through invited speaker presentations, moderated panels, oral abstracts and iPosters. A record number of abstracts were submitted, including 179 submissions and 139 acceptances. Presenters covered pertinent topics in skin of color dermatology ranging from JAK inhibitors, skin cancer, and CCCA to health disparities, dismantling racism and more.  Recordings from this outstanding program can be accessed through the SOCS Dermatology E-Learning + Equity Platform (DEEP), for free as a SOCS member benefit, and to the public for a fee. The iPoster gallery from the 2023 Symposium can be viewed here.  

This program was supported by AbbVie, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, and Sanofi-Regeneron (Champion Level);  Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly and Company, Incyte Dermatology, Unilever/Dove/Vaseline (Ally Level); Arcutis Biotherapeutics (Partner Level); Avita Medical, Beiersdorf, Dermavant Sciences, Evolus, Ortho Dermatologics, Senté, Strata Skin Sciences and UCB (Friend Level); EltaMD, Google Health, HairStim, L’Oréal, Pfizer, and SkinCeuticals (Special Recognition).

The 20th Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium will take place on March 7, 2024 in conjunction with the 2024 AAD Annual Meeting in San Diego.

“As we reach our 20th anniversary, we are indebted to many skin of color dermatology pioneers, whose contributions led to tremendous advances in the field. As we face a very promising future, we are thankful for and strengthened by many SOCS leaders, members, supporters and collaborators who are helping us continue our work toward achieving true diversity, equity and inclusion in dermatology,” comments Dr. Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH, FAAD, SOCS President.

About the Skin of Color Society

The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) is an international professional dermatologic organization dedicated to achieving health equity and excellence in patient care through research, education, mentorship and advocacy. SOCS is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in dermatology to advance patient care. Established in 2004 by Susan C. Taylor, MD, SOCS includes members from more than 30 countries around the world. Learn more: www.skinofcolorsociety.org.

THE SKIN OF COLOR SOCIETY REACHES NEW HEIGHTS IN 2021 AS A GLOBAL ORGANIZATION OF DERMATOLOGISTS DEDICATED TO ACHIEVING HEALTH EQUITY & EXCELLENCE IN PATIENT CARE

(December 20, 2021--Chicago, IL)--The Skin of Color Society, (SOCS), an international professional organization dedicated to advancing skin of color dermatology through research, education, mentorship and advocacy, reports several record-setting accomplishments through its signature programs and important initiatives in 2021.
Highlights from the Society’s most active and successful year in its 18-year history include:

• The Society launched a groundbreaking online learning management system known as the SOCS Dermatology E-Learning and Equity Platform (DEEP), which enables members to learn straight from leading skin of color dermatology experts at their own pace, and earn continuing medical education (CME) credits through dermatology educational webinars and practice management content. This unique educational program is made possible by a grant from L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty Brands: SkinCeuticals, La Roche-Posay, and CeraVe.
• A major Dermatology Research Fellowship program was introduced this year, thanks to a collaboration with Pfizer Global Medical Grants and the Skin of Color Society Foundation, resulting in 14 fellowships awarded to 12 institutions in several regions across the United States.
• The SOCS 5th Annual Media Day, held virtually in November 2021, attracted a record number of media attendees, including health, medical, beauty and lifestyle editors, writers and content producers representing top dermatology, medical and consumer news outlets. The following Sponsors made this year’s Media Day possible: Janssen (Superfan level); Bristol Myers Squibb; Procter & Gamble; Scientis (Fan level); Revision Skincare; Lilly (Follower level); EltaMD (Supporter level).
• The 17th Annual Skin of Color Society Virtual Scientific Symposium, held in March 2021, drew in several hundred attendees representing 26 different countries. The well-attended scientific program featured eight invited speakers, who shared presentations and participated in live Q & A panels, six abstract presenters and a Next Generation panel discussion about the future of skin of color dermatology. This signature SOCS program was supported by Pfizer; Incyte Dermatology; Ortho Dermatologics; Arcutis; UCB; Dermavant; Scientis; Unilever (Dove, Vaseline & MELÉ); Almirall; Sanofi-Genzyme/Regeneron; Beiersdorf; Galderma; Janssen; Medscape Education; Glory Skincare, and SENTÉ.         
• Thanks to support from OrthoDermatologics and Pfizer, three Skin of Color Society Research Grants were awarded this year to: Courtney Johnson, MD, PhD for “Investigating the Molecular Differences of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas in Black Women for Personalized Therapeutic Options;” Nayoung Lee, MD for “Laser-Assisted Delivery of 5-Fluorouracil versus Triamcinolone in the Treatment of Keloids,” and Sarah Noor, MD for “Patterns of Chemotherapy and Endocrine Therapy-induced Alopecia in Black Patients with Breast Cancer.”             
• Thanks to support from Pfizer, the 2021 Career Development Award was given to Angel S. Byrd, MD, PhD, for her work, “Elucidating the Role of Autoantibodies in Hidradenitis Suppurativa.”
• Plans for the 18th Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium are well underway, with the program happening live and in-person on March 24, 2022 in Boston, MA, in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
• Scientific abstract submissions for the 18th Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium surged to 132 abstract applications for consideration, up from 86 submissions last year.
• The SOCS Mentorship Program, which connects young physicians with approved skin of color dermatology expert members, continued to grow and thrive in 2021, spanning the worlds of medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology in academic and private practice settings. An especially large and diverse group of SOCS members participated this year, including the following mentees and mentors:

• Mentees: Allene Fonseca, MD; Nicole Gunasekera; Geeta Ahuja, BS; Kandice Bailey, MD; Tara Akunna, MD; Sonali Batta, BA,MS; Severine Cao, MD; Anneylla Douglas, MD; Ali Malik, BS; Nickoo Merati, MSc; Ashley Obi; Imara-Safi Scott, MD; Obiageliaku Okafar, MS2; Krystina Quow; Britney Wilson, BA, MS; Seneca Hutson; Harry Chaocheng Liu; Zehra Rizvi; Nwanneka Okwundu’; ChrisLene Olukoga, BS; Melanie Williams, DO; Payal Patel, MD; Danyal Tahseen, MD; Julie Luu, OMS-II, and Amna Elyas, MD.
• Mentors: Donald Glass, II, MD, PhD; Andrew Alexis, MD, MPH; Naiara Barbosa, MD; Fran Cook-Bolden, MD; Kathleen Cruz Conceicao, VII, MD; Jennifer David, DO; DiAnne Davis, MD; Seemal R. Desai, MD; Yolanda Holmes, MD; Taranum Jaleel, MD; Brandi Kenner-Bell, MD; Eva Kerby, MD; Roopal Kundu, MD; Janiene Luke, MD; Amy McMichael, MD; Julia Mhlaba, MD; Vineet Mishra, MD; Tasneem Mohammed, MD; Peterson Pierre, MD; Rashmi Sarkar, MD; Helena Kuhn, MD; Farah Shah, MD; Andre Moreira Lemes, MD; and Sehar Ghannam, MD.

The SOCS Mentorship program has been supported in the recent past by the SOCS Diversity Movement Fund, including donations from: Urban Skin Rx, EltaMD, SENTÉ, SkinMedica, and many SOCS members who have made voluntary contributions.

• Thanks to support from EltaMD, Inc., SENTÉ and SkinMedica/Allergan, nine SOCS Observership Grants were awarded in 2021, including the following pairs of mentees and mentors: Mentee: Simi Cadmus, MD and Mentor: Crystal Aguh, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Department of Dermatology; Mentee: Caryn Cobb, BA and Mentor: Valerie Harvey, MD, Hampton Roads Center for Dermatology; Mentee: Elisabeth George, BA and Mentor: Susan Taylor, MD, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania; Mentee: Nwanneka Okwundu and Mentor: Amy McMichael, MD, Wake Forest Baptist Health-Department of Dermatology; Mentee: Angel Pagan, BS and Mentor: Emma Guttman-Yassky, MD, PhD, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Mentee: Matthew Pimentel, MD and Mentor: Ginette Okoye, MD, Howard University; Mentee: Natalia Rodriguez and Mentor: Susan Taylor, MD, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania; Mentee: Autumn Saizan, BS and Mentor: Nada Elbuluk, MD, MSc, Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California; and Mentee: Pearl Ugwu-Dike, BS and Mentor: Michi Shinohara, MD, University of Washington.
• SOCS Mentorship and Observership Grant Applications for 2022 closed in late 2021, with an all-time high of 94 mentorship applications and 27 observership applications submitted. Winners will be announced in Q1 2022.
• The popular SOCS Dermatology Diversity Town Hall series featured a virtual program on the Dermatology Residency Application Process, moderated by Drs. Crystal Aguh & Eva Kerby, SOCS Mentorship Committee Co-Chairs (September 2021). The panel of SOCS members included: Drs. Prince Adotama, Angel Diaz, Roopal Kundu, Janiene Luke, Tiffany Mayo, and Kanade Shinkai.
• Two SOCS Networking & Educational Symposia, supported by Pfizer, were presented virtually this past year: “Truths and Myths in Skin Aging and Skin Cancer in Darker Skin Types,” presented by Maritza Perez, MD, FAAD (April 2021); and “Advanced Dermatologic Procedures,” hosted by Rawn Bosley, MD, FAAD (February 2021).
• A first-ever SOCS Grant Writing Webinar was moderated by Dr. Katherine Ayoade and presented virtually by Drs. Donald Glass, Crystal Aguh and Angel Byrd (September 2021).
• In 2021, SOCS accepted 325 new members bringing the total to a record high of almost 1,200 members representing 35 countries.
• Throughout this year, SOCS continued with ongoing collaborations with SkinCeuticals, VisualDx (Project IMPACT) and CUTIS.
• Dermatology Times named two SOCS leaders to its Editorial Advisory Board: Valerie Harvey, MD, MPH, FAAD, SOCS President-elect, and Corey Hartman, MD, FAAD, SOCS Board member.
• In November 2021, the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates adopted a policy to “encourage comprehensive, inclusive and equitable representation of a diverse range of skin tones in all dermatologic and other relevant medical educational resources for medical students, physicians, non-physician health care providers and patients.” SOCS members Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, (SOCS Past President), and Klint Peebles, MD, along with members of the Dermatology Section of the AMA, provided testimony and worked passionately to amend key language, leading to the passage of this milestone AMA resolution.
• Earlier this year, SOCS leadership embarked on a comprehensive 5-year strategic planning process with Tecker International, which is nearing completion and will be shared publicly in early 2022.
• SOCS gratefully acknowledges record-level industry support in 2021 from a variety of sponsors.

“We are so grateful to our dedicated SOCS leaders, members and supporters who have helped us champion diversity, equity and inclusion in dermatology, expand our reach and deepen our impact around the world through many innovative and meaningful programs,” comments Donald A. Glass II, MD, PhD, FAAD, SOCS President.

About the Skin of Color Society

The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) is an international professional dermatologic organization dedicated to achieving health equity and excellence in patient care through research, education, mentorship and advocacy. SOCS is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in the field of dermatology to advance patient care. Established in 2004 by Susan C. Taylor, MD, SOCS has grown to include members from numerous countries around the world. www.skinofcolorsociety.org. Visit @skinofcolorsociety (Facebook/Instagram) & @SkinofColor (Twitter).

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