Foundation

Institutional Research Fellowship

The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) will continue to support institution-based fellowship
opportunities with a research focus on dermatologic diseases in skin of color, particularly in
areas where further clinical, translational, and observational/
prospective research is needed. Programs with either established or emerging areas of research
focus are encouraged to apply.

Background
The ethnic and racial demographics of the United States are significantly changing. By the year
2040, people with skin of color will represent more than half of the U.S. population. There is an
increasing demand for understanding dermatologic conditions and treatments in patients with skin of
color, as well as an accompanying need for education in this growing patient population.

• Physicians must be adept at recognizing and effectively treating dermatologic disease states in
  patients with skin of color, including understanding the conditions, their patients’ viewpoints,
  and any hinderances to treatment compliance.
• Data and research on skin of color dermatologic diseases are limited. This overall lack of
  information contributes to the already existing healthcare disparities adversely affecting
  under-represented minorities. Contributing factors also include a workforce shortage, increased
  patient load, non-inclusive dermatologic training, and insufficient research involving racial and
  ethnic minorities.

Given the current dermatology workforce shortage, the increased patient load has the potential to
have detrimental and adverse effects on dermatologic care for under- represented minorities.
Additional concerns include the state of dermatologic training and insufficient research involving
racial and ethnic minorities.

This transformational research has been made possible thanks to the support from the following
industry partners.

Questions?

Please email the National Medical Association Dermatology Section (NMA Derm) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions regarding Phase I or the application process of the DiCR program.

Please reach out to the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) via phone at +1- 630-578-399 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions regarding Phase II of the DiCR program.

Valerie M. Harvey, MD, MPH, FAAD, Immediate Past President Chair

Cheri Frey, MD, FAAD Dermatology Section National Medical Association

We graciously acknowledge the support from Janssen/Johnson & Johnson for this program.

Learn about Johnson & Johnson’s Our Race to Health Equity initiative here.