We are thrilled to introduce a groundbreaking initiative, the SOCS Center for Leadership (CFL), led by Victoria Barbosa, MD, MPH, MBA, FAAD, during her 2024–2025 SOCS presidency. The Center’s mission is to develop leaders who will drive the dermatology field forward with innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.

The innovative curriculum will include live and on-demand online programming, as well as a more structured cohort experience that blends webinars and online community with an immersive, in-person leadership development program that will be tailored to individual needs, interests and aspirations. 

As Dr. Barbosa remarked in her stirring address at the 20th Annual Scientific Symposium,

---

Learning Collaborative Request for Applications (RFA)

Background
The SOCS Center for Leadership (CFL) is dedicated to enhancing the skills of current leaders and advancing the next generation of leaders in skin of color dermatology. Through comprehensive leadership training, this groundbreaking initiative empowers participants to lead effectively and champion health equity within dermatology and beyond.

The CFL Learning Collaborative offers participants access to a 6-month hybrid training format, including a series of webinars and an immersive in-person retreat, designed to foster education, meaningful growth and networking opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Individuals who maintain active membership in SOCS with up-to-date dues payment.
• Must be a board-certified dermatologist currently engaged in part-time or full-time patient care.
• Demonstrate an interest in addressing healthcare disparities and promoting health equity in dermatology.
• Commit to participating in an in-person retreat on July 17-18, 2025, in Chicago, IL (in advance of the NMA meeting).
• Commit to completing any pre-work that may be assigned prior to the in-person retreat. If assigned, any pre-work will be minimal and designed to enhance your retreat experience.
• Commit to participating in 5 subsequent virtual sessions (August, September, October, November, December).

Application Details
Applicants must submit the completed application form by March 28, 2025.

 

Application Timeline

Application Launch: Tuesday, January 28, 2024

Application Deadline: Friday, March 28, 2025

In-Person Retreat: July 17-18, 2025 in Chicago, IL (costs will be covered) -in advance of NMA meeting

Virtual Learning Series: Continuing post-retreat through 2025

Selection Process
A competitive application process will identify a select cohort of 10 emerging leaders who will receive personalized training and support to enhance their leadership skills and amplify their impact.

We look forward to reviewing your application and partnering with you on this transformative journey to become a leader in dermatology and an advocate for health equity.

Apply Today

---

Webinar Series

We are offering a comprehensive leadership education through a health equity lens. The innovative curriculum will include live and on-demand online programming, as well as a more structured cohort experience that blends webinars and online community with an immersive, in-person leadership development program that will be tailored to individual needs, interests and aspirations.

Webinar 1: Masterclass in Social Media—Featuring SOCS leaders Drs. Corey L. Hartman and Suchismita (Tia) Paul, who will share their secrets for their strong success and high engagement on social media.

Webinar 2: Developing Your National Leadership Potential— Featuring Drs. Victoria Barbosa, Valerie Callender, and Seemal Desai for a fascinating one-hour webinar on navigating opportunities and advancing your career through leadership roles in national medical organizations.

Webinar 3: Clinicians as Changemakers: Advocacy from the Ground Up—Join Drs. Elizabeth Kiracofe and Avery LaChance for this one-hour webinar that will take place on Wednesday, April 23 from 7–8 pm CT, and will empower you to harness your voice to make a difference in the policies that shape patient care and professional practice.

---

Resident Opportunities

Annual Resident Leadership Award

The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) Center for Leadership provides an Annual Resident Leadership Award to honor two dermatology residents who have demonstrated exemplary leadership during their medical training, especially in the field of skin of color dermatology.

• Completed application form

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Two letters of support (One letter must be from applicant’s Program Director)

---

Resident Needs Assessment
The SOCS Resident Needs Assessment aims to gather valuable insights from dermatology residents to better understand their career aspirations, challenges, and needs. This feedback will directly inform SOCS initiatives, ensuring programs and resources are tailored to support residents effectively, particularly in areas like leadership development and career guidance.

• SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK