PATIENTS & PUBLIC
Officers
President – Victoria Barbosa, MD, MPH, MBA, FAAD
President-Elect – Nada Elbuluk, MD, MSc, FAAD
Secretary/Treasurer – Shawn Kwatra, MD, FAAD
Immediate Past President – Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH, FAAD
The Skin of Color Society Board of Directors
Prince Adotama, MD, FAAD
Murad Alam, MD, MSCI, MBA, FAAD
Pamela S. Allen, MD, FAAD
Naiara Barbosa, MD, FAAD
Tarannum Jaleel, MD, FAAD
Jenna C. Lester, MD, FAAD
Janiene Luke, MD, FAAD
Tiffany T. Mayo, MD, FAAD
E. Nikki Pritchett, MD, MPH, FAAD
Mary Thomas, DNB, FRCPC, FAAD
Jane Yoo, MD, FAAD
Founding Members
Victoria Barbosa, MD, FAAD
Valerie D. Callender, MD, FAAD
Vincent DeLeo, MD, FAAD
Pearl Grimes, MD, FAAD
Aditya Gupta, MD, FAAD
Rebat Halder, MD, FAAD
Sewon Kang, MD, FAAD
A. Paul Kelly, MD, FAAD
Henry W. Lim, MD, FAAD
Amit G. Pandya, MD, FAAD
Marta I. Rendon, MD, FAAD
David Rodriquez, MD, FAAD
Miguel Sanchez, MD, FAAD
Richard Scher, MD, FAAD
Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD
Analysis of the population of the United States reveals that there will be a dramatic shift in the country’s demographics in the 21st century. The United States is rapidly becoming a country in which the majority of citizens have pigmented skin, which is also referred to as skin of color.
These changes in national and regional demographics, as well as international population shifts, underscore the need and importance of a thorough understanding of skin of color. The dermatology community may be faced with cutaneous diseases that occur more often in people with pigmented skin, present differently, inadequately understood, or are unique to this population. An increase in the body of dermatological literature concerning skin of color as well as the advancement of both basic science and clinical investigational research is necessary to meet the needs of the expanding skin of color population.
African American, Latino, Asian, Native Indian and Pacific Islander communities often have an inadequate understanding of the root causes of skin diseases that commonly affect them. Furthermore, they often face numerous challenges in their attempts to find information about these diseases. Many individuals of color adhere to misconceptions about the causes and potential cures for these diseases, and spend considerable financial resources on ineffectual non-prescription, folk, or home therapies.
We are dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion in dermatology.
EQUITY: We ensure inclusivity and diversity to achieve health equities in patient care.
EXCELLENCE: We leverage our recognition and authority within dermatology, the house of medicine, and the public as experts in skin of color dermatology.
MENTORSHIP: We value mentorship as a leadership development tool to foster a diverse workforce at all levels, developing and empowering future leaders in the field.
RESEARCH and INNOVATION: We lead research and innovation through our diverse array of advanced research activities, leveraging collaborations with domestic and international corporations and organizations.
EDUCATION: We educate the public, partners, and colleagues in support of our mission and noble purpose.
The Institutional Research Fellowship Grant (IRF) program provides outstanding opportunities for underrepresented minority (URM) physicians to conduct research on skin of color dermatologic conditions and train for and assume leadership roles in clinical care, public policy, health services research and biomedical research.
Application Closed
Application Deadline: October 15, 2024; 11:59pm CTThe Institutional Research Fellowship (IRF) is a groundbreaking initiative that supports critical research on dermatologic diseases in skin of color and provides valuable opportunities for physicians of color, who are disproportionately underrepresented in dermatology and medicine. SOCS recognizes the dire need to address these healthcare disparities and is working to increase the number of physicians from diverse backgrounds who can provide culturally competent care to these often—underserved communities.
The Skin of Color Society Early Career Innovations Award will provide startup funding for young visionaries and innovators who have creative solutions addressing needs and opportunities within the skin of color dermatology ecosystem. Funding can be used to develop an idea or help advance or scale up an idea in progress.
Application Open!
Application Deadline: November 14, 2024; Noon CT
APPLY
“Shark Tank” meets Skin of Color Dermatology in this exciting new award program geared toward young visionaries with innovative ideas and creative solutions that need startup funding!
This exciting program was established in 2022, thanks to the vision and generosity of SOCS member Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, FAAD. In the future, we hope to build this fund through matching grants from corporate and individual supporters.
Eligibility: U.S. based SOCS members who are students, residents, junior faculty and early career professionals are eligible to apply. Pending members with a complete application are also eligible.
Judging: All entries will be reviewed by a panel of SOCS leaders. Up to two finalists will be selected to present their idea in-person at the SOCS Symposium on March 6, 2025
Focus areas: funding will be awarded to help with the development of new ideas and innovations to improve:
Access to healthcare
Physician training and education
Patient care
Patient education/communications
Technological approaches to service, information and communications
Community service
Other ideas relevant to patients of color
Application requirements: Project name, Project status, Project summary, Use of funds (narrative), Budget (PDF), Supporting documents (optional, PDF), Evaluation plan, Commitment to update SOCS, Personal contact information, Department Chair/Supervisor contact information
Funding can be used to develop an idea or help advance or scale up an idea in progress.
