We are thrilled to introduce a groundbreaking initiative led by SOCS President Victoria Barbosa, MD, MPH, MBA, FAAD, known as the SOCS Center for Leadership (CFL). The Center’s mission is to develop leaders who will drive the dermatology field forward with innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.
As Dr. Barbosa remarked in her stirring address at the 20th Annual Scientific Symposium,
“We need leaders in SOCS and leaders in other organizations. We have to be in the room where it happens in order to help our patients!”
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. This groundbreaking initiative integrates comprehensive leadership training with cultural awareness and humility, empowering 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 Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
| Application Timeline |
| Application Launch: Tuesday, January 28, 2024 |
| Application Deadline: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 |
| Cohort Selection Notification: Week of March 3, 2025 |
| In-Person Retreat: July 17-18, 2025 in Chicago, IL (in advance of the 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.
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.
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On Demand Webinar Coming Soon! 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. |
| On Demand Webinar Coming Soon! 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. |
| February 2025: Topic and Date Coming Soon! |
Resident Opportunities
Inaugural Resident Leadership Award
The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) Center for Leadership is excited to announce the Inaugural Resident Leadership Award. This award honors two dermatology residents who have demonstrated exemplary leadership during their medical training, especially in the field of skin of color dermatology.
- Award Name: Inaugural Resident Leadership Award
- Number of Awards: 2 per year
- Award Amount: $2,000 per recipient
- Membership: Individuals who maintain active membership in SOCS with up-to-date dues payment.
- Are currently enrolled in a dermatology residency program within the United States.
- Attendance: Awardees must commit to attending the SOCS Annual Symposium in March 2025. (A travel stipend will be provided to defray the cost of travel)
- Returning Applicants: Trainees who were not selected in previous years are encouraged to reapply each year for consideration.
- Completed application form
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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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.