Diversity in Clinical Research Mentoring Program

The Skin of Color Society, in conjunction with the NMA Dermatology Section, is proud to present the Diversity in Clinical Research (DiCR) Mentorship Program. This mentorship program is intended to:

• Develop the skills of the dermatology investigators of tomorrow
• Offer support to the underrepresented minority (URM) investigators
• Propel the career development of mentee
• Provide an experience that mirrors conducting industry-sponsored research
• Acquire the knowledge needed to run a successful and high-quality research program

We believe a diverse research workforce is essential, as it builds trust for clinical research in underserved populations.

DiCR Mentorship Program Overview

The DiCR Mentorship program will select 7-10 board-certified dermatologists (mentees) from racial/ethnic groups underrepresented in medicine with little or no clinical trials experience. They will receive a didactic online course (Phase I) an in-person 8 hour training (Phase II), and longitudinal mentorship experience (Phase III) .

Mentees will be required to successfully complete Phase I of the program in order to move onto subsequent phases.

Phase I: Online Course (NMA Dermatology Section): March 22 - July 12, 2025

Mentees will participate in an 8-part online course (Foundations & Principles of Clinical Trials). These 2-hour sessions will run every other Saturday from March 22nd through July 12th.

Topics include:

• Introduction Basic Clinical Research
• Drug Development Process
• FDA Code of Federal Regulations
• International Council of Harmonization: Good Clinical Practices
• Institutional Review Board/Independent Ethics Committee
• Investigational New Drug Safety Reporting
• Implementing Protocols and working with Clinical Research Associates
• Dermatology Protocol Review

Phase II: In-Person Training/Meet Your Mentor: Friday, July 18, 2025 | Chicago, IL

After successful completion of Phase I course work, mentees will attend an 8-hour in-person training on July 18th, in Chicago, IL.

Travel stipend: SOCS will provide a travel stipend to cover airfare and 2 nights hotel accommodation, provided selected mentees submit their travel expenses. Mentees will be responsible for booking their own airfare and hotel for the in-person training.

Phase III: Longitudinal Mentorship (Skin of Color Society): August - December 2026

Mentees will have the option to continue professional development through longitudinal mentorship until December 2026.

Mentors and mentees will have access to a 12-week curriculum as a reference guide/tool-kit.

Topics include:

• Clinical Research Site Terminology and Basic Research Site Concepts
• Finding Studies/Sponsor-Clinical Research Organizations (CRO)
• Confidentiality Disclosure Agreement/Feasibility Questionnaire/Protocol Synopsis
• Pre-Study Site Selection Visit/ First Interaction with Study Monitor
• Study Start Up Procedures, Clinical Trial Agreement/Study Budget
• Site Initiation Visits (SIV)
• Protocol Implementation and Execution at the Clinical Research Site
• Study Vendor Details and Subject Recruitment
• How to work with Study Monitor/ First Interim Monitoring Visit
• Study Maintenance
• Close Out Visits
• Audits

Call for Applications

The Skin of Color Society, in conjunction with the NMA Dermatology Section, is seeking board-certified dermatologists (mentees) from racial/ethnic groups underrepresented in medicine with little or no clinical trials experience to participate in the DiCR Mentorship program. At this time we are only accepting applications from applicants in the United States.

Mentee Eligibility Criteria:

• Participants must be existing members of NMA Derm Section or SOCS (in-progress applications will be considered)
• Has limited clinical trials experience (<2-3 trials completed)
• Must be interested in establishing or expanding their clinical research program
• Must have completed GCP/CITI or equivalent training
• Can have previous experience with NMA/NMF/other Clinical Research Certification program
• Must be a board-certified or board-eligible dermatologist
• Must provide a letter from their institution confirming that one day per week or 20% of their time is allocated for protected research activities.

Application Deadline:

Submit your mentee application by December 1, 2024.

Apply

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 or III of the DiCR program.

A Future With Diversity Starts Now

Cheri Frey, MD, FAAD
Chair
​Dermatology Section
National Medical Association

 

Jenna Lester, MD, FAAD
Diversity in Clinical Research Mentorship Task Force
​Co-Chair
Skin of Color Society

Tarannum Jaleel, MD, MHSc
Diversity in Clinical Research Mentorship Task Force Co-Chair
Skin of Color Society

Porcia B. Love MD, FAAD
Diversity in Clinical Research Mentorship Task Force
​Co-Chair
National Medical Association

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