Skin of Color Society Committees | Resources, Research, Meetings, Professional Development

2022-2023 Committees & Purpose

Committee Code of Conduct

Maintain the Society’s bylaws, which is the set of rules that guide its operations and activities.

To develop the resources of the Society.

At the 2016 SOCS annual meeting, the Diversity in Action Task Force was initiated with a primary goal to build supportive networks and resources to increase the number individuals who are underrepresented in dermatology.

Support the execution of proceeding and post summit activities from the Meeting the Challenge Summit: Diversity in Dermatology Clinical Trials, that took place on June 10-11, 2022, in Washington, DC, and to organize the defining race and ethnicity in dermatology round table for 2023.

Oversee SOCS finances, reserve fund and investment policy, making recommendations to the Board.

Responsible for encouraging international membership through national groups and international mentoring programs.

Comprehensive program that connects young physicians with an approved expert from SOCS.
Professional development meetings (in-person or virtual) 3 to 4 times per year to discuss goal-setting, practical ways to increase knowledge in skin of color and more.

To provide a liaison between International (African, Asian, Caribbean, South, Central and Latin America) and national organizations interested in skin of color (NMA and others).
To support attendance at international meetings.

To provide educational materials for individuals with skin of color.

To advance scientific study and promote investigative research of skin of color in the basic sciences, as well as in the clinical, surgical and cosmetic areas.
To compile a database of Society members interested in conducting research.
To form liaisons with industry to promote research on issues related to skin of color.

To organize and execute an annual Skin of Color Society Scientific Session prior to the American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting.
To compile a database of Society members interested in conducting research.
To promote the education of physicians, residents, and non-physician scientists in the unique properties, reaction patterns, and diseases that occur in individuals with skin of color, by encouraging courses in skin of color and other related topics at scientific meetings and dermatology training programs.
To inform Society members of meetings with subjects pertaining to skin of color.
To promote the exchange of information and ideas concerning skin of color.

To develop and maintain a robust and comprehensive website.
To develop and disseminate a newsletter for members.
Participate in social media.

SOCS is considering launching a journal and enlisting a consulting firm/consultant that specializes in journal feasibility work to investigate further after strategic planning. This Task Force will oversee this process.

Systematically vet the various proposals for image solicitation/collaboration SOCS has received from entities looking to create or expand skin of color image databases.

Research Award

Click here for more information on the Valeant Research Award.

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Cutis Journal

Read published peer-reviewed articles written your by Skin of Color Society members

Did You Know

Skin of color patients comprise the majority in California, New Mexico and Texas…and soon will be the majority in Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, New York and Florida.

By 2042, more than 50% of the US population will have skin of color.