Did you know? Dermatology practice managers and medical directors greatly value involvement in professional societies in evaluating job candidates!
It is well-documented that early involvement in professional societies encourages competence, confidence, and access to professional growth and lifelong learning opportunities. Beyond these clear benefits, involvement in a professional society like the Skin of Color Society is an important factor that hiring practice managers and medical directors look for and greatly value in job candidates. In fact, it can be one of the top things dermatology decision-makers use to help identify outstanding candidates who are taking their career development seriously.
In the words of SOCS Leader Valerie M. Harvey MD, MPH, FAAD:
"In the special interest area of skin of color dermatology in particular, joining the Skin of Color Society not only gives medical students and dermatology residents a wide array of unique opportunities in mentorship, networking, research, media, and advocacy, it says a lot about the individual and their commitment to professional and personal development!"
Who Can Join?
- Physicians and Board-Certified Dermatologists (or the international equivalent)
- Non-physicians with one or more advanced degrees (PhD, MS, MPH, PA, RPN, etc.)
- Residents, Research Fellows, or PhD candidates in good standing
- Medical Students in good standing
You do not have to be an individual with skin of color to be a member of the Skin of Color Society. We welcome all races and ethnicities of qualified professionals who have a special interest and training in skin of color dermatology.
In addition to this important advantage, there are numerous other valuable, unique benefits to belonging to the Skin of Color Society for dermatologists at all career stages, including:
“I am absolutely thrilled with the trajectory of SOCS since we began in 2004. When we look at how the membership has grown, it’s so rewarding to see the expansion in the numbers of members involved, as well as our diversity and the wide range of valuable programs and activities we now offer.”
Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, SOCS Founder
"I wouldn’t be the kind of dermatologist I am without the Skin of Color Society. I think it has really shaped who I am as a physician, as a person. I’ve learned a lot more about diversity, about my patients. I ask more questions. Hopefully I am better at what I do because of it.”
Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, FAAD, SOCS Member & Early Career Innovations Grant Founder
“I’m constantly learning new things from my colleagues and co-members who are in this organization. Every day, I’m able to use something that I’m learning from one of my colleagues and incorporate that into my everyday practice.”
Crystal Aguh, MD, MPH, FAAD, SOCS Board Member
- Connection, collegiality, and camaraderie with an international community of colleagues and mentors who share a passion for skin of color dermatology, and a commitment to achieving health equities in patient care.
- Free access to the Dermatology E-Learning + Equity Platform (DEEP), our groundbreaking learning management system (LMS) that enables members to learn straight from leading skin of color dermatology experts at your own pace, access physician-only education and earn CME credit through dermatology educational webinars, as well as practice management content.
- Eligibility to apply for SOCS Mentorship and Observership Awards.
- Eligibility to apply for SOCS Research, Career Development, Institutional Research Fellowship Award, and Early Career Innovations Award.
- Reduced registration fees for the Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium, which brings together top researchers from around the USA and the world, who present new research in skin of color dermatology, share key insights, and discuss the continuing evolution of the field.
- Access to abstracts and summaries of Annual Scientific Symposia.
- Priority access to virtual and in-person Networking & Educational Symposia and other outstanding enrichment programs, as well as the eligibility to host these educational programs.
- Exciting opportunities to develop professionally, gain leadership skills and share your expertise with the media and the public, including: Board, Committee, and Task Force Volunteer Opportunities.
- Opportunity to judge Scientific Symposia presentations.
- Media and public speaking opportunities through the SOCS Speaks program.
- Eligibility to be featured in SOCS Social Media and digital spotlights.
- Inclusion in the SOCS Find a Doctor Database.
- Inclusion in the SOCS Membership Directory.
- Reduced registration to educational events hosted by collaborative partners.
- Access to Members-Only section.