Mentee: Vivian Iloabuchi
Mentor: Margaret Lee
Department of Dermatology at Boston Medical Center
Experience at BMC through SOCS Observership Grant
My time rotating through the Department of Dermatology at Boston Medical Center (BMC) was an incredibly enriching experience. I had the privilege of working closely with my mentor, Dr. Margaret Lee, a pediatric dermatologist, while also completing this rotation as a fourth-year medical student on an away elective. Over the course of four weeks, I collaborated with several faculty members and residents, gaining exposure to diverse perspectives and clinical approaches.
BMC serves as the safety-net hospital for the Boston area, and the patient population is remarkably diverse. I learned that the Boston metro area has the largest foreign-born Black population share of any large U.S. metro, which deeply shaped the clinical experience. I quickly became comfortable using Haitian-Creole, Spanish, Cape Verdean Creole, and Portuguese interpreters during 15-minute clinic visits, enhancing my communication skills and cultural competency.
During my time at BMC, my mentor and I received IRB approval for our research project and began recruiting patients. Our ethnographic study focuses on understanding haircare practices adopted by caregivers of children with tightly coiled or afro-textured hair, aiming to identify knowledge gaps where pediatricians and dermatologists can better support families. I am excited to see what insights the field can gain from this project.
Clinically, I was challenged to grow beyond my comfort zone. Faculty had high expectations, which pushed me to work harder and rise to the occasion. I was entrusted with taking the lead on procedures with adequate guidance. One day I was drawing up Kenalog and injecting keloid lesions and another day I was injecting Botox into the axillae for hyperhidrosis. These opportunities built both my technical skills and my confidence.
Equally meaningful was the culture of teaching at BMC. From engaging grand rounds and didactic sessions every Wednesday to impromptu Kodachrome reviews between clinics, faculty were deeply invested in trainee education. As a medical student, I was never sidelined; instead, I was encouraged to describe lesions, propose differentials, and actively participate in discussions. My clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills grew immensely in just a few short weeks.
I am deeply grateful to the Skin of Color Society for making this experience possible through their grant. Without this support, I would not have been able to afford my time in Boston. I am also thankful to my mentor for challenging me to grow in a supportive environment and to the residents, faculty, nurses, and medical assistants who welcomed me kindly and offered guidance. This observership has profoundly shaped my career trajectory and is an experience I will carry forward with me always.