Mentee Experiences

Mentee Efia Nuako, BS with mentor Leandra Barnes, MD
Stanford University

I completed my SOCS Observership with Dr. Leandra Barnes at Stanford University and  alongside another student, Brianna Watson. I had a great experience during my 4 weeks at  Stanford! During our time, Brianna and I were exposed to several subspecialties in  dermatology. We had the opportunity to work with general dermatologists, dermato oncologists, and a gynecologic dermatologist. Additionally, Dr. Barnes is a Hidradenitis  Suppurativa specialist and has a focused HS clinic, as well as a Skin of Color clinic. We were  able to observe HS deroofing surgeries, which is a procedure I had never seen before. Working  with her in these clinics allowed me to learn more about skin conditions which are more  common in patients with Skin of Color, as well as how conditions present on different skin  tones. 

Brianna and I also attended events which immersed us in the community, such as the  Karasek Annual Lecture in Dermatology and the Stanford Community Health Fair. Dr. Barnes  even gave us the opportunity to present at Grand Rounds! Preparing a case and presenting it  at Grand Rounds was a valuable learning experience, as Dr. Barnes gave us feedback and tips  on how to best engage the audience. To supplement our experience, Brianna and I also had  protected time to work on research projects. This focused time on research was beneficial  because it allowed us to refine research skills and work directly with our mentor in person.  Overall, this observership was a great opportunity to learn more about all aspects of  dermatology, including community outreach and research!

Mentor Dr. Rashmi Sarkar with mentee Dr. Vignesh Narayan R

Under the mentorship of Dr. Rashmi Sarkar ma'am , a distinguished figure in dermatology, my journey  into the realm of skin of color has been profoundly enriching. Throughout the mentorship program, I  actively engaged in various collaborative endeavors that have significantly shaped my career aspirations  and deepened my understanding of dermatological nuances specific to diverse skin types. 

One highlight of this mentorship journey was the opportunity to contribute to the release of a  monograph on melasma, where I co-authored chapters on photoprotection and etiopathogenesis.  Additionally, participating in the tranexamic acid expert consensus paper facilitated invaluable  networking and collaboration experiences, further solidifying my expertise in this area. 

Furthermore, co-authoring articles on topics such as the unmet needs of mentorship in India and  adolescent atopic dermatitis not only broadened my research horizons but also enabled me to address  pertinent issues within the field. The guidance received extended beyond academia, as demonstrated by  ma'am's heartfelt involvement in personal milestones, such as my wedding, reflecting a mentorship  that transcends professional boundaries. 

Moreover, the opportunity to serve as a co-editor for a forthcoming book on vitiligo underscored the  trust and confidence bestowed upon me by my mentor. Engaging in the review process of international  articles enhanced my critical appraisal skills while fostering a global perspective on dermatological  advancements. 

Dr. Rashmi ma'am's mentorship went beyond scholarly pursuits, encompassing practical skills such as  effective presentation techniques and publication management. Her unwavering support and  encouragement, evident in her presence at the release of the residream magazine, where I served as  convenor and editor-in-chief, epitomize her commitment to nurturing emerging talents. 

In essence, Dr. Rashmi Sarkar ma'am's mentorship has not only sharpened my academic prowess but  also instilled in me the values of compassion, collaboration, and effective communication essential for  success in dermatology. As I embark on the next phase of my career journey, I am profoundly grateful  for her guidance and unwavering support, which have undoubtedly shaped me into a more confident and capable professional.Additionally, I extend my sincere thanks to the Skin of Color Society for  providing such a wonderful mentorship program.

Mentor Pamela Allen, MD with mentee Angelica Zambrano

Being accepted to join the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) Mentorship Program with Dr. Allen as my Dermatology mentor has been an invaluable experience that has immensely enhanced my journey to Dermatology. Through virtual meetings and frequent email communication, Dr. Allen's mentorship has fostered a supportive and encouraging environment that greatly contributed to my growth as a budding Dermatologist. As a student of Texas Tech HSC El Paso, which does not have a home Dermatology program, the mentorship offered through SOCS filled a crucial void, providing me with the guidance and resources necessary to navigate the field. Through the mentorship program, I not only solidified my resolve to pursue a career in Dermatology but also gained invaluable insights and resources that have laid a strong foundation for my future endeavors.

Our interactions over Zoom were not merely check-ins but rather engaging sessions where Dr. Allen offered insightful guidance, shared her wealth of knowledge, and provided constructive feedback on various aspects of my Dermatology application. One of the most pivotal moments of our mentorship journey came when Dr. Allen suggested a Dermatology journal to submit my case report. Her recommendation proved to be instrumental in securing my first-ever Dermatology publication—an achievement I had long aspired for.

Beyond academic achievements, Dr. Allen also played a crucial role in helping me navigate the intricate landscape of away rotations. Her advice on selecting locations and programs tailored to my interests proved invaluable in making informed decisions that aligned with my career aspirations as a Dermatopathologist. In a field as competitive and multifaceted as Dermatology, having a mentor like Dr. Allen provided me with the clarity and confidence needed to navigate this complex process.

In conclusion, I am very grateful to SOCS for providing me with the platform to connect with Dr. Pamela Allen and for facilitating a mentorship experience that has been nothing short of transformative. Her unwavering support, expert guidance, and genuine interest in my growth have not only bolstered my confidence but also equipped me with the necessary tools to pursue my passion.

Mentee: Robyn G. Ku, BS
Mentor: Jessica Shiu, MD, PhD
Duke University School of Medicine

I completed a 2.5-week observership at the UCI Department of Dermatology with Dr. Jessica Shiu. During this observership, I gained valuable insight into her career as a physician-scientist. I was able to join her in clinic and work with both her and UCI residents to see a variety of patients. The patient population in Irvine is demographically different from the patient population in Durham, providing valuable experience in caring for skin of color patients with different skin tones and needs.

I joined Dr. Shiu in lab where her current research fellow oriented me to the basic science research and clinical trials her lab is currently conducting for both melanoma and vitiligo. My current research is primarily clinical and retrospective in nature. Having an opportunity to learn about ongoing translational research and how clinical trials are conducted was a valuable introduction into what other types of research I can conduct as a dermatologist.

I also had an opportunity to work with other attendings at UCI who enhanced my experience during this observership. I joined Dr. Aditi A. Sharma in her clinic where I learned about how to tailor laser hair removal treatment to skin of color patients. She also took the time to review a research article examining treatment of melasma in skin of color patients. I appreciated her dedication to providing skin of color related education during clinic.

Overall, the SOCS observership grant allowed me to work with attendings and residents I would not have otherwise had a chance to during medical school. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn about ongoing skin of color research and treatment advances in the field. Working at another institution allowed me to gain a better understanding on how different dermatology departments function which has been valuable as I decide the program qualities I am looking for when I apply to residency this Fall. I am especially grateful that I now have additional mentors who I can turn to for advice and support during residency and beyond.