MEMBERS & PROFESSIONALS
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.
Mentee: Alondra Soto-González
Mentor: Tammy Gonzalez, MD, PhD
University of Miami
I had the privilege of being mentored by Dr. Tammy Gonzalez, MD, PhD, a distinguished research track resident at the University of Miami. Thanks to the SOCS Mentorship Program, she was one of the first individuals I connected with in the field of dermatology and has been a powerful example of representation and possibility. As a Puerto Rican aspiring dermatologist, having a mentor who shares my cultural background has made this journey even more meaningful. Her guidance has been instrumental in helping me feel capable, resilient, and supported as I pursue my professional goals.
Throughout the program, we engaged through phone calls, messages, and in person during the Society for Investigative Dermatology and American Academy of Dermatology meetings. These experiences allowed me to connect with leading experts, present my research, and strengthen my commitment to advancing diversity and representation within the field. Dr. Gonzalez consistently encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone, pursue new professional development opportunities, and expand my network within dermatology, particularly within Skin of Color initiatives.
With her guidance and help, I secured a research fellowship position at the University of Pennsylvania—the top dermatology program in the country—under the mentorship of Dr. Chiesa Fuxench, focusing on inflammatory skin disorders and epidemiology. This opportunity was further supported by a grant from the American Academy of Dermatology covering my living expenses. Dr. Gonzalez also encouraged me to continue leading my passion projects, including coordinating dermatology clinics for the houseless and racially diverse population in Puerto Rico—a community I have been committed to serving since 2019—and launching a community-centered study to address barriers to healthcare access.
The SOCS Mentorship Program profoundly strengthened my interest in Skin of Color dermatology by exposing me to critical conversations, mentorship, and research efforts that prioritize equitable care for diverse populations. It reaffirmed my dedication to ensuring that dermatologic education, research, and clinical care meet the needs of all skin types, colors, and backgrounds.
Meeting Dr. Gonzalez had a profound impact on my early career, empowering me to develop the skills needed to mentor and uplift others. I aspire to follow her example of excellence, compassion, and leadership while creating new pathways for diverse students in medicine. I am deeply grateful for the invaluable mentorship, opportunities, and inspiration this program
Mentee: Emily Balding
Mentor: Amy McMichael, MD
During the mentorship program, my mentor and I met approximately every three months via Webex for about 30 minutes. At these meetings, I was able to seek her counsel and advice regarding research, conferences, away rotations, and other derm-related opportunities. I was also able to update her on the progress I had made regarding previous things that we had discussed. This model helped to keep me accountable as I prepared for each meeting, making sure that I was staying on top of my goals and following through on what I had committed to. Through my mentor, I was able to join another student and a research fellow who were working on a case series regarding the trichoschopic findings of alopecia areata in patients with skin of color. This research project helped me to both grow in my understanding of skin of color and alopecia as well as further develop my research skills.
Our manuscript was recently accepted for publication! Furthermore, my mentor helped me to formulate my own research project based on my interest in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). This project has since evolved into two manuscripts based on a retrospective chart review, for which our IRB was recently approved. We are also planning to conduct a prospective study to evaluate the qualitative impact for patients of surgical management for HS lesions. My mentor was also able to give me personal advice on how to strengthen my application for residency, including focusing on meaningful contributions to the organizations I was already involved with rather than simply having a title. I was also encouraged to become more involved with our home dermatology program, including attending biweekly case conferences and the quarterly meetings - opportunities I had not been aware of. Most importantly, I have developed a strong relationship with my mentor through our time together and felt comfortable asking her to continue meeting informally during my fourth year. Altogether, I know that my journey toward dermatology has been immensely benefited by my SOCS mentorship experience.