MEMBERS & PROFESSIONALS
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!
Mentee: Akash Rau, BS
Mentor: Frank Wang, MD
My experience in the SOCS Mentorship Program was incredibly meaningful, largely due to the mentorship of Dr. Frank Wang, Associate Program Director of the University of Michigan Dermatology residency. From the beginning, Dr. Wang demonstrated a genuine investment in my growth, consistently making himself available to meet whenever I needed guidance. He was remarkably approachable and generous with his time, which made a significant difference in my experience.
He provided thoughtful, candid advice at every stage of the dermatology residency application process, helping me better understand how to strengthen my candidacy and approach decisions strategically. One of the most impactful aspects of his mentorship was his detailed feedback on my personal statement. He worked closely with me to refine it in a way that clearly conveyed my motivations and experiences.
Additionally, having the opportunity to learn from someone in his leadership position offered unique insight into how residency programs evaluate applicants and what qualities truly stand out. His perspective as an APD gave me a clearer understanding of the application process from the program side, which was invaluable. Overall, his mentorship not only strengthened my application but also gave me greater confidence and clarity as I pursue a career in dermatology.
Mentee: Neeha Sohail, MBA
Mentor: Ashley Ojeaga, MPH, MD
I really appreciated how my mentor consistently went above and beyond to support me throughout this process. From the very beginning, she was incredibly kind, approachable, and genuinely invested in both my personal and professional growth. She always made herself available to answer my questions and took the time to provide thoughtful guidance whenever I needed advice or reassurance.
She played a major role in helping me strengthen my CV, navigate applications, and become more involved in research opportunities. Her willingness to mentor me in so many different aspects of my career development made a tremendous impact on my confidence and growth throughout this experience. Beyond academics and applications, she also welcomed me to shadow her in her private practice, which gave me valuable firsthand exposure and insight that I otherwise would not have had.
What stood out most was how supportive and encouraging she was every step of the way. She created an environment where I felt comfortable asking questions, learning, and growing, and it was clear that she truly cared about helping students succeed. Her mentorship made this experience incredibly meaningful, educational, and inspiring, and I am sincerely grateful for all of the time, effort, and encouragement she invested in me.
Mentee: Mallory A. Von Lotten, MS
Mentor: Amaris Nicole Geisler, MD
My experience in the 2025–2026 SOCS Mentorship Program was incredibly meaningful and supportive during such an important stage of my dermatology journey. I was paired with Dr. Amaris Geisler from Emory, who was a graduating fourth-year dermatology resident at the time, and her mentorship was invaluable throughout the residency application and match cycle process.
Dr. Geisler provided guidance not only on strengthening my application, but also on how to organize and present my research, leadership experiences, and overall story in a way that felt authentic to me. What I appreciated most was having someone who truly understood the challenges and emotions of the application season from a recent resident perspective. She consistently offered encouragement, honest advice, and reassurance during a very stressful time.
Although she had already graduated by the time I completed my away rotation at Emory, we were still able to meet for lunch and reconnect in person. Our conversations about navigating the match process, maintaining perspective, and balancing personal and professional growth were incredibly impactful for me. I am very grateful for her mentorship, support, and willingness to continue staying connected even beyond the formal mentorship program. We still keep in touch, and I truly value having her in my corner as I continue forward in my career.
Mentee: Ayana N. Crawl-Bey, BS
Mentor: Valerie D. Callender, MD
Dr. Callender has been a wonderful mentor for me throughout my experience. We connect so well, and I have been able to help her with a number of projects - including clinical experiences within her practice, various lectures and talks, a book chapter for chemical peels in melasma, and with her work in the American Acne and Rosacea Society. We talk very regularly, and I plan to continue keeping in contact with her throughout my career and working on more projects to come - I appreciate her warm and kind presence and admire her leadership in the field of dermatology and as a pioneer in skin of color. She's amazing!