MEMBERS & PROFESSIONALS
Mentee: Chiagoziem Ohamadike
Mentor: Jessica Mercer, MD
As a mentee in the SOCS mentorship program, I had gained meaningful insight into what it means to be a dermatologist. Regular meetings with my mentor helped me explore career pathways within dermatology, as well as how to intentionally engage in research and excel
during medical school rotations. Dr. Mercer was especially supportive throughout the experience. She attended my oral presentation at AAD, which was both encouraging and memorable. She was also consistently accessible for questions about preparing for residency applications, including guidance on away rotations and developing a strong personal statement. Overall, the program strengthened my understanding of the field and helped me develop a clearer sense of direction for my future training and professional goals.
Mentee: Aliyah King, MD
Mentor: Monica Li, MD
I am honoured to have participated in the Skin of Color Society Mentorship Program under the mentorship of Dr. Monica Li at the University of British Columbia Department of Dermatology and Skin Science. Building on my prior Skin of Color Society Observership Grant with Dr. Li, this experience grew into a longitudinal mentorship centered on clinical learning, research, professional development, and a shared commitment to advancing equitable dermatologic care for patients with diverse skin tones. Dr. Li’s generosity, encouragement, and thoughtfulness have shaped the mentor, collaborator, and physician I aspire to become.
I am humbled to soon be joining Dr. Li and the University of British Columbia Department of Dermatology and Skin Science as an incoming dermatology resident. I am sincerely thankful to the Skin of Color Society for supporting a mentorship experience that has had a lasting impact on my dermatology journey, and I look forward to continuing to learn from and contribute to this community.
Mentee: Mitchell T. Hanson, BS
Mentor: David Thomas Harvey, MD
During the 2025–2026 SOCS Mentorship Program, I had the privilege of being mentored by David Harvey during a pivotal stage of my medical training while applying into dermatology residency. We first connected at the 2025 AAD Annual Meeting, which was my first national dermatology conference, where I was inspired not only by his clinical leadership but also by his entrepreneurial vision and campaign for the Board of Directors. Through this mentorship, I gained exposure to aspects of dermatology and practice-building that I had never previously encountered before in rural GA.
Together, we collaborated on multiple initiatives, including work with the DermElevate Scholarship Initiative where I served on the executive board to provide mentorship and financial support for underrepresented minority students pursuing careers in medicine. Dr. Harvey also entrusted me with leading a quality improvement publication in JAAD International and additional ongoing projects that have since led to national presentations, including at the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery meetings. Most importantly, this program fostered a lifelong mentorship and professional relationship that I will continue carrying with me as I begin residency at Mass General for Children and re-apply dermatology this fall following further reflection on what I hope to achieve in the field.
Mentee: Brianna Green, BSc
Mentor: Victoria Guerra Farley, MD
I was paired with Dr. Victoria Guerra Farley, a dermatologist at Vivida Dermatology. We had meaningful discussions about the career paths in dermatology. She spoke about her personal experience running clinical trials and incorporating research into your career no matter what path. We bonded over our shared need to have equity in medicine, and that starts by making sure clinical trials are well representative of the patients we treat, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. During this mentorship I attended professional development meetings with Dr. Farley, such as AAD and SOCS 2026. Dr. Farley was also very helpful in providing me tangible advice preparing my application for residency. She gave insight into how to be the best student and future resident I could. Lastly, she was truly a kind mentor who cared deeply about me, my ambitions, and as such gave me the motivation to keep achieving my academic goals.
Mentee: Hermon Feron, BA
Mentor: Iltefat Hamzavi, MD
I had a wonderful experience as an SOCS mentee under the mentorship of Dr. Iltefat Hamzavi. He provided very practical and actionable advice that I was able to implement during the end of my third year of medical school. Through his guidance, I learned strategies for reaching out to physicians, building professional relationships, and navigating the process of finding dermatology research opportunities. Ultimately, this helped me secure a dedicated dermatology research year at UT Southwestern Medical Center under the mentorship of Dr. Alice Gottlieb.
One of the most impactful lessons he emphasized was the importance of being a well-rounded applicant and authentically expressing who you are outside of medicine. He encouraged me to highlight the passions, experiences, and values that shape me as a future physician rather than focusing solely on academic achievements.
He also emphasized the importance of truly knowing the programs and institutions you apply to. He encouraged me to take the time to learn each program’s mission, patient population, and strengths so I could clearly communicate why I was genuinely interested in that specific environment and training experience.
Beyond his advice, Dr. Hamzavi was an incredibly supportive mentor who made time to meet with me, answer questions thoughtfully, and provide honest guidance throughout the process. His mentorship gave me a clearer understanding of what it means to grow into not only a strong dermatology applicant, but also a more intentional future physician.