We are thrilled to introduce a groundbreaking initiative, the SOCS Center for Leadership (CFL), led by Victoria Barbosa, MD, MPH, MBA, FAAD, during her 2024–2025 SOCS presidency. The Center’s mission is to develop leaders who will drive the dermatology field forward with innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.
The innovative curriculum will include live and on-demand online programming, as well as a more structured cohort experience that blends webinars and online community with an immersive, in-person leadership development program that will be tailored to individual needs, interests and aspirations.
As Dr. Barbosa remarked in her stirring address at the 20th Annual Scientific Symposium,
APPLICATION CLOSED
Background
The SOCS Center for Leadership (CFL) is dedicated to enhancing the skills of current leaders and advancing the next generation of leaders in skin of color dermatology. Through comprehensive leadership training, this groundbreaking initiative empowers participants to lead effectively and champion health equity within dermatology and beyond.
The CFL Learning Collaborative offers participants access to a 6-month hybrid training format, including a series of webinars and an immersive in-person retreat, designed to foster education, meaningful growth and networking opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Application Details
Applicants must submit the completed application form by March 28, 2025.
| Application Timeline |
| Application Launch: Tuesday, January 28, 2024 |
| Application Deadline: Application Closed |
| In-Person Retreat: July 17-18, 2025 in Chicago, IL (costs will be covered) -in advance of NMA meeting |
| Virtual Learning Series: Continuing post-retreat through 2025 |
Selection Process
A competitive application process will identify a select cohort of 10 emerging leaders who will receive personalized training and support to enhance their leadership skills and amplify their impact.
We look forward to reviewing your application and partnering with you on this transformative journey to become a leader in dermatology and an advocate for health equity.
We are offering a comprehensive leadership education through a health equity lens. The innovative curriculum will include live and on-demand online programming, as well as a more structured cohort experience that blends webinars and online community with an immersive, in-person leadership development program that will be tailored to individual needs, interests and aspirations.
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Webinar 1: Masterclass in Social Media—Featuring SOCS leaders Drs. Corey L. Hartman and Suchismita (Tia) Paul, who will share their secrets for their strong success and high engagement on social media. |
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Webinar 2: Developing Your National Leadership Potential— Featuring Drs. Victoria Barbosa, Valerie Callender, and Seemal Desai for a fascinating one-hour webinar on navigating opportunities and advancing your career through leadership roles in national medical organizations. |
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Webinar 3: Clinicians as Changemakers: Advocacy from the Ground Up—Join Drs. Elizabeth Kiracofe and Avery LaChance for this one-hour webinar that will empower you to harness your voice to make a difference in the policies that shape patient care and professional practice. |
Annual Resident Leadership Award
The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) Center for Leadership provides an Annual Resident Leadership Award to honor two dermatology residents who have demonstrated exemplary leadership during their medical training, especially in the field of skin of color dermatology.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Two letters of support (One letter must be from applicant’s Program Director)
Resident Needs Assessment
The SOCS Resident Needs Assessment aims to gather valuable insights from dermatology residents to better understand their career aspirations, challenges, and needs. This feedback will directly inform SOCS initiatives, ensuring programs and resources are tailored to support residents effectively, particularly in areas like leadership development and career guidance.
The Skin of Color Society Foundation (SOCSF), in partnership with Clinique, is proud to introduce the Dermatologists of Tomorrow Scholarship presented by Clinique & SOCSF. This initiative is designed to provide financial support and mentorship to individuals who are committed to health equity and aspire to pursue careers in dermatology. Recognizing dermatology as one of the most competitive medical specialties, this scholarship aims to increase access to the field.
This initiative aims to contribute to the pursuit of health equity and address health disparities for underserved, underrepresented, and marginalized groups by increasing the number of dermatologists who will prioritize care for these patients.
The Mentorship Program is a comprehensive program that connects young physicians and medical students with an approved skin of color expert from SOCS. The Mentorship Program is now open to medical students. Residents can serve as both a mentor (to medical students) AND as a mentee (matched with a practicing dermatologist).
The SOCS Observership Grant awards up to $2,000 USD grants to dermatology residents, medical students (2nd-4th year), and junior faculty to enable study with a SOCS mentor identified by the applicant. Grants are intended for travel, room and board as needed to establish and facilitate the mentoring relationship.
| Activity | Deadlines | Status |
| Call for Applications | August 4 - November 4, 2025, 12:00 PM CT | Closed |
| Mentorship Committee Review | TBD | Closed |
| Awardee Selection | TBD | Closed |
| Notifications to Applicants | TBD | Closed |
| Start of Observership Grant Rotations | TBD | Closed |
This program is reserved for Skin of Color Society members and pending members with a complete membership application. Apply for membership here. Non-members should submit a complete membership application by Thursday, October 31 to meet eligibility requirements.
Individuals who maintain active membership in SOCS with up-to-date dues payment.
AND
Are either dermatology fellows, young dermatologists who have completed their residency within the last 4 years, or 2nd-4th year medical students.
Applicants must disclose if they are already participating in a paid research fellowship at a specified location. Failure to disclose may impact application acceptance.
Applicants must demonstrate that the rotation they are applying for is unique to their existing research year. These cases will be reviewed by the Mentorship Committee on an individual basis.
Applicants must identify their observership mentor and location in the application form.
Returning Applicants: Each student is eligible to receive one grant within a four-year period.
Completed application form
Budget outlining travel, lodging, food, and other expenses to be incurred (up to a maximum of $2,000USD)
Statement of purpose and connection to SOC dermatology (up to 1 page)
Curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation
A letter from the proposed mentor to include a statement of willingness to provide the time necessary for this mentorship, any significant and pertinent details of the planned mentorship, and a specific mention of whether the time frame and budget are appropriate for the proposed mentorship. Mentor must be a member of SOCS.
A letter from the residency program director, department chair or a faculty member attesting to the applicant’s character and potential to benefit from the mentorship.
Disclosure if currently participating in a research year or fellowship at the specified observership location. Failure to disclose may impact application acceptance.
Accepted applications:
Confirmation, including rotation dates, from both the student and the mentor is required for the disbursement of funds. Failure to disclose may impact application acceptance.
Providing a 6-month update to the SOCS Mentorship Committee upon request regarding the status of the observership.
Completing a short survey after the observership.
Submitting a one-page summary of the experience written by the mentee, accompanied by a photograph of the mentee and mentor together.
Observership must be completed between March of the year the grant is received and February of the following year.
This program is being supported by:
