Institutional Research Fellowship
The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) will continue to support institution-based fellowship opportunities with a research focus on dermatologic diseases in skin of color, particularly in areas where further clinical, translational, and observational/ prospective research is needed. Programs with either established or emerging areas of research focus are encouraged to apply.
Background The ethnic and racial demographics of the United States are significantly changing. By the year 2040, people with skin of color will represent more than half of the U.S. population. There is an increasing demand for understanding dermatologic conditions and treatments in patients with skin of color, as well as an accompanying need for education in this growing patient population.
- Physicians must be adept at recognizing and effectively treating dermatologic disease states in patients with skin of color, including understanding the conditions, their patients’ viewpoints, and any hinderances to treatment compliance.
- Data and research on skin of color dermatologic diseases are limited. This overall lack of information contributes to the already existing healthcare disparities adversely affecting under-represented minorities. Contributing factors also include a workforce shortage, increased patient load, non-inclusive dermatologic training, and insufficient research involving racial and ethnic minorities.
Given the current dermatology workforce shortage, the increased patient load has the potential to have detrimental and adverse effects on dermatologic care for under- represented minorities. Additional concerns include the state of dermatologic training and insufficient research involving racial and ethnic minorities.
This transformational research has been made possible thanks to the support from the following industry partners.
Questions?
Please email the National Medical Association Dermatology Section (NMA Derm) at
Please reach out to the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) via phone at +1- 630-578-399 or email
Valerie M. Harvey, MD, MPH, FAAD, Immediate Past President Chair Skin of Color Society
Cheri Frey, MD, FAAD, Dermatology Section National Medical Association
We graciously acknowledge the support from Janssen/Johnson & Johnson for this program.
Learn about Johnson & Johnson’s Our Race to Health Equity initiative here.