Learn more about the SOCS Mentorship Program through the experiences of our past mentees.
Dr. Seemal Desai with mentee Camille Rothenberg Lausell
Participating in the Skin of Color Society mentorship program has been an incredibly enriching and rewarding experience for me both personally and professionally. It has provided me with a unique opportunity to gain exposure to a diverse range of perspectives and experiences within the dermatology field, while also allowing me to forge meaningful connections with respected professionals in the field.
One such connection is with Dr. Seemal Desai, who has been my mentor throughout the program. As a leading expert in skin of color, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been paired with him. Since our first meeting, Dr. Desai has been an unwavering source of guidance, support, and encouragement, providing me with invaluable insights into a variety of topics relevant to my career aspirations. Throughout my research fellowship year, he has consistently made time in his busy schedule to meet with me and answer my questions. His willingness to share his knowledge and expertise has been a tremendous asset, helping me grow and develop professionally.
I am truly grateful for Dr. Desai's constant support and mentorship, and I look forward to continuing to learn from him. The mentorship program has been an instrumental part of my journey towards achieving my goals, and I am confident that the skills and knowledge I have gained through this program will have a lasting impact on my professional development.
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.
As a member of the Skin of Color Society, YOU are a greatly valued part of our raison d’être--our “why”--which we sum up this way:
We work to achieve health equity and excellence in patient care for all.
So as we approach #GivingTuesday, we ask you to consider donating to the SOCS Foundation’s Diversity Movement Fund to help us fulfill our mission and realize our shared vision for a world that delivers compassionate, excellent and equitable dermatologic care for all people.
The Skin of Color Society Observership Program offers young physicians and scientists a unique and highly valuable opportunity to learn directly from SOCS mentors, enabling them to acquire academic and/or research skills that will further their careers as future leaders in skin of color dermatology.
This exciting and meaningful program is open to medical students (years 2-4), dermatology residents, fellows, and young dermatologists with fewer than four years since completing residency.
The SOCS 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).