Committee Corner: The SOCS Professional Education Committee

Dr. Morayo Adisa (left) and Dr. Mona Shahriari, Co-chairs, SOCS Professional Education Committee

For this month’s Committee Corner, we are pleased to feature the SOCS Professional Education Committee, co-chaired by Drs. Morayo Adisa and Mona Shahriari.

This active and important committee is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and expertise of healthcare professionals in skin of color dermatology, with a particular focus on meeting the unique and diverse needs of patients with skin of color.

Formerly known as the Physician Education Committee, the Professional Education Committee is primarily focused on three key areas:

Evaluating Medical Education Companies (MECs)
Developing clinician-focused content for the website and other SOCS channels
Overseeing clinical content for the SOCS podcast, Skin of Color Savvy

Meet the Co-chairs
Dr. Morayo Adisa is Medical Director, Dermatology Physicians SC, Chicago and Kenilworth, Illinois.

Dr. Mona Shahriari is Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, Associate Director of Clinical Trials CCD Research, and Founding Partner, Central CT Dermatology.

As Drs. Adisa and Shahriari jointly share, “Our vision for the coming year is clear: to make the Skin of Color Society the premier, gold-standard destination for all educational content related to skin of color. This year, we’re focused on strengthening our digital presence by significantly enhancing the educational offerings on the SOCS website—curating content that is not only evidence-based but also practical, relevant, and reflective of real-world clinical challenges.”

In addition to reviewing educational proposals from Medical Education Companies (MECs) to ensure quality and alignment with our values, this committee collaborates across other SOCS committees to bring forward innovative programming through The Exchange x SOCS and the Skin of Color Savvy podcast.

From the co-chairs’ perspectives, “Our aim isn’t just to inform—but to lead. That means contributing not only trusted clinical content, but also novel, forward-thinking material you won’t find anywhere else. We also recognize the importance of raising awareness about SOCS as a go-to resource and will continue to prioritize dissemination of our work and the broader mission of the organization. By working hand-in-hand with our fellow SOCS committees, we’re building a foundation of educational excellence that supports clinicians and ultimately improves care for patients of color. As co-chairs, our goal is to foster a learning environment where culturally competent care is not just emphasized—but expected. This work is personal, purposeful, and necessary.”

Call to Action
Drs. Adisa and Shahriari invite all SOCS members to engage with the committee’s educational offerings, share their expertise, and collaborate on future programming. Whether through speaking opportunities, mentorship, or resource development, your voice helps shape the next generation of leaders in skin of color dermatology.

SOCS members are encouraged to invite others to join the conversation—especially trainees, residents and fellows. By introducing them to the Society’s abundant resources early, we can ensure this content continues to serve as a trusted foundation throughout their careers. Our shared goal is to create a lasting, evolving educational platform that not only meets the needs of today’s clinicians, but also inspires and equips those of tomorrow.

Dermatologists of Tomorrow Scholarship

Presented by Clinique & SOCSF

Clinique logo space

Program Overview

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 Dermatologists of Tomorrow Scholarship (DOTS) program was officially launched at the 21st Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium on March 6, 2025. Through this collaboration, SOCSF and Clinique will provide scholarship support and mentorship to a projected 100 medical students over 3 years.

Program Objectives

To provide financial support for medical students to support their educational endeavors and expenses incurred when applying to dermatology residency.
To broaden access to the specialty of dermatology.
To boost the number of individuals in the field of dermatology who are committed to serving underserved, underrepresented, and marginalized populations.
To cultivate scholars who not only successfully match into dermatology programs, but also develop into future dermatology leaders who are committed to health equity.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Dermatologists of Tomorrow Scholarship presented by Clinique & SOCSF, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Medical Student Membership: Must be an active member of the Skin of Color Society (SOCS).

Residency Path: Planning to submit an ERAS application for dermatology residency in the current application cycle.

Medical School: Currently enrolled in a U.S.-based medical school as a third-year going into fourth year.

Commitment to Health Equity: Applications are open to medical students, particularly those with financial need, and are encouraged from those with a demonstrated commitment to serving underserved, disadvantaged, and marginalized populations.

Academic Excellence: Demonstrated academic achievement, as evidenced by a strong CV and recommendation letters.

Financial Need: Must exhibit financial need to support the dermatology residency application process.

Awardee Expectations

Use of Funds: Scholarship funds are intended for dermatology residency-related expenses such as applications, away rotations, travel, conference registration, interview attire, and professional society memberships.

Active SOCS Membership: Maintain active membership in SOCS throughout the scholarship period, including transitioning from Medical Student to Resident membership.

Participation in Surveys: Complete program-related surveys to provide insights and feedback about the scholarship experience.

Awardee Report: Submit a 500-word report detailing the impact of the scholarship on career development, especially regarding dermatology for skin of color.

Attendance at SOCS Symposium: Awardees are highly encouraged to attend the Scientific Symposium in the year following their award. An additional travel stipend will be provided to cover associated costs.

Testimonial Contribution: Provide testimonials for SOCS newsletters or other platforms, sharing how the scholarship supported your path in dermatology.

Residency Match Notification: Notify SOCS once matched into a dermatology residency and join the SOCS alumni network for ongoing mentorship and community engagement.

Participation in Alumni Network: Awardees are encouraged to actively participate in the alumni network, fostering mentorship and sharing experiences with new recipients.

Required Documents:

✔ Completed Application Form

✔ Personal Statement
Outline your career goals and commitment to dermatology, with a focus on skin of color.

✔ Curriculum Vitae (CV)

✔ Two Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
From individuals who can speak to your teamwork, collaboration, and leadership potential.

✔ Letter of Enrollment & Good Standing
Official confirmation from your U.S. medical school.

✔ Step 1 Transcript

✔ Official Medical School Transcript
Start preparing now to ensure your application is complete when the call for applications opens!

Presented by Clinique & SOCSF

Clinique logo space

Program Overview

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 medical students who aspire to pursue careers in dermatology and are committed to health equity.

Application Period

Applications for 2025 have now closed.