SOCS Clinical Investigator Training Committee Co-Chairs Drs. Leandra A. Barnes (left) and Tarannum Jaleel.

For this month’s Committee Corner, we are delighted to highlight the SOCS Clinical Investigator Training Committee, co-chaired by Drs. Leandra A. Barnes and Tarannum Jaleel. This important and innovative committee is engaged in fostering a more inclusive and diverse community of clinical researchers within dermatology.

Collaborating closely with the National Medical Association (NMA) Dermatology Section, the committee focuses on creating resources and mentorship opportunities to develop the skills of future dermatology investigators and offering support to physicians interested in skin of color dermatology, health equity, and excellence in patient care.

The committee oversees the Diversity in Clinical Research Mentoring Program, as well as developing the curriculum and agenda for the in-person full-day training conducted on the Friday before the start of the Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly of the NMA.

Main Achievements
The Diversity in Clinical Research (DiCR) Mentoring Program has made significant strides in developing new clinical investigators in dermatology at both academic institutions and community clinics, focusing on serving underserved populations.

Since its inception, the program has successfully trained two cohorts of board-certified dermatologists and is partway through training a third cohort, equipping them with the essential skills to initiate and maintain clinical research. This initiative has not only enhanced the career trajectories of participating mentees but has also expanded the network of dermatologists engaged in clinical trials. Consequently, it has promoted access to clinical trials for diverse populations. By addressing barriers such as knowledge gaps, lack of training, and trial selection challenges that new investigators face who want to make clinical trials accessible to their patient populations, the DiCR program has fostered a supportive environment for physicians dedicated to serving underrepresented groups, paving the way for more inclusive clinical trials that better reflect the diverse patient populations they serve.

Additionally, this program has received positive feedback from participants who have expressed how the mentorship has significantly impacted their confidence and ability to contribute to clinical research.

According to Drs. Barnes and Jaleel, “We continue to seek new opportunities and partnerships to further enhance the impact of the DiCR program, ensuring that dermatology research becomes even more inclusive and representative. As we move forward, we are committed to expanding our outreach and collaboration efforts, aiming to create a sustainable model that can be replicated in other specialties and institutions, thereby broadening the scope and impact of our mentorship program even further.”

Meet the Co-Chairs
Leandra A. Barnes, MD, FAAD is Instructor of Dermatology, Founding Director of the Stanford Medicine Skin of Color Program, and Co-Director of the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Specialty Clinic atStanford Medicine Department of Dermatology. She comments, “As a physician-scientist deeply committed to advancing health equity and expanding opportunities for early investigators, co-chairing the DiCR Mentoring Program has been incredibly personal and fulfilling. I am inspired by the generosity of our mentors and industry sponsors, the growth of our mentees, and the community we are fostering with NMA Dermatology and the Skin of Color Society. I look forward to seeing the lasting impact we will make in dermatologic research and beyond.”

Tarannum Jaleel, MD, MHSc is Assistant Professor, Duke Department of Dermatology, and Director, Duke Hidradenitis Suppurativa Medical and Procedural Clinic. She shares, "Seeing this program evolve over the past 3 years to enhance our clinical trial training program has been very fulfilling for me as a co-chair. The networking opportunities, longitudinal mentorship opportunities, as well as industry stakeholder involvement from the start, set this program apart and is highly empowering. The dedication and collaboration of all involved have truly made a significant impact on our clinical research community. As we continue to progress, I am excited to see the future advancements and the lasting influence this program will have on the field of clinical research."

A Message from the Co-Chairs
The co-chairs jointly invite stakeholders across academia, private practice, and industry to join us in the mission to diversify clinical research.

They point out that “by investing in mentoring programs like DiCR, we can collectively dismantle barriers and create a more inclusive environment for investigators and participants. Together, we can build a future where clinical trials truly represent the diverse populations they aim to serve. Supporting training programs to empower individuals earlier in medical school education and residency is critical to have representative populations in trials. We hope we can continue to partner with experienced investigators, program trainees, and industry partners over the years to come to grow the community dedicated to this. By fostering a more inclusive research community, we can ensure that the findings and treatments generated from clinical trials are applicable and beneficial to everyone, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for all. Our commitment to inclusivity is not just a goal but a necessary journey we must embark on together, striving for a future where every individual has equal access to the benefits of medical research and advancements.”

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My Best Winter Skin Day – October 24, 2025

My Best Winter Skin Day on October 24 raises awareness and offers advice on how to properly care for your skin so that you can look and feel your best during times of harsh winter weather. The holiday also raises funds to further support educational research specific to skin of color dermatology.

Winter skin is a dermatologic condition that impacts all people regardless of age, skin type, or tone. Colder and drier air draws moisture from the skin, causing it to become dry, cracked, itchy, or even bleed. My Best Winter Skin Day is an opportunity to discover how to prevent, manage, and deal with winter skin.

Whether you’re receiving expert advice on managing your skin, partaking in fundraising activities for SOCS, or adopting new skincare habits as part of your routine, My Best Winter Skin Day encourages you to get involved and help raise awareness on how winter can impact the body’s largest organ.

History of My Best Winter Skin Day

The Skin of Color Society was founded in 2004 by Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD and has grown into a global leader in skin of color dermatology. With members hailing from all over the world, SOCS advocates for excellence in patient care and health equity through a wide range of important initiatives and programs.

As part of their ongoing commitment to education and improving the dermatologic health of individuals with skin of color, SOCS founded My Best Winter Skin Day in 2023. This holiday shines a light on how winter skin can impact all people, and offers accessible and actionable tips on how to deal with the annual occurrence of bothersome winter skin. As well as providing an opportunity for people to learn about winter skin, the holiday is a chance to donate to SOCS, an international professional organization that invests heavily in supporting ground-breaking research in skin of color dermatology. Funds raised from My Best Winter Skin Day enable SOCS to expand its research capacity and further help people across the U.S. and the world.

My Best Winter Skin Day timeline

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My Best Winter Skin Day FAQs

How can I support SOCS beyond this awareness day?

While My Best Winter Skin Day is officially observed on October 24, you can host an MBWS event on any day of the year by using this request form to receive product samples and educational materials, and you can further support SOCS by becoming a member, donor, or volunteer to help advance education, advocacy, and research in skin of color dermatology.

Do I still need sunscreen in the winter?

Yes. The rays and heat of the sun may not be as noticeable during the colder months of the year, but the UV rays are still at risk of breaking down skin cells. For more help choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type and tone, see the SOCS Sunscreen Selection Guide.

How do I find a dermatologist?

The SOCS website has a ‘Find a Doctor’ feature that can locate member physicians in your area.

How do I donate to the Skin of Color Society’s cause?

To donate securely, text THX2U to 44-321. This page on the SOCS Foundation website summarizes the great importance of your donation.

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How to Observe My Best Winter Skin Day

Volunteer
Volunteers for SOCS are helping to distribute product sample bags in their local community in tandem with valuable skin care tips. You can find out more about becoming a member here.
Educate
Share dermatology-backed tips on preventing and managing winter skin. From moisturizing routines to protective practices, help others understand how to keep skin healthy in cold, dry weather.
Connect
Engage with patients, SOCS members, and donors on social media using the hashtags #MBWS #SOCS #MyBestWinterSkin #SOCSMBWS #SkinOfColorSociety or tagging @skinofcolorsociety. Share your experiences and help spread trusted dermatologist tips on winter skin.

Why My Best Winter Skin Day is Important

Winter skin affects us all

People of all ages, skin types, and tones can be impacted by winter skin. It can affect your health, the appearance of your skin, and your overall quality of life.
To enable medically-supported advice

Countless myths and misconceptions are floating around social media about managing winter skin. For example, many believe a hot shower helps moisturize your skin when it doesn’t. People need medically-supported advice on how to achieve their best winter skin. How better to do that than straight from the SOCS dermatologist experts?
1. Moisturize daily. Pay attention to areas that are more prone to dryness because of exposure to the outside elements. Moisturize within 3-5 minutes of patting the skin dry after bathing or showering.
2. Think thick. Heavier creams and ointments may be more effective than lotions in colder months.
3. Be gentle. Avoid harsh cleansers that may strip the skin of its natural oils. Use suds-free and fragrance-free soaps.
4. Go cool. Shower or bathe in lukewarm water for no more than 10 minutes at a time.
5. Cover up. Wear gloves, mittens and scarves to protect your skin from the cold and the harsh effects of wind on the skin.
6. Protect skin. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen even in the winter.
7. Stay hydrated. It’s important all year long.
Winter skin will only worsen in the future

Climate change is causing winter weather to be more extreme and unforgiving in some parts of the US and across the world. This in turn means that winter skin and its repercussions will only become more prevalent and bothersome.

The 2025 MBWS Campaign is generously supported by Vaseline.

AAD x SOCS Pathways Presentation Toolkit for School Visits

We’re excited to announce the launch of a new Pathways Presentation Toolkit, developed in collaboration with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and members of the Skin of Color Society (SOCS). This downloadable PowerPoint is designed for dermatologists and medical students conducting outreach in schools to introduce students—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—to the field of dermatology.

To ensure impact tracking, all users will be directed to access the presentation through the AAD website, where survey tools are integrated to collect meaningful feedback and engagement data.

Access the Toolkit: AAD Pathways for High School Students
Explore Related Curriculum: YMI Skin Science Resources

This resource is now housed in our Resources section, alongside past outreach materials like the Young Minds Inspired (YMI) Toolkit.

Special thanks to the AAD Diversity Committee and the SOCS Diversity in Action Task Force for their leadership and collaboration on this initiative.

AAD Diversity Committee:

Rebecca Vasquez, MD
Kanya Ferguson, MD

Katrina Abuabara, MD
Loren Krueger, MD
Annika Weinhammer, MD

SOCS Diversity in Action Task Force:

Olabola Awosika, MD
Severine Cao, MD
Sofia Chaudhry, MD
Jennifer Coias, MD
Brianna De Souza, MD
Seemal R. Desai, MD
Anisha Guda, MD
Nicole Gunasekera, MD
Gina Alvarado Jones, MD, MS

Roopal V. Kundu, MD
Amy McMichael, MD
Peterson Pierre, MD
Nikki Pritchett, MD
Caroline Robinson, MD
Janyla Seltzer, MD
Vaneeta Sheth, MD
Aleta Simmons, MD
Ramone Williams, MD, MPhil
Daneeque Woolfolk, MD

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.

Committee Corner: The Global Council and Collaborations Committee

Untitled design 21 Drs. Michelle Rodrigues and Michael Waul, Global Council and Collaborations Committee Co-Chairs

For this month’s Committee Corner, we are pleased to highlight our newly established Global Council and Collaborations Committee, co-chaired by Drs. Michelle Rodrigues and Michael Waul.

This committee serves as a vital link between the Skin of Color Society and international and national organizations with a focus on skin of color, including those in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, South and Central America, and other regions.

The committee works to build strong partnerships and foster collaboration with groups such as the National Medical Association (NMA), the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) and other relevant bodies. It also supports the Society’s presence at international meetings, promoting global engagement and the exchange knowledge in dermatology related to skin of color. Through these efforts, the committee aims to strengthen connections and advance the Society’s mission on a global scale.

Meet the Co-Chairs

Michelle Rodrigues, MBBS (Hons), FACD, is Associate Professor, University of Melbourne, and Founder and Director, Chroma Dermatology, Australia. As co-chair of this exciting new committee, Dr. Rodrigues remarks that she looks forward to “working with her co-chair, Dr. Waul, and their committee to advance awareness, education, and clinical excellence in skin of color dermatology globally —driving health equity and delivering world-class care for all skin types, with the hopes achieving this through collaboration with other dermatologic organizations and key continuing medical education events across the globe in 2025.”

As Dr. Rodrigues shares, “SOCS has played a pivotal role in my career development and one of the greatest sources of professional fulfillment. Just over a decade ago, current SOCS President, Dr. Nada Elbuluk and I were given the task of establishing the mentoring program for SOCS. Seeing it flourish and be the source of inspiration for so many around the world is heartwarming. Many collaborative research projects, awareness programs and improvements in patient care have stemmed directly from my involvement with SOCS but it is the deep personal connections that have and continue to be one of the greatest things about being a member of SOCS. I encourage all young medical students, doctors, dermatologist and industry partners who want to innovate, collaborate and advance our specialty, to join SOCS and consider volunteering on one of the many committees that make SOCS what it is today and follow the dermatologists who are passionate about this area to continue to learn more.”

Michael Waul, MD, FAAD, is Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Waul comments, “I am honored to serve as co-chair of the Global Council and Collaborations Committee, and to be an ambassador for SOCS on the international stage. I am thrilled to see the impact of our work - so far this year we have established novel connections with several professional organizations within the US and worldwide, including Dubai Derma and the American Telemedicine Association. I look forward to working with my co-chair and committee members as we develop the Global Council, and continue to promote excellence within skin of color dermatology.”

Dr. Waul points out that an important focus this year is on the Global Council Initiative, which will connect international dermatological societies focused on skin of color, sharing best practices and addressing regional dermatological needs. The committee will help form the Global Council by recommending professional societies and developing its structure (e.g. charter, protocols, potential bylaws).

The co-chairs encourage all SOCS members with connections to other international dermatologic societies to contact them, as they are always excited to develop new professional networks and expand SOCS' global impact. 

CONTACT CO-CHAIRS

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