SOCS encourages our membership to participate in achieving our mission and purpose through committee involvement.
SOCS members, please email
Please provide the following information with your inquiry (allow at least 7 business days for review/publishing process):
Job titles: Pediatric/ General Dermatologist
Organization: University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Website link: Click here to view job posting.
Contact information:
Job titles: Assistant Professor General Dermatologist/Mohs Surgeon
Organization: University of New Mexico Dermatology Department
Website link: Click here to view job posting.
Contact information:
Topic: Skin of Color Provider Survey
Study Objective: We are conducting a survey study to understand the practice styles, strengths, and challenges of dermatologists who specialize in skin of color. Any dermatologist who self-identifies as a provider specializing in skin of color is invited to take this survey. We welcome you to share this with other providers who may be interested.
Contact: Stella Chen, MD
Survey Link: Click here!
Topic: Cosmetic Medical Procedures
Study Objective: Determine the utilization of laser and cosmetic procedures for various dermatologic conditions
Contact: Alex Richmond
Survey Link: Click here!
Topic: Assessment of cosmetic education in skin of color for dermatology residents
Study Objective: The goal of this study is to better understand resident training of cosmetics in skin of color. This will be done by assessing the confidence of third year dermatology residents in their preparedness to practice cosmetic dermatology for patients of color.
Contact: Dr. Hye Jin Chung at
Survey Link: Click here!
Topic: Measuring the Burden of Post-Inflammatory Pigmentary Alteration – A Survey Study of Dermatologists
Study Objective: Identify how best to measure the burden or severity of post-inflammatory pigmentary alteration from the dermatologist perspective
Contact: Penn Medicine Dermatology
Survey Link: Click here!
Topic: Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) Research
Study Objective: We are conducting a clinical study to evaluate a potential new treatment for HS
Contact: ACELYRIN, INC.
Topic: Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra Provider Survey
Study Objective: Determine the most commonly used treatments for Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra, their effectiveness, and potential side effects from professionals who treat DPN
Contact: James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Marty O. Visscher, PhD,
Survey Link: Click here!
Topic: Artificial Intelligence and Patient Education
Study Objective: To identify the most common dermatologic questions posed by patients with skin of color by utilizing an anonymous online survey posted to the Skin of Color Societies (SOCS) website
Contact: University of Missouri, Department of Dermatology, Isaac Weber,
Survey Link: Click Here!
The Human Tissues and Organs Research Resource (HTORR) provides the biomedical research community with human tissues for research. The 2-year award provided through our Pilot Award Program will include up to ~10 biological samples per awarded investigator, covering all costs associated with obtaining the biospecimens, including tissue preservation reagents and shipping costs.
To learn more, please visit the National Disease Research Interchange Pilot Award Program website or the NIAMS HTORR webpage
Explore NIH’s Grants & Funding search page (from the Office of Extramural Research) to find up-to-date information about NIH funding, including all NIAMS-related programs and opportunities.
Please visit: https://www.niams.nih.gov/grants-funding/funding-opportunities to learn more
A dermatologist (dur-meh-tol-uh-jist) is a doctor who specializes in treating the:
SOCS members are Dermatologists who diagnose and treat all patients, but have an awareness about different skin diseases which effect patients with health issues related to skin of color.
Browse our dermatology education article and video libraries to learn more about skin diseases which impact patients with skin of color.
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Print SOCS patient education QR code graphic and display it in your office waiting room. 
Established in 2004 by Dr. Susan C. Taylor, the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) is the global leader in skin of color dermatology, promoting awareness of and excellence within the field, through research, education, mentorship, and advocacy.
SOCS is committed to the education of health care providers and the general public in dermatologic health issues related to skin of color.
Individuals with skin of color have diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and include those of the following ancestries: African, Asian, Hispanic/Latine, Native American, Pacific Islander, as well as individuals with mixed races and/or ethnicities.
SOCS encourages our membership to participate in achieving our mission and purpose through committee involvement.
To promote awareness of and excellence within skin of color dermatology through research, education, mentorship and advocacy. We are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in the field of dermatology to advance patient care.
Analysis of the population of the United States reveals that there will be a dramatic shift in the country’s demographics in the 21st century. The United States is rapidly becoming a country in which the majority of citizens have pigmented skin, which is also referred to as skin of color.
SOCS leadership is comproised of the current Officers, The Skin of Color Society Board of Directors, and its Founding Members.
In late 2020, the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) embarked on an exciting journey to conduct a comprehensive strategic planning process, involving SOCS leaders and staff, led by Tecker International, a management consulting firm. In Q1 2022, we reached finalization of our Strategic Plan, which is summarized in the following overview.
As we welcome 2024 and begin our year-long celebration of our 20th Anniversary milestone, we reflect on the remarkable accomplishments of 2023 with gratitude and pride. Thanks to the individual and collective efforts of many SOCS leaders, members, supporters and collaborators, the Skin of Color Society experienced a year of exceptional progress in support of our mission to change the landscape for people of color through research, education, mentorship and advocacy...
SOCS Mission: To promote awareness of and excellence within skin of color dermatology through research, education, mentorship and advocacy. We are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in the field of dermatology to advance patient care.
MENTORSHIP: We value mentorship as a leadership development tool to foster a diverse workforce at all levels, developing and empowering future leaders in the field.
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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.
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).
Application Closed
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.
Application Closed
The Skin of Color Society, in conjunction with the NMA Dermatology Section, is proud to present the Diversity in Clinical Research (DiCR) Mentorship Program. This mentorship program is intended to: