Did you know? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2044, people with skin of color* will represent more than half of the US population, yet currently, only 3% of dermatologists are Black and 4% are Latinx/Hispanic.
The Skin of Color Society has been working diligently since it was founded in 2004 by Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD to bring more physicians of color to the specialty of dermatology and provide valuable education, research, mentorship, and advocacy opportunities to underrepresented physicians at various stages of their careers. We proudly offer many signature SOCS programs which were developed to promote excellence in skin of color dermatology, advance the specialty, and ultimately, achieve health equity and excellence in patient care for all.
While the work has been going on for nearly twenty years through the Society, in 2021 we underwent a comprehensive strategic planning process in which numerous SOCS leaders participated, coming at a time of unprecedented growth and expansion for SOCS. Through this process, the following core values were articulated:
EQUITY: We ensure inclusivity and diversity to achieve health equities in patient care.
EXCELLENCE: We leverage our recognition and authority within dermatology, the house of medicine and the public as experts in skin of color dermatology.
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.
RESEARCH and INNOVATION: We lead research and innovation through our diverse array of advanced research activities, leveraging collaborations with domestic and international corporations and organizations.
EDUCATION: We educate the public, partners and colleagues in support of our mission and noble purpose.
It is through these efforts that individuals with skin of color will be best served by those within the field of dermatology.
Read about our Envisioned Future which came out of our strategic plan here.
If you’re new to SOCS, we encourage you to explore our website to learn more about our core programs and exciting new initiatives. If you’ve been a member for a while, we invite you to refresh yourselves on all that’s going in SOCS. Let us know if you have suggestions, questions or wish to become more involved! Drop us a line at:
*Note: SOCS defines individuals with skin of color as persons of Asian, Hispanic/Latino, African, Native American, Pacific Island descent, and mixtures thereof.
Did you know? Dermatology practice managers and medical directors greatly value involvement in professional societies in evaluating job candidates!
It is well-documented that early involvement in professional societies encourages competence, confidence, and access to professional growth and lifelong learning opportunities. Beyond these clear benefits, involvement in a professional society like the Skin of Color Society is an important factor that hiring practice managers and medical directors look for and greatly value in job candidates. In fact, it can be one of the top things dermatology decision-makers use to help identify outstanding candidates who are taking their career development seriously.
In the words of SOCS Leader Valerie M. Harvey MD, MPH, FAAD:
"In the special interest area of skin of color dermatology in particular, joining the Skin of Color Society not only gives medical students and dermatology residents a wide array of unique opportunities in mentorship, networking, research, media, and advocacy, it says a lot about the individual and their commitment to professional and personal development!"
Fellow Applicant |
International Fellow Applicant |
Associate Applicant Physicians who reside in the United States or Canada who have demonstrated active interest in skin of color dermatology but are not board certified nor eligible to be board certified by the American Board of Dermatology or its Canadian equivalent; this category also includes scientists at the doctoral level conducting research on skin of color. Application requires proof of medical license (for physicians), full CV, two letters of recommendation from current SOCS members (one of which must be a SOCS Fellow Member). Evaluation criteria may include certification in applicant’s own specialty, clinical contributions to skin of color dermatology, contributions to skin of color education and research and participation in the national societies in the applicant’s chosen specialty. Associate members have privileges to vote and serve on committees but not to be elected to office. |
Affiliate Applicant |
Resident Applicant Physicians who are currently accepted to or enrolled in accredited dermatology residency training programs in the United States or Canada and completed medical education training at an institution certified by the ACGME or approved by the ECFMG. Application requirements include Letter of Good Standing on official letterhead from training program. Term of membership limited to three years or the length of the trainee's residency program. Residents do not have privileges to vote nor be elected to office and may serve on selected committees. |
Research Trainee Applicant Individuals who are actively engaged in clinical research focused on skin of color and in good-standing at a SOCS Institutional Research Fellowship or an accredited institution in the United States or Canada. Application requires full CV, names of two physician sponsors (one of which must be a SOCS Fellow member). Research Trainees have privileges to vote and serve on committees but not to be elected to office. |
Medical Student Applicant Individuals enrolled in any medical school which is certified by the ACGME. Application requires Letter of Good Standing on official letterhead from training program and a 500-word statement describing how you will contribute to SOCS. Students do not have privileges to vote nor be elected to office and they may serve on selected committees. |
You do not have to be an individual with skin of color to be a member of the Skin of Color Society. We welcome all races and ethnicities of qualified professionals who have a special interest and training in skin of color dermatology.
In addition to this important advantage, there are numerous other valuable, unique benefits to belonging to the Skin of Color Society for dermatologists at all career stages, including:
“I am absolutely thrilled with the trajectory of SOCS since we began in 2004. When we look at how the membership has grown, it’s so rewarding to see the expansion in the numbers of members involved, as well as our diversity and the wide range of valuable programs and activities we now offer.”
Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, SOCS Founder
"I wouldn’t be the kind of dermatologist I am without the Skin of Color Society. I think it has really shaped who I am as a physician, as a person. I’ve learned a lot more about diversity, about my patients. I ask more questions. Hopefully I am better at what I do because of it.”
Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, FAAD, SOCS Member & Early Career Innovations Grant Founder
“I’m constantly learning new things from my colleagues and co-members who are in this organization. Every day, I’m able to use something that I’m learning from one of my colleagues and incorporate that into my everyday practice.”
Crystal Aguh, MD, MPH, FAAD, SOCS Board Member
Matching dynamic Skin of Color Society Experts with public-facing opportunities to engage, enlighten and educate.
SOCS Speaks is our new hub of Skin of Color Society leaders and members who stand ready to serve as experts for:
Established in 2022, SOCS Speaks was sparked by an unprecedented surge of interest in, and demand for, Skin of Color Society experts to weigh in on highly relevant topics in dermatology, healthcare, science and society.
Many of our SOCS Speaks Experts have undergone media training through the American Academy of Dermatology and other organizations, and/or have had substantial experience in speaking to the media, public speaking, and social media activity.
Please
Matching dynamic Skin of Color Society Experts with public-facing opportunities to engage, enlighten and educate.
SOCS Speaks is our new hub of Skin of Color Society leaders and members who stand ready to serve as experts for:
Established in 2022, SOCS Speaks was sparked by an unprecedented surge of interest in, and demand for, Skin of Color Society experts to weigh in on highly relevant topics in dermatology, healthcare, science and society.
Many of our SOCS Speaks Experts have undergone media training through the American Academy of Dermatology and other organizations, and/or have had substantial experience in speaking to the media, public speaking, and social media activity.
All SOCS Speaks participants are provided with guidelines for Best Practices for Media Interviews, Speaking Engagements, and Social Media Collaborations, as well as SOCS Diversity in Action talking points.
SOCS Members may register to become active in SOCS Speaks by clicking the APPLY button below to complete a profile.
For details about fees and honoraria, please contact us: