SOCS encourages our membership to participate in achieving our mission and purpose through committee involvement.
As you may have seen from recent member communiqués in your email inbox and on our SOCS social media platforms, we are currently in the height of “open season” for applications for some exciting opportunities for SOCS members that help support and advance skin of color dermatology research and career development.(Details about both of these award programs can be accessed here; please note that application deadlines are approaching on September 30).
We are very proud of the fact that with this new Awards cycle for 2022 grants, we will reach the 15-year milestone of providing funding to a diverse group of dermatologists to support research into a wide range of skin of color dermatology subjects that can shape the future of our specialty.
Since this important SOCS offering was established in 2008, our SOCS Grant Awards program has grown and expanded to include multiple Dermatology Research Awards, as well as the newer SOCS Career Development Award, which was introduced in 2020.
Historically, the SOCS Dermatology Research Awards, and now the Career Development Award, have funded scientific investigations into numerous skin of color dermatology topics, including studies on:
For a complete list of SOCS Dermatology Research Award recipients since the program began, visit here.
In 2021, Angel Byrd, MD, PhD, was the first recipient of the SOCS Career Development Award, for her research on “Elucidating the Role of Autoantibodies in Hidradenitis Suppurativa.” We look forward to seeing this award program flourish with additional scientific investigators in the future.
Several previous SOCS Research Award recipients have been featured in Physician spotlights, found on the SOCS website, including the following SOCS members:
Jenna O’Neill, MD, FAAD 2013 Skin of Color Society Research Award Winner Title of research: Genetic Factors in CCCA
Nada Elbuluk, MD, MsC, FAAD 2012 Skin of Color Society Research Award Winner Title of research: Stretch Stimulus on Melanocyte Function and Dyspigmentation in Human Skin in Vivo: A Pilot Study on Striae Distensae
Donald Glass, MD, PhD, FAAD 2011 Skin of Color Society Research Award Winner Title of research: Uncovering the Genetic Causes of Keloid Formation
Ammar M. Ahmed, MD, FAAD 2010 Skin of Color Society Research Award Winner Title of research: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Oral Polypodium Leucotomos Extract as an Adjunct to Sunscreen in the Treatment of Melasma
John E. Harris, MD, PhD, FAAD 2009 Skin of Color Society Research Award Winner Title of research: T cells in mouse model of vitiligo
Roopal V. Kundu, MD, FAAD 2008 Skin of Color Society Research Award Winner Title of research: Development and Validation of a Vitiligo-specific Quality of Life Instrument (VitiQol).
Watch for updates to this webpage, featuring spotlights about other SOCS members who are blazing scientific trails into skin of color dermatology.
We invite you to learn more about SOCS Research and Career Development Awards and encourage interested members to apply before September 30!
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...