22nd Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium
Join us for the 22nd Annual Skin of Color Society Scientific Symposium on March 26, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO. This meeting is in conjunction with the 2026 AAD Annual Meeting.
The 22nd Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium, themed Championing Evidence-Based Dermatology and Collaboration, will explore how dermatologists can lead with evidence and integrity and showcase how collaboration across specialties can solve complex, systemic cases. Through a focus on evidence-based care and interdisciplinary leadership, the program will champion the essential role of the dermatologist as a scientific leader, trusted educator, and collaborative partner—at the forefront of advancing health equity and restoring public trust.
The SOCS Scientific Meetings Committee, led by Drs. Janiene D. Luke and Temitayo Ogunleye, looks forward to welcoming you to an extraordinary program.
Keynote Speaker
Named by Time magazine as one of the "Nation's 50 Future Leaders Age 40 and Under," Regina M. Benjamin, MD, MBA, is Founder and CEO of the BayouClinic in Bayou La Batre, Alabama.
Following graduation from Xavier University, Morehouse School of Medicine, and the University of Alabama School of Medicine, Dr. Benjamin chose to return to the region in which she grew up, opening a family practice in Bayou la Batre, a small shrimping village along the Gulf Coast. In an area where need, not money, is prevalent, most of Dr. Benjamin's patients hold low-paying jobs that do not provide them with any health insurance.
Since 1990, Benjamin has been the sole family physician in this impoverished Gulf Coast town of 2,500 residents. She kept her clinic financially afloat by moonlighting in emergency rooms and nursing homes. When Hurricane Georges wrecked the building in 1998, she spent the next two years treating patients out of her Ford pickup. After earning her MBA from Tulane University, Dr. Benjamin converted her office to a rural health clinic dedicated to serving the community.
Schedule Overview
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
| Early Check-in / Badge Pick-up |
Thursday, March 26, 2026
7:00 AM - 8:15 PM
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7:00 AM - 6:30 PM Check-In / Badge Pick-Up |
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8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Medical Student Breakfast |
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11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Annual General Business Meeting |
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1:00 PM - 6:00 PM 22nd Annual Skin of Color Society Scientific Symposium |
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6:00 PM - 6:30 PM Awards |
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6:30 PM - 8:15 PM Reception |
Registration & Location
Registration for the 22nd Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium is open!
Date: March 26, 2026
Location: Centennial Ballroom D-H, Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center
Register today!
To access the discounted member registration rate, log in using the “Login” icon at the top of the Members-only page. Once logged in, renew your 2026 SOCS membership dues to unlock your member rate based on your membership type.
Be part of this thought-provoking and enriching experience, where evidence meets collaboration, and dermatology leads the way forward.
Click here to read the SOCS' Event Policy.
Naana A. Boakye, MD, FAAD
Owner of Bergen Dermatology
Co-owner of Karité Shea Butter
Panelist | Physician Care & Wellness
Noreen Galaria, MD, FAAD
Galaria Plastic Surgery & Dermatology
CEO and Founder, Inner Glow
Moderator | Physician Care & Wellness
Courtney M. Johnson, MD, PhD
Clinical Associate
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Invited Speaker | 2021 Dermatology Research Award: Investigating the Molecular Differences of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas in Black Women for Personalized Therapeutic Options
Vinod E. Nambudiri, MD, MBA, FAAD
Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Dermatology
Program Director, Harvard Dermatology Residency
Invited Speaker | The Use of AI in Dermatology
Panelist | Physician Care & Wellness
Michelle Oboite, MD
Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Clinical Pediatrics
Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Panelist | Holistic Patient Care & Advocacy
Klint Peebles, MD, FAAD
Kaiser Permanente
Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group
Invited Speaker | Gender Affirming Care in Challenging Times
Panelist | Holistic Patient Care & Advocacy
Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD
Bernett Johnson Endowed Professor of Dermatology, Department of Dermatology
Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
President, American Academy of Dermatology
Founder, Skin of Color Society
Invited Speaker | Cultivating Leadership Excellence
Rebecca Vasquez, MD, FAAD
Associate Professor of Dermatology
Director of Vitiligo and Pigmentation Clinic
Director of Community Engagement and Opportunity
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Chief of Service (Interim) of Dermatology at Parkland Health Hospital
2025-2026 President-Elect, Skin of Color Society
Panelist | Holistic Patient Care & Advocacy
Karolyn Wanat, MD, FAAD
Thomas J. Russel Family/Milwaukee Community Dermatologist Chair
Professor of Dermatology and Dermatopathology
Medical College of Wisconsin
Panelist | Physician Care & Wellness
Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, FAAD
Director, Skin of Color Division
Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Moderator | Holistic Patient Care & Advocacy
Panelist | Physician Care & Wellness
Medical Student Breakfast
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Gain firsthand insight into the dermatology residency application and interview process
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Learn directly from current dermatology residents and program directors
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Understand how mentorship and leadership development influence career progression
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Participate in candid discussions in a supportive, interactive environment
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Build professional connections with peers and leaders in dermatology
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Develop greater clarity around positioning themselves as future dermatologists
Featured Program Agenda
Timing: 8:00 - 10:00 AM
| 8:00 – 8:30 AM |
Breakfast & Networking |
| 8:30 – 8:35 AM | Welcome Remarks Opening remarks from SOCS leadership, Victoria Barbosa, MD, CFL Co-Chair, highlighting the mission of the Center for Leadership and the importance of early professional development in dermatology. |
| 8:35 – 8:45 AM |
Sponsor Spotlight
A brief presentation from Clinique, sharing the brand’s longstanding connection to dermatology, skin science, and support of leadership and educational initiatives within the specialty. |
| 8:45 – 9:05 AM | Resident Panel “The Match & Mentorship Journey” Dermatology residents share their experiences navigating the residency application process, lessons learned along the way, and how mentorship shaped their professional development. |
| 9:05 – 9:25 AM | Program Director Panel “Shaping the Future of Dermatology” Dermatology program directors discuss holistic applicant review, qualities they value in future residents, and advice for students preparing to apply to dermatology. |
| 9:25 – 9:45 AM | Live Audience Q&A An open question-and-answer session allowing participants to engage directly with residents and program leaders. |
| 9:45 – 10:00 AM | Closing Reflections Closing remarks and key takeaways led by Dr. Victoria Barbosa, reinforcing continued engagement with the Center for Leadership and future professional development opportunities through SOCS such as the Dermatologist of Tomorrow Scholarship. |
iPoster Galleries
Scientific iPoster Activity Timeline and Status
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Activity |
Timeline |
Status |
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Call for Abstracts |
August 4 - October 6, 2025 (Noon CT) |
Closed |
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Scientific Committee Review |
October - November 2025 |
Done |
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Notifications to Abstract Primary Authors |
November 2025 |
Done |
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Accepted Authors: iPoster Upload |
November 20 - December 15, 2025 |
Done |
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Featured iPoster Notifications |
Early February 2026 |
On Schedule |
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Scientific and Industry iPoster Galleries Go Live |
February 17, 2026 |
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iPoster Online Live Chat & Video Sessions (Virtual) |
March 15 - 18, 2026 |
For the Scientific iPoster gallery only, scientific poster uploads are due December 15, 2025 by 11:59 AM (CST). Please refer to your iPoster upload instructions emailed to you for more details.
Selected abstracts will be invited to present at the Scientific Symposium with either an oral abstract presentation or a digital iPoster via iPoster Sessions. Industry partners* will have an opportunity to also create interactive iPoster with various content, including high-resolution images, videos, audio, and more. The Scientific and Industry iPoster Galleries will be available from February 17, 2026, and will remain available for one year after the event.
Participants can engage with the content and leave messages. Authors will have the flexibility to select the iPoster Online Live Session dates and times within the iPoster platform.
*Based on sponsorship level.
Important Information:
- iPoster Upload: Starts on November 20, 2025, and ends on December 15, 2025
- iPoster Online Live Sessions: March 15 - 18, 2026
- iPosters will be reviewed and rated in December and January, with the top 10 iPosters selected as featured iPosters at the Symposium on March 26, 2026. Notifications will be sent out in February.
- Please note that abstract changes are not permitted for submitted and accepted abstracts.
- The platform supports interactive multimedia content, and attendees can engage with you virtually during live session chat hours.
Technical Support:
For help with tutorials, guides, and samples, please visit the iPosterSessions Resources page. Should you need any additional assistance, please consult the iPosterSessions AI Chatbot. Any questions unable to answered by the chatbot can be escalated to human support.
Accessibility and Inclusivity:
iPoster Sessions enhances accessibility and inclusivity at research events by providing a web-based platform that complies with WCAG and ADA standards, ensuring full participation for individuals with disabilities. The system supports diverse learning styles with multimedia features and promotes inclusivity by eliminating barriers for underrepresented groups. This allows attendees to engage with content from any internet-connected device, making scientific communication more dynamic and equitable. Click here to learn more.
Our Sponsors
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We sincerely thank our sponsors for their invaluable support of the 22nd Annual Scientific Symposium. Your contributions play a vital role in the success of this event and our ongoing efforts to advance innovation, collaboration, and excellence in dermatology.
Champion:
Ally:
Partner:
Friend:
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
View our sponsorship prospectus: