Clinical Investigator Training and Mentorship Program
A Future In Clinical Research Starts Now
We believe clinical researchers who are dedicated to health equity builds trust for clinical research that includes diverse populations.
Call for Applications: August 3 - November 2, 2026, 12:00 PM CT
The Skin of Color Society, in conjunction with the NMA Dermatology Section, is proud to present the Clinical Investigator Training and Mentorship Program. This mentorship program is intended to:
- Develop the skills of future clinical investigators in dermatology.
- Offer support to physicians interested in skin of color dermatology, health equity, and excellence in patient care.
- Propel the career development of mentees.
- Provide an experience that mirrors conducting industry-sponsored research.
- Acquire the knowledge needed to run a successful and high-quality research program.
Program Overview
The Clinical Investigator Training and Mentorship Program will select 7-10 board-certified dermatologists (mentees) dedicated to health equity with little or no clinical trials experience. They will receive a didactic online course (Phase I) an in-person 8 hour training and quarterly meetings (Phase II), and longitudinal mentorship experience (Phase III).
Mentees will be required to successfully complete Phase I of the program in order to move onto subsequent phases.
Phase I: Online Course: April 10 - July 17, 2027 and Quarterly Meetings (TBD)
Mentees will participate in an 8-part online course (Foundations & Principles of Clinical Trials). These 2-hour sessions will take place on the following Saturdays: April 10, 24; May 15, 22; June 5, 26; July 10, 17.
Topics include:
- Introduction Basic Clinical Research
- Drug Development Process
- FDA Code of Federal Regulations
- International Council of Harmonization: Good Clinical Practices
- Institutional Review Board/Independent Ethics Committee
- Investigational New Drug Safety Reporting
- Implementing Protocols and working with Clinical Research Associates
- Dermatology Protocol Review
Quarterly Meetings
NEW In 2026! We are excited to add quarterly topical meetings to the curriculum.
Potential Topics Include:
- Intellectual Property (IP)
- Leadership
- Grants
- Budgeting
- Staff Management
Phase II: In-Person Training/Meet Your Mentor: Friday, July 30, 2027 | Baltimore, MD
After successful completion of Phase 1 course work, mentees will attend an 8-hour in-person training on July 30th, in Baltimore, MD.
Travel stipend: SOCS will provide a travel stipend for airfare and hotel accommodation, provided selected mentees submit their travel expenses. Mentees will be responsible for booking their own airfare.
Phase III: Longitudinal Mentorship: August 1, 2027 - December 2028
Mentees will have the option to continue professional development through longitudinal mentorship until December 2028.
As part of this work, mentors and mentees will have access to a 12-week curriculum as a reference guide/tool-kit.
Topics include:
- Clinical Research Site Terminology and Basic Research Site Concepts
- Finding Studies/Sponsor-Clinical Research Organizations (CRO)
- Confidentiality Disclosure Agreement/Feasibility Questionnaire/Protocol Synopsis
- Pre-Study Site Selection Visit/ First Interaction with Study Monitor
- Study Start Up Procedures, Clinical Trial Agreement/Study Budget
- Site Initiation Visits (SIV)
- Protocol Implementation and Execution at the Clinical Research Site
- Study Vendor Details and Subject Recruitment
- How to work with Study Monitor/ First Interim Monitoring Visit
- Study Maintenance
- Close Out Visits
- Audits
Observership
As part of Phase III, mentees will have the option to participate in an oberservership at their mentor's clinic. Funding will be made available for travel, room and board as needed.
Mentee Eligibility Criteria:
- Is able to attend the Phase I sessions as listed above
- Participants must be existing members of NMA Derm Section or SOCS (in-process applications will be considered)
- Has limited clinical trials experience (<2-3 trials completed)
- Must be interested in establishing or expanding their clinical research program
- Must have completed GCP/CITI or equivalent training
- Can have previous experience with NMA/NMF/other Clinical Research Certification program
- Must be a board-certified or board-eligible dermatologist
- Must provide a letter from their department chair or practice owner confirming that one day per week or 20% of their time is allocated for protected research activities.
- If you are the owner of your practice, please acknowledge that you have the ability to dedicate the required amount of time to research.
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Applicants must practice in the US.
Questions?
Please email the National Medical Association Dermatology Section (NMA Derm) at
Please reach out to the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) via phone at +1- 630-578-399 or email
Help develop the next generation of clinical investigators:
Become a mentor!
The Clinical Investigator Training & Mentorship Program (CITMP) connects emerging clinical investigators with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, share real-world expertise, and support their development in dermatology clinic research.
Responsibilities
CITMP mentors are matched with mentees based on subject matter expertise, research interests, and program needs. Mentors are expected to:
- Provide ongoing guidance and mentorship throughout the program
- Participate in scheduled mentor/mentee meetings and check-ins
- Attend the in-person meeting and training
- Share practical, real-world clinical research experience
- Present on topics related to their area of expertise, when requested
- Provide their mentee the opportunity to participate in an observership at their clinic or institution.
Honorarium & Travel
Funding permitted, mentors who participate in all phases of the program will receive a total honorarium of $2,500.
In addition to the honorarium, SOCS will provide travel reimbursement for the in-person meeting.
Presentations
Mentors may be invited to lead presentations and discussions based on their subject matter expertise. These sessions are intended to provide mentees with practical insights and encourage meaningful discussion about conducting clinical research.
Interested in becoming a mentor?
If you are interested in serving as a CITMP mentor, please complete this form or contact Janice Ayarzagoitia at
Please note that mentor/mentee matches are based on program needs, research interests, and areas of expertise. Expressing interest does not guarantee a mentee assignment.
Chairs and Sponsorship
Leandra A. Barnes, MD, FAADClinical Investigator
Training Committee
Co-Chair
Skin of Color Society
Danyelle Dawes, MD, FAAD
Clinical Investigator
Training Committee
Co-Chair
Skin of Color Society
Cheri Frey, MD, FAAD
Membership Chair
National Medical Association
Hope Mitchell MD, FAAD
Dermatology Section
Chair
National Medical Association
We gratefully acknowledge the support from Johnson & Johnson for supporting this program.
