Participating in the Skin of Color Society Mentorship Program during the 2024–2025 year has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my academic and professional journey. Being paired with Dr. Johnson as my mentor was an incredible privilege. From the very beginning, she made me feel welcomed and supported, taking her time to understand my personal goals and aspirations within dermatology. One of the most impactful aspects of our mentorship was her willingness to connect me with other professionals and programs that aligned with my interests. These connections not only broadened my perspective but also helped me feel more confident navigating the field as a future dermatologist.

Dr. Johnson provided thoughtful and constructive feedback on my personal statement and CV, helping me articulate my story in a way that felt both authentic and compelling. Her advice on how to strengthen my extracurricular involvement and research experiences was incredibly valuable, and I felt that she truly cared about my growth. I especially appreciated our conversations about research; being able to discuss projects with her and receive her insights helped me refine my academic interests and think more critically about the kind of impact I want to make in dermatology.

Meeting Dr. Johnson in person at the Society for Investigative Dermatology meetings in both 2024 and 2025 was a highlight of my medical journey. These moments brought our virtual mentorship to life and gave me the chance to engage with the broader dermatology community in a meaningful way. Seeing her networking and mentoring was inspiring and reinforced my desire to one day give back in the same way. This program has not only helped me grow professionally but has also affirmed my commitment to promoting equity and representation in dermatology. I am deeply grateful for the guidance, encouragement, and opportunities I received through this mentorship program, and I look forward to using my experience to help guide my future career within dermatology and to be a part of the program as a mentor in the future.

Working with Dr. Steven Daveluy, Program Director of the Wayne State University Department of Dermatology, has been one of the most rewarding and impactful experiences of my medical journey. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been paired with him through the SOCS mentorship program. As someone without a home dermatology program, I was uncertain about how to navigate this field, but Dr. Daveluy stepped in as both a mentor and guide. He not only provided me with incredible research opportunities, but also offered his unwavering support, patience, and invaluable insight.

One of the highlights of my time with Dr. Daveluy was working together on a research project that explored the impact of smoking on wound healing in hidradenitis suppurativa. This systematic review allowed me to dive into a fascinating yet underexplored aspect of dermatology. Through our collaboration, I gained a deeper understanding of how smoking can complicate wound healing and worsen dermatologic conditions. Dr. Daveluy’s mentorship throughout this project pushed me to think critically and independently, while always offering guidance and support whenever I needed it.

But the experience wasn’t just about the research. Dr. Daveluy went above and beyond in his role as a mentor, meeting with me regularly to discuss both my research progress and my broader career goals. His feedback was always thoughtful, honest, and constructive. He provided just the right balance of encouragement and challenge, helping me grow as a researcher and as an aspiring dermatologist. One of the most helpful aspects of his mentorship was when he took the time to review my personal statement. His feedback was thorough and incredibly insightful, guiding me to present myself in the most authentic and compelling way possible for dermatology programs.

What truly set Dr. Daveluy apart, though, was his kindness and genuine care for my success. He took the time to understand my goals and always made an effort to connect me with others in the dermatology community. His guidance wasn’t just about academic achievement, but about building relationships, networking, and positioning myself to stand out as a strong candidate in dermatology. His advice was always practical, but what made it so meaningful was the sincerity and dedication he showed in helping me reach my potential.

I applied to the mentorship program because I wanted to learn from inspiring leaders in dermatology and grow into a more culturally sensitive physician. At the time, I was also preparing to apply for residency and knew I needed to strengthen my understanding of skin of color, as it is something that felt really important to me both professionally and personally. As a member of the Latino community, I’ve seen how cultural and systemic barriers can delay treatment, especially for skin conditions, and that reality continues to motivate me to be better for my future patients. 

I was lucky to be paired with Dr. Ibekwe, an amazing dermatologist practicing in Nigeria. She made the experience incredibly meaningful by helping tailor our meetings to match my goals. We talked through topics that were more challenging for me, like hair disorders and navigating research ideas, and I always appreciated her thoughtful guidance. It also meant a lot to have her support during my application season; just knowing someone across the world was rooting for me made a difference. This program has been such a valuable part of my journey, and it reminded me that being a culturally sensitive physician takes ongoing effort, reflection, and a willingness to keep learning.

I applied to the SOCS Mentorship Program hoping to find guidance as I pursued dermatology without the support of a home program.

Working with Dr. Kundu has truly been one of the most impactful parts of my medical school journey. She offered invaluable advice, helped me navigate the research year application process, and wrote multiple letters of recommendation. With her support, I was able to match into one of my top-choice dermatology research fellowship. I am so grateful for her guidance as I did not know what went into these applications but she was so patient with me and would answer all of my questions.

Beyond that, her expertise in skin of color dermatology really resonated with me. Our conversations deepened my interest in the field and confirmed that addressing disparities in dermatologic care is something I want to center in my career.

This experience has shaped not only my path forward but also the kind of mentor I hope to become for others one day.

I would like to begin by thanking the organization and selection committee for providing this wonderful opportunity for students to gain valuable mentorship and glean insights from experts in the field. I am extremely grateful to have been selected as part of the 2024–2025 cohort, and I hope to give back as a mentor through this same avenue in the future.

My experience as a SOCS mentee was not as fruitful as I would have hoped due to time constraints that did not allow much opportunity for my mentor and me to meet. We were not able to meet in person, and thus I do not have a photo to share of us. However, I appreciate her time and willingness to help me navigate my CV and the application season.

Despite the challenges, I believe this was a valuable experience for me, and I am excited to continue engaging with the SOCS community as I head into my dermatology residency.

As a mentee in the 2024–2025 Skin of Color Society (SOCS) Mentorship Program, I had the privilege of being paired with Dr. Tiffany Mayo, whose guidance proved invaluable throughout one of the most pivotal times in my medical training. Her mentorship not only deepened my understanding of dermatologic care in skin of color but also strengthened my confidence and preparedness in applying to dermatology residency. Dr. Mayo provided step-by-step advice on the dermatology application timeline and what programs look for in competitive applicants. She generously reviewed my personal statement, ERAS application, and conducted a mock interview—each time offering thoughtful, detailed feedback that helped me refine my narrative, highlight my strengths, and speak with authenticity. Her support demystified the application process and gave me clarity and reassurance during an otherwise overwhelming period.

Beyond application guidance, Dr. Mayo inspired me to stay engaged in research, advocacy, and mentorship. Through our conversations, I gained a deeper understanding of the structural and cultural barriers affecting patients with skin of color and how to address these gaps as a future dermatologist. She also encouraged me to explore academic dermatology and community outreach as ways to drive systemic change.

The SOCS Mentorship Program provided not only one-on-one mentorship but also a sense of belonging within a network of dermatologists committed to equity and inclusion. This experience reaffirmed my dedication to expanding access to dermatologic care for underserved communities and strengthened my resolve to one day mentor the next generation of students through SOCS.

Over the past year I have had the privilege of being mentored by Dr. JaBreia James through the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) Mentorship Program. JaBreia is an incredibly kind, thoughtful, and insightful mentor, and I’m grateful for the wisdom she shared with me. We connected three times over Zoom and phone calls throughout the year. Although we attempted to meet in person during my time in Boston, our schedules didn’t align, as she was on call.

Throughout the year, I leaned on JaBreia for guidance on volunteering, research, and preparing for the AAD. Her encouragement helped solidify my commitment to dermatology, particularly skin of color dermatology, and she consistently reminded me of the importance of representation in the field. She reassured me that, even without a home dermatology program, there are still meaningful ways to gain exposure, build connections, and make an impact. With her support, I was able to network in the Boston and NYC areas, which has been pivotal in expanding my understanding of the field and identifying opportunities for growth.

One highlight of our mentorship was when she helped me refine a broad set of research interests and guided me in designing a public health initiative. That project—created in collaboration with the University of Vermont Cancer Center—provides sun protection education and supplies to 15 Jamaican farmworkers. This experience not only aligned with my public health and dermatology interests but also deepened my commitment to health equity, advocacy, and community-based care.

Having a mentor closer to my age also made a difference. JaBreia helped me think through the pros and cons of taking a research year and what that decision could mean for my long-term career goals. Her perspective was incredibly validating and practical as I work through the many steps of becoming a dermatology applicant.

While I wish we had more time together, I’m incredibly thankful for her continued support and mentorship. This program has reinforced my dedication to skin of color dermatology, empowered me to pursue community-centered projects, and reminded me of the power of mentorship. I feel blessed to have been part of this program and am excited to continue learning and growing under the guidance of my new SOCS mentor this year.

Participating in the Skin of Color Society Mentorship Program was a valuable opportunity that enabled me to connect with an expert in skin of color dermatology. I initially applied to the program because of my strong interest in skin of color dermatology and the lack of a dermatology department or residency program at my home institution. I hoped to receive guidance on research opportunities and learn how to become a more competitive and well-rounded applicant as I explored my interest in dermatology.

At the beginning of the program, I had a helpful phone call with my mentor where we discussed my goals and explored various strategies to help me achieve them. During the call, I expressed an interest in becoming more involved in dermatology-related community service initiatives. In response, my mentor recommended that I attend the 2024 South Carolina Dermatology Trainee Virtual Advocacy Conference. That experience provided valuable insight into national and statewide advocacy efforts and opportunities within dermatology, particularly those affecting patients with skin of color. My mentor also connected me with a colleague to discuss their perspective on pursuing a dermatology research year, as well as a contact affiliated with my school who could assist me in identifying dermatology elective opportunities.

While I am extremely grateful for this experience and the initial support I received, I found it somewhat challenging to maintain consistent communication with my mentor after the first month of the program. Unfortunately, my follow-up attempts often went unanswered, and over time, I eventually stopped reaching out. Nevertheless, I truly appreciated having a direct contact in the specialty whom I could turn to with questions and for support early in the mentorship. This experience helped me reflect on what I value in mentorship and reinforced the significance of representation, support, and guidance in pursuing a career in dermatology.

Thank you so much to the Skin of Color Society for this opportunity!

I was fortunate to be matched with Dr. Kenyatta Mireku as my SOCS mentor. From the very beginning, Dr. Mireku was so kind and proactive in reaching out to me, finding opportunities for me, and supporting me during my application to dermatology residency. She introduced me to one of her colleagues, an expert in skin of color patch testing, and I was able to collaborate on a research project with her. We often discussed strategies and considerations in the residency application process and how to strengthen my application. With her encouragement, I attended the 2024 SOCS Annual Scientific Symposium in San Diego to learn and network with others in the field of skin of color dermatology. Although we were unable to meet in person, Dr. Mireku’s mentorship has been invaluable over the past year. I feel so lucky to have her as a mentor!

I had a great experience interacting with my mentor Dr. Kakpovbia this year through the SOCS Mentorship Program. Though we only met virtually once, it was wonderful to hear about her journey in dermatology and path through residency and to academic medicine. She thoroughly answered my many questions and offered very helpful advice as I navigated my research year and began the application process to residency.

This program has helped support my interest in dermatology as a whole and specifically in skin of color by connecting me with skin of color experts and resources to learn more as a medical student and shine on rotations. Attending the SOCS Scientific Symposium was an amazing experience, and I learned so much from all of the presentations. Hearing from program directors and leaders in the field was very helpful and inspiring. I would definitely recommend the program to other students interested in dermatology and skin of color.

I am extremely grateful for the invaluable mentorship experience facilitated by the Skin of Color  Society over the past year. Having the opportunity to be mentored by Dr. Naiara Barbosa has  been a pivotal element in my professional development during my dermatology residency. 

Dr. Barbosa’s guidance has been instrumental as I explored my interests in the field of Mohs  surgery. Her expertise and insight into the field have not only equipped me with the necessary  knowledge to pursue this specialized path but also enhanced my overall understanding and skills  as a dermatologist in training. 

Throughout the year, Dr. Barbosa provided me with continuous support and advice, which was  crucial in making confident decisions regarding my career. Her mentorship extended beyond  professional guidance, as she also imparted wisdom on balancing the demands of residency with  personal growth and development. 

The support from the Skin of Color Society with connecting me with such an inspiring mentor  demonstrated the organizations commitment to the advancement of its members. This experience  has not only furthered my career but also deepened my appreciation for the field of dermatology,  particularly in the context of skin of color and the specialized field of Mohs surgery. 

I am deeply grateful for this mentorship and the role that the Skin of Color Society has played in  my professional journey. Inspired by this experience, I am eager to pay it forward and support  those coming behind me.

The SOCS Mentorship program has been a valuable asset throughout my journey to dermatology residency. My mentor, Dr. Dolly Taiwo, and I met at the 2023 National Medical Association and Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly. She has provided consistent kindness and encouragement, in addition to providing valuable information regarding expectations for dermatology residency and fellowship. Lastly, Dr. Taiwo has aided with networking and has shown interest in my professional endeavors, which is a testament to her pure intent and dedication to mentorship. I look forward to remaining in contact with Dr. Taiwo, as well as continuing to be involved with the opportunities provided by the Skin of Color Society.

I was assigned a mentor through the SOCS Mentorship Program who lived and practiced in Chicago. I am in Indianapolis, and so we were able to meet virtually in the Spring of 2023, shortly after being paired. Dr. Kirakofe was great to talk with – she is super energetic and really encouraging. She encouraged me in my career goals and in my pursuit of dermatology. She talked about other mentees that she had and some of the research and screening activities that they had undertaken. 

She was also interested in general professional development and recommended a great book on communication which she asked me to read before our next meeting, Crucial Conversations. I found this book to have a lot of excellent information about communication and specifically about the tools that effective leaders use to have productive conversations on difficult or controversial topics. 

I was really looking forward to checking back in with Dr. Kiracofe, but unfortunately she had to cancel two meetings over the summer and then in the fall I had two very difficult and time consuming clerkships back to back (OB and Surgery). I have not heard from her at all since our initial online meeting and also on my part had a busier than anticipate spring and have not reached out either.

Overall, I really appreciate the opportunity to participate in the SOCS mentorship program. Although I am a little disappointed that I was not able to have a closer relationship with my mentor, I know that it was a difficult year as far as scheduling and meeting because of my clerkship schedule and requirements.

My participation in the Skin of Color Society mentorship program this past year was nothing short of amazing. From the many conversions with my mentor to the monthly mentoring sessions, this experience has had a positive impact on my journey to becoming a dermatologist.

My mentor is Dr. Lucas Anthony and I am so grateful for her mentorship. She lives in Florida and I attend medical school in Kansas City, Missouri so the majority of our interaction this past year was virtual. We typically check in on a monthly basis and I always leave our conversations feeling rejuvenated about my goals. I updated her on which clinical rotation I was on and she gave very good advice on how to maximize my rotations and be a better student. She also gave me a lot of encouragement and support during times of stress. As I approach the application season, we decided together that confidence is something I continuously need to work on in order to be successful. One of my favorite things about my mentor-mentee relationship with Dr. Lucas Anthony is her ability to provide me with reassurance. She always knows what to say to ease my anxiety. I was so happy to finally meet her in person a year later at the Skin of Color Symposium!

As I reflect on the past year, I am so grateful to have gotten a mentor through the Skin of Color Society. This mentorship experience has been monumental in my pursuit of dermatology. I really appreciated having a mentor that was very active and involved in our relationship. She never made me feel like I was “bothering” or “annoying” her; she genuinely wanted to help in any way she could. This mentorship was especially useful because she taught me strategies that were very helpful when researching residency programs and applying to away rotations. As I continue on this journey, I am confident that the connection I have with Dr. Lucas Anthony will continue to grow and blossom.

Over this past year, I really enjoyed my time being a member of the Skin of Color Society. My mentor, Dr. Kenyatta Mireku, has been very great asset during my time as a medical student. She has provided me her experience of being a medical student and things she did to become a competitive applicant for dermatology residency. Dr. Mireku gave me some of her contacts for research in order to get some publications. She even encouraged me to enter my research to the SOCS Scientific Symposium, which I did. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend to the symposium due to having exams during that same week. I do plan on attending to the symposium next year. Overall, this program has been an indispensable experience to guide me through my medical school journey so far. I plan on being part of the Skin of Color Society throughout my medical career and hopefully be able pass down my knowledge and experience to any future medical students that are interested in dermatology.

As a student without a dermatology home program, I am so thankful to the Skin of Color Society’s Mentorship program and to Dr. Pierre. Dr Pierre is the first mentor in Dermatology I have had and has provided me with invaluable guidance and direction. He is a goal-oriented mentor and I always look forward to our check-in sessions. Any question or concern regarding my plans or endeavors, I have an objective, knowledgeable ear. We discuss strategy, residency, resilience, and the makings of a patient-centered dermatologist. I hope that one day I can meet him in person and thank him again for everything he has done for me.

Chrislene Olukoga 
2021 SOCS Mentorship Program Summary

First, I’d like to thank the Skin of Color Society for organizing this wonderful mentorship program for dermatology residents in North America. I was paired with Dr. Vineet Mishra for this mentorship program for the past year. Although I am in Vancouver, Canada, I was able to connect virtually with Dr. Mishra. We discussed about the issues of Skin of Color in dermatology during our meet-up. We also discussed about my career goals and Dr. Mishra shared useful tips to help me succeed in residency. Based on our conversation, I was inspired to investigate the issue of dermatology education in the area of skin of color for Canadian dermatology residents. I published a commentary titled “Dermatology education in skin of colour: where we are and where do we go?” in the Canadian Medical Education Journal. I was also connected with Dr. Mishra on the research level as I am currently working on some research projects that demonstrate our common interests. I am looking forward to meeting Dr. Mishra in person when he will be attending the AAD Innovation Conference in July 2022. Thank you again for this wonderful program that helps residents connect with experts and advocates in the areas of Skin of Color!

Harry Liu, MD
2021 SOCS Mentorship Program Summary

I found the SOCS mentorship experience to be very beneficial. The first time I met with my mentor, Dr. Mhlaba, was shortly after starting my fourth year of medical school. We had a call to introduce ourselves, and we discussed my interests in dermatology and skin of color. Dr. Mhlaba was very supportive in giving advice to help me select away rotation programs that are strong in skin of color, and she even connected me with a current resident at the program that I eventually rotated at. She also assisted by recommending residency programs with skin of color experts that I should research and consider applying to. At the beginning residency interview season, Dr. Mhlaba gave me a practice interview, which was extremely beneficial in helping me prepare for the questions I would be asked. After the conclusion of interview season, I had follow-up questions about one particular program that I was interested in. Dr. Mhlaba connected me with one of her colleagues who had done residency at this program, who was able to have a phone call with me to answer my questions. Our ability to meet in person was limited due to factors related to Covid-19, but I was always met with support anytime I reached out, and Dr. Mhlaba would make sure to check in on me occasionally during crucial steps of the application process. I was very appreciative of the insight and information that I received from my mentor, and it made a big difference in how I approached fourth-year and residency applications. For this reason, I found the SOCS mentorship program to be quite useful.

Seneca Hutson
2021 SOCS Mentorship Program Summary