About SOCS
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/Latinx, Native Indian, Pacific Islander, as well as individuals with mixed races and/or ethnicities.
Mission
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.
Noble Purpose
We advance skin of color dermatology to achieve health equity and excellence in patient care.
We are dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion in dermatology.
Core Values
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.
Why SOCS?
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.
These changes in national and regional demographics, as well as international population shifts, underscore the need and importance of a thorough understanding of skin of color. The dermatology community may be faced with cutaneous diseases that occur more often in people with pigmented skin, present differently, inadequately understood, or are unique to this population. An increase in the body of dermatological literature concerning skin of color as well as the advancement of both basic science and clinical investigational research is necessary to meet the needs of the expanding skin of color population.
African American, Latino, Asian, Native Indian and Pacific Islander communities often have an inadequate understanding of the root causes of skin diseases that commonly affect them. Furthermore, they often face numerous challenges in their attempts to find information about these diseases. Many individuals of color adhere to misconceptions about the causes and potential cures for these diseases, and spend considerable financial resources on ineffectual non-prescription, folk, or home therapies.
Leadership
Officers
President – Victoria Barbosa, MD, MPH, MBA, FAAD
President-Elect – Nada Elbuluk, MD, MSc, FAAD
Secretary/Treasurer – Shawn Kwatra, MD, FAAD
Immediate Past President – Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH, FAAD
The Skin of Color Society Board of Directors
Prince Adotama, MD, FAAD
Murad Alam, MD, MSCI, MBA, FAAD
Pamela S. Allen, MD, FAAD
Naiara Barbosa, MD, FAAD
Tarannum Jaleel, MD, FAAD
Jenna C. Lester, MD, FAAD
Janiene Luke, MD, FAAD
Tiffany T. Mayo, MD, FAAD
E. Nikki Pritchett, MD, MPH, FAAD
Mary Thomas, DNB, FRCPC, FAAD
Jane Yoo, MD, FAAD
Founding Members
Victoria Barbosa, MD, FAAD
Valerie D. Callender, MD, FAAD
Vincent DeLeo, MD, FAAD
Pearl Grimes, MD, FAAD
Aditya Gupta, MD, FAAD
Rebat Halder, MD, FAAD
Sewon Kang, MD, FAAD
A. Paul Kelly, MD, FAAD
Henry W. Lim, MD, FAAD
Amit G. Pandya, MD, FAAD
Marta I. Rendon, MD, FAAD
David Rodriquez, MD, FAAD
Miguel Sanchez, MD, FAAD
Richard Scher, MD, FAAD
Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD
Committees & Purpose
SOCS encourages our membership to participate in achieving our mission and purpose through committee involvement.
Co-chairs | Prince Adotama, MD and Elizabeth A. Kiracofe, MD, FAAD
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This committee provides strategic advice, counsel and recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding representation of society’s need for quality dermatologic care for people who have skin of color; current and emerging public policy issues impacting the provision of that care; and advancing the profession of skin of color dermatology in appropriate venues including legislative and regulatory arenas.
Strategic Plan
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.
GOAL A: Dermatology will be a diverse, knowledgeable, competent, and compassionate specialty treating skin of all colors.
GOAL B: Public stakeholders will universally recognize SOCS physicians as the leaders in the field of skin of color dermatology.
GOAL C: The Skin of Color Society will lead advances in skin of color dermatology.
GOAL D: Members will recognize the Society as the gold standard medical organization for skin of color education, research, and mentorship.
Noble Purpose
We advance skin of color dermatology to achieve health equity and excellence in patient care.
We are dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion in dermatology.
Mission
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.
Core Values
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.
Envisioned Future
The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) is globally recognized as the preeminent leader in advancing skin of color dermatology to achieve health equity and excellence in patient care. The individual and collective efforts of leaders and members of the Skin of Color Society work synergistically to advance the continued expansion and evolution of the field of skin of color dermatology.
SOCS serves as the go-to authority and source of skin of color dermatologic knowledge and expertise for patients of color, the dermatological workforce, trainees, collaborators in the medical community, industry, the media, and the public-at-large.
The Society heightens awareness, deepens understanding and bridges knowledge gaps as the leading repository of skin of color dermatology education, including information on a wide array of dermatologic conditions, challenges and issues affecting people of color.
As a result of the work of SOCS, patients of color, physicians, the field of dermatology reap ongoing benefits from a more diverse, highly competent, well-trained, culturally sensitive, and inclusive workforce that is representative of, and reaches parity with, the global population–ultimately delivering compassionate, excellent and equitable dermatologic care for all.
A continuous pipeline of dermatological students, residents and fellows is comprehensively trained in the care of diverse populations with ready access to highly skilled mentors in all aspects of skin of color dermatology (medical, cosmetic and surgical), spanning private practice, public service and academia. This significant, sustainable increase in the number and diversity of well-trained dermatologists enables us to achieve healthcare equity for patients of color, ensure excellence in patient care and introduce innovations that positively impact the entire dermatology ecosystem.
SOCS shapes the future of skin of color dermatology by providing leadership development opportunities for tomorrow’s leaders, as well as offering ongoing mentorship experiences to physicians at all career levels–resulting in the continuous evolution and growth of dermatologists and the specialty as a whole, ultimately benefiting patients of color.
Research in the field of skin of color dermatology thrives, leading to important scientific and technological discoveries and breakthroughs, including effective new treatments and even cures for complex conditions affecting people of color. Patients of color participate regularly and broadly in clinical trial research for a wide variety of new medications and treatments under investigation.
SOCS stands as the globally recognized leader in supporting skin of color research, facilitating funding for investigative study in this diverse dermatologic field. SOCS itself offers grants to support junior investigators and seasoned physician-scientists alike, whose scientific investigations advance the field and lead to better treatments and cures that will positively impact people of color.
On an ongoing basis, SOCS leverages effective partnerships with like-minded organizations to advance understanding of the science of hair, skin and internal diseases in patients of color, as well as the art of dermatology and vital healthcare considerations relevant to racially, ethnically and culturally diverse populations.
SOCS supports unified, diverse communities around the world consisting of dermatologists with expertise in, and a passion for, skin of color dermatology, who collaborate with supporting local institutions and organizations to ensure that patients of color have access to the highest quality dermatologic care in a culturally competent manner.
2023 Reflections
Welcoming Our 20th Anniversary Year with Reflections on an Extraordinary 2023!
Happy New Year! 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. Several signature SOCS programs and newer initiatives made uniquely important contributions to the field this past year.
December 2023: The SOCS Meeting the Challenge Summit: Population Descriptors in Dermatology Research Studies
Continuing in our commitment to increase diversity in dermatology research studies and clinical trials, SOCS successfully presented our second Meeting the Challenge Summit in December 2023, this time focusing on population descriptors that best describe various populations under study.
As the second in a series, the Summit convened an esteemed, diverse group of 116 stakeholders, including skin of color dermatology leaders, researchers, clinicians, regulators, dermatologists-in-training, industry representatives, geneticists, dermatology journal editors, and an anthropologist. Co-chaired by Valerie M. Harvey, MD, MPH, FAAD and Valerie D. Callender, MD, FAAD, the 2023 Summit further advanced the broader work of the SOCS Diversity in Dermatology Clinical Trials Task Force, which introduced the inaugural Meeting the Challenge Summit in 2022—a groundbreaking gathering that led to the development of the nation’s first Diversity in Clinical Trials Mentorship Program, presented in 2023 in collaboration with the National Medical Association. In addition, this SOCS Task Force is in the process of developing a comprehensive, evidence-based review of the use and misuse of the current scales used to measure skin tones.
The 2023 Meeting the Challenge Summit was made possible with thanks to the support of the following sponsors: Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems, Inc. and L’Oréal Research & Innovation (Champion Level); Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Inc., and Incyte Corporation (Ally Level), and AbbVie, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Google Health, and Sanofi-Regeneron (Partner Level). The 3rd SOCS Meeting the Challenge Summit will take place in 2025. Watch for details!
October 2023: My Best Winter Skin Campaign
On October 24, 2023, SOCS launched a new national health awareness day known as My Best Winter Skin Day, (MBWS), kicking off an annual seasonal campaign built around public education, volunteerism and giving.
While raising awareness about winter skin, funds raised through this public educational campaign go to the SOCS Foundation to help support innovative research and mentorship in skin of color dermatology. The world’s first MBWS Day rolled out with two successful community outreach events held in Chicago, IL and Washington, D.C., led by teams of SOCS members, dermatology residents and medical students from Northwestern University and Howard University respectively. Participating SOCS volunteers shared educational tips for managing winter skin that were developed by members of the SOCS Patient Education Committee, and distributed free moisturizers generously donated by MBWS campaign sponsors, La Roche-Posay and CeraVe. Campaign support was also provided by Restore Hair.
Since the inaugural MBWS Day events, a total of 36 SOCS members in 18 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. have volunteered to conduct additional outreach events in their communities and on local college campuses, resulting in the distribution of 5,000 educational tips and donated moisturizers to the public. Hundreds of medical school students, Resident and Fellow members have participated in this inaugural outreach to date. Plans are underway for an expanded MBWS campaign in 2024.
August 2023: Dermatology Foundation and SOCS Partner to Deliver Impactful Opportunity to Advance Health Equity in Dermatology
For the first time, the Dermatology Foundation (DF) and SOCS have partnered to deliver new DEI research support for 2024, with a one-million-dollar grant generously provided by Sanofi-Regeneron.
The Sanofi-Regeneron Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mid-Career Award was developed especially for the exceptional mid-career investigator with an established trajectory of excellence in basic, clinical or translational science and will expand the understanding of dermatological issues impacting underrepresented or underserved groups in medicine. This substantial award adds a critical piece to the pathways of investigators working to address healthcare disparities. Supported research projects are expected to yield novel results that will provide urgently needed preliminary data and will serve as a springboard for obtaining larger research grants.
Administered and promoted by the DF/SOCS Collaborative, this unique award leverages the DF’s experience and infrastructure in award development and management, along with the SOCS’s expertise in DEI and deep reach into the community of DEI investigators. Applications are closed for the 2024 Award cycle. Recipients will be announced in March 2024.
July 2023: The first-ever SOCS Scientific Session at the World Congress of Dermatology (WCD)
SOCS was pleased to present its first WCD Scientific Session at the 25th World Congress of Dermatology in Singapore. Organized by the International League of Dermatological Societies, of which SOCS is a proud member, the WCD is one of the largest dermatology meetings in the world.
Featuring expert presentations on inflammatory disorders, cultural beauty around the world, lichen planopilaris in South Africa, facial pigmentation and less-known facets of cutaneous tuberculosis, the SOCS Scientific Session was co-chaired by Drs. Victoria Barbosa and Ginette A. Okoye, under the leadership of SOCS President Dr. Andrew Alexis. This well-attended program was made possible by an educational grant from Pfizer.
June 2023: The SOCS Educational Video Series
In its continuing dedication to physician, patient and public education, SOCS released an innovative educational video series in June 2023, consisting of the “MelanatED” series of eight short-form videos and ten longer-form SOCS Identity videos.
Covering pertinent, high-interest topics ranging from cultural competency, inflammatory diseases, hair loss, and sunscreen in skin of color to patient safety, dermatologic differences in darker skin, the importance of early detection, how to find “Dr. Right” and much more, this enlightening collection addresses many issues of importance to patients of color and the physicians who care for them.
Drawn from the 6th Annual SOCS Media Day initiative, held in March 2023, these insightful videos feature nationally and globally recognized SOCS leaders, including: Drs. Susan C. Taylor, Andrew F. Alexis, Valerie M. Harvey, Candrice R. Heath, Janiene Luke, Corey L. Hartman, Shawn Kwatra, and Nkem Ugonabo.
This initiative was made possible thanks to the support of: Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems, Inc., Procter & Gamble, Senté, Bristol Myers Squibb, Arcutis Biotherapeutics and Dove.
The 7th Annual SOCS Media Day, “Changes, Challenges and Choices in Skin of Color: What SOCS Experts Say in an Era of Opportunity and Promise,” will lead to a new series of educational videos, featuring SOCS leaders who will share their insights on a range of timely and relevant topics of importance to patients of color. Watch for updates!
March 2023: The 19th Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium
Held in March 2023, the 19th Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium, “Where Science, Innovation and Inclusion Meet,” showcased the latest skin of color dermatology research and insights from emerging researchers and leading experts from around the US and the world.
A record 179 scientific abstracts were submitted, with 128 poster abstracts and five oral abstract presentations accepted for inclusion in the program. Experienced by an international audience of 511 attendees, the Symposium featured 16 invited speakers, including a keynote address, who shared their insights through presentations, moderated panels and oral abstracts, along with an expansive range of iPosters on display for viewing. This informative program was co-chaired by Victoria Barbosa, MD, MPH, MBA, FAAD and Ginette A. Okoye, MD, FAAD.
The 19th Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium was supported by AbbVie, Arcutis, AVITA Medical, Beiersdorf, Bristol Myers Squibb, Dermavant Sciences, Eli Lilly, Evolus, Incyte, Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems, Inc., OrthoDermotologics, Sanofi-Regeneron, Sente, Strata Skin Sciences, UCB, and Unilever/Dove/Vaseline.
The 20th Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium, “Pathways to Equity: Advancing Advocacy, Research, and Clinical Excellence,” will take place on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the Marriott Marquis in San Diego. The upcoming Symposium is co-chaired by Nada Elbuluk, MD, MSc, FAAD and Chere Lucas Anthony, MD, FAAD.
2023 By the Numbers: SOCS Signature Programs and Activities
- Membership is growing globally, with 505 new SOCS members added from 30 countries.
- 11 SOCS Observership Grants awarded, supported by EltaMD, L’Oréal and many SOCS members who have made voluntary contributions through the SOCS Foundation.
- 5 SOCS Research Grants awarded, supported by Bristol Myers Squibb, L’Oréal and Pfizer.
- 3 SOCS Career Development Grants awarded, supported by Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer.
- 2 SOCS Early Career Innovations Awards given, supported by SOCS member Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, FAAD.
- 8 Travel Grants to the SOCS Meeting the Challenge Summit awarded to Dermatology Residents, supported by Summit sponsorships.
- 128 SOCS Mentee applications for the SOCS Mentorship program received
- 48 SOCS Mentor-Mentee pairings in the SOCS Mentorship program were facilitated, thanks to individual donations made to the SOCS Foundation.
- A total of 150 SOCS members and dermatology colleagues participated in SOCS Networking & Educational Symposia held in Chicago, Boston, New York, San Antonio, Philadelphia and San Francisco during 2023. These events were supported by Pfizer.
Wholehearted thanks to all who have contributed to the success and achievements of 2023. We are so excited about all that is planned for 2024 and look forward to your participation and engagement with SOCS in this 20th Anniversary year!