Skin of Color Society

09/24/2025

We are counting the days until our 2025 SOCS Meeting the Challenge Summit, happening on December 5-6, 2025, in Washington, D.C.!

We'll kick off the program with "Meeting the Challenge: Celebrating Milestones, Achievements & Mentorship," with presentations by SOCS Past Presidents and Co-Chairs, Drs. Valerie D. Callender and Valerie M. Harvey, Dr. Tarannum Jaleel, Dr. Hope Mitchell, and Dr. Amit Garg.

Themed "Advancing Dermatology in Clinical Trials: Expanding Outcome Measures," this Summit will be a true meeting of the minds, providing stakeholders a meaningful opportunity to share and enhance their knowledge, exchange information on broadening clinical trial representation, and engage in networking and collaboration.

We'll focus on patient-reported outcome measures and clinical trial design, emphasizing the integration of patient experiences, particularly across diverse backgrounds, into dermatologic research.

We invite you to learn more and register!

bit.ly/SOCSSummit2025

09/17/2025

We are honored to announce our highly esteemed Keynote Speaker for the upcoming SOCS Meeting the Challenge Summit: Dr. Robert A. Winn, Director and Lipman Chair in Oncology, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Senior Associate Dean for Cancer Innovation and Professor of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, VCU School of Medicine, and President, American Association of Cancer Institutes.

As the director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dr. Winn leads the nation in optimizing cancer healthcare outcomes for all and spearheads interdisciplinary approaches to cancer disparities research. He oversees a center of nearly 150 scientists and clinical investigators.

Our Summit, themed "Advancing Dermatology in Clinical Trials: Expanding Outcome Measures," will provide stakeholders a valuable opportunity to share and enhance their knowledge, exchange information on broadening clinical trial representation, and engage in networking and collaboration.

For the 3rd time since its inception in 2022, this Summit is co-chaired by SOCS Past Presidents Drs. Valerie D. Callender and Valerie M. Harvey.

This important meeting will focus on patient-reported outcome measures and clinical trial design, emphasizing integrating patient experiences, particularly across various backgrounds, into dermatologic research.

We invite you to learn more, engage with us, and register!

bit.ly/SOCSSummit2025

09/12/2025

Through the SOCS Center for Leadership, established by Immediate Past President Dr. Vicki Barbosa, we were thrilled to recognize two outstanding Resident Leaders earlier this year with the inaugural SOCS Annual Resident Leadership Award: Dr. Antara Afrin (left) and Dr. Amaris Geisler...and we're now accepting applications for the 2026 Awards!

The Resident Leadership Award honors two dermatology residents who have demonstrated exemplary leadership during their medical training, especially in the field of skin of color dermatology.

Check out the details and apply, or please share this opportunity with a deserving resident leader:

Award amount: $2,000 per recipient (2 awards given)

Applications close: Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 12 PM CT

Learn more and apply:
bit.ly/SOCSResLeaderAward26

09/10/2025

We were honored to co-host the Art of Skin last week with the American Academy of Dermatology ... a spectacular evening celebrating dermatology and community in support of two important causes: the Clinical Image Collection and the Good Skin Knowledge program.

Thank you to all who made this beautiful event possible and who joined us and supported this wonderful gathering!

09/08/2025

Learn more about scarring alopecia in this Everyday Health article featuring insights from SOCS Immediate Past President Dr. Victoria Barbosa and SOCS member Dr. Paradi Mirmirani.

Skin ConditionsAlopeciaExplore This TopicShare this articleShareShare on FacebookShare on XShare on PinterestCopy LinkAlopeciaLearn the latest about alopecia, including its different types, triggers, and treatment options. Read about the differences between male and female pattern baldness and the e...

09/02/2025

Looking ahead to the changing seasons...and our educational campaign known as My Best Winter Skin that kicks off on October 24, 2025!

Watch for news about events that will be springing up in communities around the country and find out how you can engage with us as we educate the public about managing winter skin during the colder, harsher months ahead.

Visit: bit.ly/MBWS2025

08/28/2025

SOCS President Dr. Nada Elbuluk invites you to join us at the Art of Skin event on September 4 in NYC — a vibrant celebration of dermatology, skin, and community! 🎉 �

Experience live entertainment, an open bar, and amazing company — all while supporting important programs that improve skin health access and education.

Watch this message to learn more...and there's still time to get your tickets for this unforgettable evening!

🎟️ aad.org/ArtofSkin �

08/27/2025

Are you interested in advancing dermatology in clinical trials?

We invite you to join us for the 2025 Meeting the Challenge Summit as we strive for improved representation in dermatology research studies/clinical trials.

This Summit, themed "Advancing Dermatology in Clinical Trials: Expanding Outcome Measures," will provide stakeholders a valuable opportunity to share and enhance their knowledge, exchange information on broadening clinical trial representation, and engage in networking and collaboration.

For the third time since its inception in 2022, this important forum is co-chaired by SOCS Past Presidents and Meeting the Challenge in Research Committee Co-Chairs, Drs. Valerie D. Callender and Valerie M. Harvey.

The Summit will focus on patient-reported outcome measures and clinical trial design, emphasizing integrating patient experiences, particularly across various backgrounds, into dermatologic research.

The program will explore best practices in trial design and outcome measurement, and discuss diseases that are inadequately represented in clinical trials.

Key discussions will center on how to make clinical trials more representative and impactful, prioritizing patient voices throughout the research process to drive better outcomes in patient care.

We invite you to engage with us through this true meeting of the minds.

Watch for more information highlighting the fantastic program that's planned!

Learn more and register: bit.ly/SOCSSummit2025

08/25/2025

We are pleased to share this article in Dermatology Times, featuring the Diversity in Clinical Research Mentorship Program, which we present in collaboration with the National Medical Association Dermatology Section NMA Derm.

https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/mentorship-program-targets-real-world-representation

Mentors and mentees include specialists in complex medical dermatology, pediatric dermatology, and procedural dermatology to diversify trial opportunities.

08/21/2025

Learn about protective hairstyles and the health and care of your hair from Skin of Color Society experts Dr. Victoria Barbosa and Dr. Janiene Luke in this short video, part of the SOCS MelanatED series of educational videos.

08/19/2025

Join us at the Art of Skin event on September 4 in NYC — a vibrant celebration of dermatology, skin, and community! 🎉 �

We are thrilled to co-host the Art of Skin with the American Academy of Dermatology AAD Member in support of meaningful initiatives such as the AAD Clinical Image Collection, on which SOCS is a proud collaborator, and Good Skin Knowledge.

Expect live entertainment, an open bar, and amazing company — all while supporting programs that improve skin health access and education.

SOCS members: Access your special member discount code in today's Scoop!
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🎟️ Tickets available now: aad.org/ArtofSkin

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08/13/2025

We are thrilled to share this recap video featuring Skin of Color Society members who comprise the inaugural cohort of the SOCS Center for Leadership's Learning Collaborative!

These outstanding evolving dermatology leaders recently participated in an immersive 1.5-day leadership training program based on the renowned work of James Kouzes and Barry Posner and their "Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership."

Established in 2024 by Immediate Past President Victoria Barbosa, MD, MPH, MBA, during her presidency, the CFL's mission is to develop leaders who will drive the dermatology field forward with innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. Learn more: bit.ly/SOCSCFL

Tune into this short video to hear from the participants about their inspiring, innovative, and enriching leadership development experience!

https://youtu.be/OGK7WlukeDU