Skin of Color Society

02/21/2026

SOCS Media Relations Committee member Dr. Abrahem Kazemi talks about what drew him into dermatology: his desire to help close the gap of inequity and access to high-quality dermatologic care, and a deep and personal understanding of the psychosocial aspects of dermatologic conditions.

Tune into this excerpt and access the full episode of Skin of Color Savvy, produced by HCPLive: bit.ly/SOCSavvyDrKazemi

02/19/2026

As we approach the upcoming 22nd Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium on March 26, 2026, we are delighted to tell you about the panel discussion on Physician Care & Wellness: Practical Strategies for Sustainable Practice.

This interactive 50-minute panel brings together leading dermatologists to share practical, real-world strategies for improving physician wellness and preventing burnout.

🌟Moderated by Dr. Noreen Galaria, panelists will offer personal insights and actionable “pearls” they use in their own lives and practices to support balance, efficiency, and sustainability in dermatology.

Meet the Panelists

🌟Dr. Naana A. Boakye will address lifestyle dermatology, including nutrition, movement, and complementary approaches to wellness.

🌟Dr. Vinod E. Nambudiri will explore leveraging AI to improve efficiency, reduce burnout, and support physician wellness in practice.

🌟Dr. Karolyn Wanat will discuss organization, prioritization, and strategies to improve efficiency and manage competing demands.

🌟Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd will share insights about lifestyle dermatology and practical approaches to personal and professional wellness.

The session will feature brief personal reflections from each panelist, followed by a moderated discussion and audience Q&A, emphasizing actionable takeaways attendees can apply immediately in their own practices.

Join us for "Championing Evidence-Based Dermatology and Collaboration," a day packed with important information, insights, and inspiration!

Registration fees will increase soon, so register today!

bit.ly/SOCSSymposium26

02/16/2026

We are pleased to share the latest episode of Skin of Color Savvy, featuring SOCS member Dr. Abrahem Kazemi, who shares his story, including his career journey in dermatology and what is important to him as a board-certified dermatologist.

Skin of Color Savvy is the official podcast of the Skin of Color Society, produced by HCPLive.

Tune in, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and share!

This Skin of Color Savvy episode featured Abrahem Kazemi, MD, who speaks on several notable experiences he had as a dermatologist.

02/12/2026

Hear from SOCS leader Dr. Angel Byrd about the vital importance of talking to patients before and throughout the clinical trial process!

This is an excerpt from an insightful series of interviews that took place during the 3rd Meeting the Challenge Summit on December 5-6, 2025.

Catch the full episode of Skin of Color Savvy podcast here:
bit.ly/SOCSavvySummit

02/09/2026

As reported during the "What's Hot and What's Not" presentation by Dr. Brittany Oliver and Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, during our 8th Annual SOCS Media Day, "Trends & Truths in Skin of Color: Setting the Record Straight in the Age of Misinformation":

Beef tallow for topical use is one of those viral social media trends that is NOT recommended by dermatologists.

Here's why:
🔎Beef tallow is rendered beef fat that is used for cooking and making soaps and candles

🔎 Just because something is "natural" does NOT mean it is safe, effective, or risk-free!

🔎Beef tallow got viral attention due to its moisturizing properties (and similarity to the sebum we produce in our own skin).

🔎In oily and acne-prone skin, there is a high potential for clogged pores and breakouts with the use of this product.

🔎In skin of color, breakouts can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

🔎There is also a lack of regulation, quality standards, and testing of beef tallow, along with the possibility for it to go bad if improperly stored.

So...if you're looking for the right moisturizing products for your skin type and stage of life, seek the advice of your board-certified dermatologist!

02/06/2026

It's the incredible PEOPLE who make the Skin of Color Society so vibrant and special!

As we commemorate Black History Month, we celebrate the many leaders over the years who have contributed to our history as an organization and more broadly, to the house of dermatology and the subspecialty of skin of color dermatology!

Top photo: Early Board of Directors, including from left: Drs. Henry Lim, A. Paul Kelly, Susan C. Taylor (SOCS Founder), Marta Rendon, Rebat Halder, Valerie Callender, Cheryl Burgess, Amit Pandya, Andrew Alexis, and David Rodriguez.

Middle photo: Taken at the 20th Anniversary of SOCS in 2024, SOCS Founding Members from left: Drs. Sewon Kang, Vicki Barbosa, Rebat Halder, Valerie Callender, Susan C. Taylor, and Vince DeLeo. (Other Founding Members not shown: Drs. Pearl E. Grimes, Aditya Gupta, A. Paul Kelly, Marta Rendon, David Rodriguez, Miguel Sanchez, and Richard Scher.)

Bottom photo: SOCS Past Presidents from left: Drs. Andrew Alexis, Rebat Halder, Valerie Harvey, Valerie Callender, Susan C. Taylor, Amy McMichael, Lynn McKinley-Grant,, Seemal R. Desai, and Vicki Barbosa. Other Past Presidents not shown: Drs. Vicki Barbosa, Donald A. Glass II, Rebat Halder, Lynn McKinley-Grant, Amit Pandya, and Marta Rendon (deceased).

Thank you all for your extraordinary contributions to the world--paving the way for future generations and helping to advance excellence and equity in the profession to benefit all patients.

02/04/2026

As we look ahead to the upcoming 22nd Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium, we are excited to share a glimpse into the first of two panels that we will present, focusing on Holistic Patient Care & Advocacy.

This interdisciplinary panel highlights the essential role of the dermatologist in promoting patient wellness and advocating for underserved populations.

✨Moderated by Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, the panel will center on patient-focused care, the resources and strategies available to providers, and how dermatologists can advocate effectively while delivering comprehensive, compassionate care.

Meet the panelists:

✨Dr. Michelle Oboite will explore a holistic approach to dermatologic care, including a multidisciplinary model for pediatric alopecia.

✨Dr. Klint Peebles will focus on patient-centered gender-affirming dermatologic care, highlighting clinical approaches, supportive resources, and practical strategies for continuity of care.

✨Dr. Rebecca Vasquez will share insights on delivering dermatologic care to under-resourced communities and addressing health equity.

Join us for "Championing Evidence-Based Dermatology and Collaboration," a day packed with important information, insights, and inspiration!

Registration fees will increase soon, so register today!

bit.ly/SOCSSymposium26

02/02/2026

When will my prescription be ready?

That's a question that physicians regularly hear from patients...and with very good reason!

Hear what SOCS Public Education Committee member Dr. Yoseph Dalia says in this informative message explaining what can often be a complicated and frustrating process for patients.

02/02/2026

When will my prescription be ready?

That's a question that physicians regularly hear from patients...and with very good reason!

Hear what SOCS Public Education Committee member Dr. Yoseph Dalia says in this informative message explaining what can often be a complicated and frustrating process for patients.

01/28/2026

As we look ahead with great anticipation to the 22nd Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium, happening on Thursday, March 26, 2026, we are thrilled to tell you more about the program’s Invited Speakers, who will present as follows:

✨Courtney M. Johnson, MD, PhD, FAAD: Investigating the Molecular Differences of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas in Black Women for Personalized Therapeutic Options

✨Vinod E. Nambudiri, MD, MBA, FAAD: Leveraging AI to Build a More Sustainable Dermatology Practice

✨Klint Peebles, MD, FAAD: Limitations for Gender Affirming Care in Challenging Times

✨Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD: Cultivating Leadership Excellence

Check out the full program's lineup, including these outstanding speakers, plus dynamic panel discussions, oral abstract presentations, and more!

✨Join us for "Championing Evidence-Based Dermatology and Collaboration," a robust day of insights and inspiration: bit.ly/SOCSSymposium26

01/26/2026

SOCS Public Education Committee member Dr. Yoseph Dalia shares important info to help people navigate the often-complicated world of prescription costs, approvals, and coverage in this informative reel.

Tune in and watch for part 2!

01/21/2026

Hear from SOCS leader Dr. Crystal Aguh in an excerpt of a conversation with Dr. John E. Harris about the importance of collaboration with other specialties and why diversity in research and clinical trials delivers better science for the benefit of all.

This clip is from the latest Skin of Color Savvy podcast drop, highlighting the top 3 most-watched episodes from 2025--including fascinating conversations between Drs. Andrew Alexis & Shawn Kwatra on itch in skin of color, Dr. Nada Elbuluk & Dr. Michelle Rodrigues on pigmentary disorders, and Drs. Aguh & Harris on the importance of diversity in dermatology research and clinical trials.

Access the latest full episode: bit.ly/SOCSavvyTop3 or wherever you get your podcasts, and subscribe to Skin of Color Savvy, produced by HCPLive.