The Skin of Color Society established the Diversity in Action Task Force at the Annual Meeting in 2016 with the primary goal of building supportive networks and resources to increase the number individuals who are underrepresented in dermatology. This important Task Force is currently co-chaired by Drs. Loren Krueger and Caroline Robinson.

Initially, the Diversity in Action Task Force developed a helpful, detailed timeline which guides medical students through obtaining a residency position, which can be viewed on the SOCS website. 

In healthcare, medicine and many sectors of society, interest in diversity initiatives is at an all-time high, so this is a very exciting and robust time for the Diversity in Action Task Force, as well as the Skin of Color Society as a whole.

According to Dr. Robinson, “Our goal is to create concrete and comprehensive strategies that might serve as a guideline to help residency programs actively improve diversity within the field. We also plan to create a central database of opportunities for those interested in speaking engagements, which will further engage our pipeline.”

Dr. Krueger adds, “Over the next year, we hope to spread enthusiasm for the task force’s mission by creating a central database for teaching opportunities to help strengthen our pipeline, and develop recommendations on ways to incorporate diversity in the residency selection process.”

Learn more about the dynamic co-chairs of this Task Force in this interesting Q & A:

1. What drew you to serve as a co-chair of the SOCS Diversity in Action Task Force?

Dr. Loren Krueger: The Diversity in Action Task Force has such a vital mission – to increase networks, support and mentorship for URMs interested in Dermatology. In order to ensure the important work of SOCS is sustained for years to come, we must recruit and train future generations of dermatologists.

Dr. Caroline Robinson: Early in residency, I joined the Skin of Color Society and was immediately inspired by the members and leaders who wanted to expand our understanding of skin conditions that affect patients of color and to also improve the state of care for patients of color in dermatology. I was drawn to serve as co-chair of the Diversity in Action Task Force for many of those same reasons. I saw an opportunity to build on our work through multiple channels, thereby creating a deep, sustainable, and supportive network and comprehensive resources that will help our pipeline for decades to come. 

2. Why did you choose dermatology?

Dr. Loren Krueger: Dermatology is so rewarding! I love being able to help patients quickly and they are so grateful. I practice at Emory University. I have a clinical interest in pigmentary disorders and hair and scalp disorders.

Dr. Caroline Robinson: I gravitated towards dermatology because of the breadth and the depth of the specialty. As a dermatologist, you not only are you care for the skin, hair, and nails but you are also a surgeon, an oncologist, a pathologist, and more. No day is the same and there’s something still so exciting about that. I am a graduate of Cornell University where I obtained her bachelors degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Genetics and Development. I obtained her medical degree from the University of Louisville graduating with a distinction in research and subsequently completed my residency at Southern Illinois University. Currently, I practice dermatology on Chicago’s near south side in my private practice. My focus areas are disorders of hyperpigmentation and cicatricial alopecia. I opened my practice, Tone Dermatology, at the start of the pandemic here in Chicago. We do not learn a lot about business in medicine so in many ways I am grateful for this experience which allowed me to learn so much about something new while at the same time doing what I love. 

Loren Krueger, MD, FAAD is Associate Residency Program Director, Ambassador for Departmental Diversity Equity Inclusion, Emory University and can be found on Instagram as @drlkderm.

Caroline Robinson, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology and can be found on Instagram at @crobinsonmd and @tonedermatology.

Watch for more stories about SOCS Committee co-chairs!