The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) is the world’s leading professional dermatologic organization dedicated to achieving health equity and excellence in patient care through research, education, mentorship, and advocacy. SOCS is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in the field of dermatology to advance patient care.

Established in 2004 by Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, SOCS has grown from a small, highly dedicated group of dermatologists to become a vibrant global organization with more than 1,200 members from nearly all the United States and 35 countries around the world.

As a premier international society devoted to skin of color dermatology, our work includes:

• Promoting, supporting, developing, and stimulating knowledge about all aspects of skin of color within the specialty of dermatology, the medical profession, and the general population.
• Providing a forum for the exchange of information and insights pertaining to skin of color.
• Promoting the education of physicians, residents, and non-physician scientists, media, government, and third parties, (i.e. managed care and insurance organizations), and the general public regarding the unique properties, reaction patterns, and diseases that occur in individuals with skin of color through many signature SOCS programs.
• Advancing the scientific study and investigational research of skin of color, including basic science, clinical, surgical, and cosmetic issues.
• Providing rewarding mentorship opportunities for younger members and individuals interested in the field of skin of color to learn from skin of color dermatology experts who are SOCS members.
• Offering enriching collaborative opportunities for established members to represent SOCS to the media and the public to advance our mission.

We invite your membership and participation in our growing, dynamic society!

Why SOCS?

“I am absolutely thrilled with the trajectory of SOCS since we began in 2004. When we look at how the membership has grown, it’s so rewarding to see the expansion in the numbers of members involved, as well as our diversity and the wide range of valuable programs and activities we now offer.”—Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, SOCS Founder

“I wouldn’t be the kind of dermatologist I am without the Skin of Color Society. I think it has really shaped who I am as a physician, as a person. I’ve learned a lot more about diversity, about my patients. I ask more questions. Hopefully I am better at what I do because of it.”–Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, FAAD, SOCS member and Skin of Color Society Early Career Innovations Grant Founder

“I’m constantly learning new things from my colleagues and co-members who are in this organization. Every day, I’m able to use something that I’m learning from one of my colleagues and incorporate that into my everyday practice.”—Crystal Aguh, MD, MPH, FAAD, SOCS Board Member