As we approach the year’s end, we’re energized by all the exciting activity among our signature SOCS programs and initiatives.

DEEP

Recently, we launched the SOCS Dermatology E-learning + Equity Platform, (DEEP), our online learning management system offering skin of color dermatology education and practice management content. SOCS members will have free, exclusive access to all educational content for the first six months, and then non-members will be able to use the platform for a fee. Thanks to a generous grant from L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty Brands, SkinCeuticals, La Roche-Posay and CeraVe, we have been able to develop this important resource that will be easily accessible to physicians at all career levels. You can read more about this valuable membership benefit here. 

SOCS 5th Annual Virtual Media Day

On November 9, we will present the 5th Annual Skin of Color Society Media Day, which will be held virtually for the first time. This year’s Media Day is co-chaired by Dr. Valerie Harvey, SOCS President-elect, and Dr. Janiene Luke, Chair of the SOCS Technology & Media Committee. Geared for journalists, bloggers and content producers for print, digital, broadcast and social media, this informative program will feature expert presentations on the following topics:

• *Health Disparities affecting people of color, presented by Drs. Susan Taylor, Valerie Harvey, Nada Elbuluk and Rebecca Vasquez;
• *Pigmentary Disorders in skin of color, presented by Drs. Seemal R. Desai and Janiene Luke;
• *Hair Disorders in skin of color, presented by Drs. Candrice Heath and Crystal Aguh;
• *External Signs of Internal Disease in skin of color, presented by Drs. Neelam Vashi and Angel Byrd.

The program will be moderated by Dr. Donald Glass II, SOCS President, and will offer a Q & A session immediately following the presentations.

SOCS Mentorship and Observership Grant Programs

From now until December 1, we are accepting applications for the SOCS Mentorship and Observership Grant programs, two important offerings exclusively for SOCS members. The SOCS Mentorship program connects young physicians with an approved skin of color expert from SOCS, for up to one year. The SOCS Observership program provides grants to be awarded to dermatology residents or junior faculty to enable study with a SOCS mentor (up to $2,000). To learn more and apply, we encourage you to explore the Mentorship section of the SOCS website.

SOCS Research Awards

The call for SOCS Research Awards applications recently closed, and now the review process is underway by the SOCS Research Committee. We look forward to announcing the Award winners in Q1 2022. 

Dermatology Research Fellowship in Skin of Color Awards

Thanks to generous support from Pfizer Global Medical Grants, in collaboration with SOCS, 14 Dermatology Research Fellowships in Skin of Color have been awarded, representing 13 US-based institutions. SOCS will engage with each of these Fellows, to involve them in the larger community of practice.

18th Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium

Looking ahead, we’re busy making plans for the 18th Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium, which will take place in person on Thursday, March 24, 2022, in conjunction with the 2022 AAD Annual Meeting in Boston. Bearing the theme, “Diversity in Action: Science, Healthcare & Society,” the Symposium is co-chaired by Dr. Andrew Alexis and Dr. Ginette Okoye, co-chairs of the SOCS Scientific Committee. Save the date and visit the website  for news and updates about this foundational SOCS program in the coming months.

Strategic Planning

On a final note, SOCS leadership announced earlier this year that it was embarking on a strategic planning process, which is completing soon. We look forward to sharing the plan with membership in the near future.

Stay tuned for more news in the coming weeks, as well as your SOCS membership renewal notices!