MEMBERS & PROFESSIONALS
Mentee: Jiwon Park, BA
Mentor: Emma Guttman-Yassky, MD, PhD
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
I am very grateful for the wonderful opportunity to spend a month with Dr. Emma Guttman at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, made possible by the generous support of the SOCS Observership Grant. As a patient with atopic dermatitis, this experience was both personally and professionally enriching.
During my time with Dr. Guttman, I gained invaluable insights into the complexities of treating inflammatory skin conditions, particularly atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata. An especially enlightening aspect of my observership was learning about novel, immune-pathway specific biologics and small-molecule inhibitors that offer hope to patients with severe disease unresponsive to traditional therapies. In Dr. Guttman’s clinic, I learned about the various treatment options currently available to patients and those in clinical trials, as well as the process for selecting the best treatment plan for each patient. Dr. Guttman’s expertise, compassionate patient care, and integration of clinical practice with cutting-edge research findings were truly inspiring.
I also had the amazing opportunity to work with Dr. Jordan Talia, the Director of the Skin of Color Center at Mount Sinai. I was able to deepen my clinical knowledge by observing the general resident clinic, resident surgery clinic, and in-patient consultations. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to learn about the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions more common in patients of color, especially cutaneous sarcoidosis and primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis. Through Dr. Talia’s mentorship and support, we are preparing two manuscripts to submit for publication in peer-reviewed journals regarding these conditions.
The blend of clinical experience and research provided through the SOCS Observership not only deepened my interest in dermatology but also reaffirmed my aspirations to advance clinical care for patients of color with inflammatory skin disorders. I extend my deepest gratitude to Dr. Guttman and Dr. Talia for this transformative opportunity and to the SOCS for funding this invaluable observership.
Mentee Ashley Obi with mentor Dr. Brandi Kenner-Bell
Thanks to the Skin of Color Society Mentorship Program, my time with Dr. Kenner-Bell has been enriching, educationally and professionally. She was attune to many of the same challenges that I experienced navigating the healthcare field as not only a minority but also a woman. Through our many zoom sessions, she shared with me her journey into dermatology and the obstacles she had to overcome. Additionally, as a practicing pediatric-dermatologist, wife, and mother she revealed to me the realities of fulfilling these roles and how to strive for the best work-life balance. Dr. Kenner-Bell is a natural mentor; She spent time reviewing my CV with me, sharing dermatological research opportunities, and discussing ways to enhance my application. She also became my biggest cheerleader and confidant, supporting and encouraging me on my journey and always lending an open ear during times of doubt. Dr. Kenner-Bell has served as real-life confirmation that my dreams of becoming a dermatologist are valid and attainable and has given me the self-efficacy and confidence to relentlessly pursue the field of dermatology.
Realization of my goal necessitates professional mentorship, opportunities to conduct clinical research, and a thorough understanding of the field of dermatology. Upon completion of the mentorship program, I have created a personal and professional relationship with my mentor, become knowledgeable on the principles of career and professional development in the dermatology field, and found opportunities to connect with diverse dermatologists that specialize in skin of color. Additionally, I have gained insight on the dermatology application process, and becoming a multi-faceted, well-rounded dermatology applicant. Through the opportunities afforded by the Skin of Color Society, I look forward to joining a network of passionate physicians dedicated to improving the dermatological disorders that plague skin of color.
Deciding to pursue dermatology as a Black female is a journey on an untrodden trail. The paucity of role models, representation, and resources to support Black students interested in dermatology is stark. Finding opportunities like the Skin of Color Society Mentorship program is crucial for me in my pursuit of matching into a dermatology residency program and achieving my goal of becoming a practicing dermatologist and minority health clinical researcher.
I understand not having a seat at the table. As a future dermatologist, I’m determined to pay it forward and create more seats for those behind me, providing my mentorship and expertise to the next generation of dermatologists so that they can realize their dreams just as I have.
Mentee Nickoo Merati with mentor Dr. Tarannum Jaleel
It has been an absolute pleasure to be mentored by Dr. Tarannum Jaleel through your program. As an Iranian immigrant with skin that sometimes passes as White and sometimes does not, I do not necessarily see my skin represented in traditional dermatology media – let alone that of my Black and Brown friends. When the pandemic struck in early 2020, I came across your SOCS mentorship program on Instagram. As a Canadian medical student, I was grateful to match to a mentor from the US, which is championing the SOC representation movement.
Despite the uncertain times of the pandemic, my final year of medical school, and Dr. Jaleel’s maternity leave, we still managed to meet a total of 3 meaningful times over the past year on Zoom. One of the most valuable outcomes for me was to learn more from Dr. Jaleel about the few SOC textbooks that existed at the time. With Dr. Jaleel’s encouragement, I helped make change in a big way on a local scale – I led the Dermatology component of an anti-racist review of McGill’s entire pre-clerkship curriculum. As the Dermatology lead, I dove into ethnodermatology resources and found SOC pictures to include alongside each condition in our dermatology lectures. I am most proud of the feedback we have received from classmates, residents, and staff physicians, who shared they are finally seeing themselves in their lectures.
With Dr. Jaleel, we also discussed advancing my other research interests. She connected me with International Dermatology Outcome Measures groups for these respective areas and liaised me with local leaders in Canada doing similar work.
Dr. Jaleel and I also had candid, meaningful conversations beyond research: her experience as a woman and mother in dermatology, how to advocate for appropriate maternity leave, renumeration as a dermatologist in Canada versus the US, and the ever-interesting debate of cosmetic versus medical dermatology. Dr. Jaleel held space for me to be open and vulnerable, and despite our never having met in-person I feel very connected to her.
Lastly, as a Canadian, I believe it is worthy to note my appreciation to the SOCS for opening this opportunity to Canadian medical students as well. I have learned so much from my American mentor, and I believe the international perspective and experience added much value to my experience. I sincerely hope more Canadian medical students will be able to benefit from this as much as I have!
Finally, as of 3 days ago (match day was April 12 2022 in Canada) I am now officially a future dermatologist! I matched to Dermatology at McGill University. I am elated to be able to continue the important SOC work that I have already begun here, and am indebted to Dr. Tarannum as well as many other leaders I have connected with through the SOCS. I met Dr. Alexis and Dr. Taylor in-person recently at the AAD 2022 Boston conference, and it was such a joy to thank them in person. I hope to attend the upcoming SOCS conference in New York later this year as well and continue to thank the SOCS leaders that have shaped the kind of future dermatologist I will be!
With many thanks,
Mentee: Edwin Antonio Olivera
Mentor: Dr. Rebecca Vasquez
UT Southwestern
My rotation with Dr. Rebecca Vasquez at UT Southwestern was one of the most transformative experiences of my medical training. From my first day, she created a welcoming environment that made me feel seen, supported, and capable. She not only taught clinical dermatology with clarity and compassion but also modeled what it means to advocate for equity and inclusion in medicine. Her mentorship extended beyond the clinic, she introduced me to leaders in the field, helped me navigate professional spaces with confidence, and ensured I felt part of the community at every step.
The Skin of Color (SOC) Observership Grant made this experience possible by providing the financial support needed to travel and live in Dallas for the rotation. Because of this opportunity, I was able to fully immerse myself in patient care, community outreach, and academic discussions focused on dermatologic health disparities. The exposure deepened my commitment to advancing equity in dermatology and reaNirmed my desire to serve diverse, underserved populations.
Dr. Vasquez’s mentorship continues to shape how I see myself as a future dermatologist. Her example of leadership, humility, and advocacy reminds me that representation and compassion truly change lives including mine. Any student would be lucky to work with a leader like Dr. Vasquez, I hope SOCS continues to support mentors who embody her spirit.
Mentee Krystina Quow with mentor Dr. Janiene Luke
It has been an absolute pleasure to be mentored by Dr. Tarannum Jaleel through your program. As an Iranian immigrant with skin that sometimes passes as White and sometimes does not, I do not necessarily see my skin represented in traditional dermatology media – let alone that of my Black and Brown friends. When the pandemic struck in early 2020, I came across your SOCS mentorship program on Instagram. As a Canadian medical student, I was grateful to match to a mentor from the US, which is championing the SOC representation movement.
Despite the uncertain times of the pandemic, my final year of medical school, and Dr. Jaleel’s maternity leave, we still managed to meet a total of 3 meaningful times over the past year on Zoom. One of the most valuable outcomes for me was to learn more from Dr. Jaleel about the few SOC textbooks that existed at the time. With Dr. Jaleel’s encouragement, I helped make change in a big way on a local scale – I led the Dermatology component of an anti-racist review of McGill’s entire pre-clerkship curriculum. As the Dermatology lead, I dove into ethnodermatology resources and found SOC pictures to include alongside each condition in our dermatology lectures. I am most proud of the feedback we have received from classmates, residents, and staff physicians, who shared they are finally seeing themselves in their lectures.
With Dr. Jaleel, we also discussed advancing my other research interests. She connected me with International Dermatology Outcome Measures groups for these respective areas and liaised me with local leaders in Canada doing similar work.
Dr. Jaleel and I also had candid, meaningful conversations beyond research: her experience as a woman and mother in dermatology, how to advocate for appropriate maternity leave, renumeration as a dermatologist in Canada versus the US, and the ever-interesting debate of cosmetic versus medical dermatology. Dr. Jaleel held space for me to be open and vulnerable, and despite our never having met in-person I feel very connected to her.
Lastly, as a Canadian, I believe it is worthy to note my appreciation to the SOCS for opening this opportunity to Canadian medical students as well. I have learned so much from my American mentor, and I believe the international perspective and experience added much value to my experience. I sincerely hope more Canadian medical students will be able to benefit from this as much as I have!
Finally, as of 3 days ago (match day was April 12 2022 in Canada) I am now officially a future dermatologist! I matched to Dermatology at McGill University. I am elated to be able to continue the important SOC work that I have already begun here, and am indebted to Dr. Tarannum as well as many other leaders I have connected with through the SOCS. I met Dr. Alexis and Dr. Taylor in-person recently at the AAD 2022 Boston conference, and it was such a joy to thank them in person. I hope to attend the upcoming SOCS conference in New York later this year as well and continue to thank the SOCS leaders that have shaped the kind of future dermatologist I will be!
With many thanks,