Mentee: Oluwadamilola Oke
Mentor: Dr. Andrew Alexis
Weill Cornell Medical Center
In August 2024, I had the privilege of completing a Skin of Color Society (SOCS) Observership under the mentorship of Dr. Andrew Alexis at Weill Cornell Medical Center. This experience provided an invaluable opportunity to deepen my knowledge of dermatologic conditions in patients with a range of skin tones and hair types while sharpening my clinical and procedural skills.
The clinics were split between medical visits and procedures, allowing me to have a well-rounded and diverse exposure to dermatologic disorders. I greatly admired Dr. Alexis' extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for seamlessly incorporating newly approved treatment options into patient care. During this observership, I was introduced to innovative therapies, such as Zoryve, which had been approved for atopic dermatitis just weeks before my arrival. Dr. Alexis ensured that patients had access to treatment samples, empowering me to not only recommend therapies but also provide patients with a tangible “goodie bag” to initiate care immediately.
Procedural clinics further enriched my experience, as I became familiar with a variety of techniques, including intralesional kenalog and platelet-rich plasma injections for alopecia, chemical peels, laser hair removal, and laser therapy for keloids and scars. My exposure expanded even further through participation in Weill Cornell’s fast-paced weekly dermatology urgent clinic. There, I encountered even more diverse presentations of pathology and was motivated to be more efficient in establishing a diagnosis and plan.
Between patient visits, we engaged in teaching sessions that explored topics such as the physics of laser therapy and the role of Melasyl in the melanin pathway, enhancing my understanding of dermatologic interventions at a deeper level. After clinics, I was invited to attend Dr. Alexis’ guest lectures and presentations, which reinforced and expanded upon the cases I encountered in clinic.
Lastly, you cannot work with Dr. Alexis without appreciating how thorough and personable he is with patients. During my time with him, I picked up on many of his professional mannerisms which I carried throughout my future rotations.
I am immensely grateful to the SOCS for sponsoring this enriching experience and to Dr. Alexis for his outstanding mentorship. The knowledge and skills I gained during this observership will undoubtedly shape my future career, and I look forward to applying these lessons in my continued journey in dermatology.
Mentee Osaigbokan Aihie and Dr. Peterson Pierre
Dr. Peterson Pierre has been my mentor informally since 2021 but was assigned to be my mentor for the 2023-2024 Skin of Color Society (SOCS) Mentorship Program. Since we had already developed a relationship, we continued to build from what we had started. Dr. Pierre remained kind and generous with his time and knowledge.
The 2023-2024 academic session was very critical for me as I was applying into dermatology residency during this cycle. Dr. Pierre was instrumental in providing advice through the application process. He was especially helpful in reviewing my list of programs to apply to, providing interview strategies and advising me on next steps to take after the interviews. Throughout the process, he was a voice of calm and reason. I ended up matching into dermatology at my home program, the University of Missouri-Columbia! I am extremely excited to be staying at Mizzou and learning from our amazing faculty!
Through Dr. Pierre’s help, I’ll be able to pursue a career in dermatology. During the last two years, I have also learned more about the Skin of Color Society. I have attended the last two symposiums in New Orleans and in San Diego. I have been humbled and amazed by the tremendous work the organization is pursuing through its mission “in promoting awareness of and excellence in skin of color dermatology.” As a person of color given this rare opportunity to train in this unique specialty, I cannot wait to contribute my own quota to the mission of SOCS through various avenues, especially in researching and managing skin of color conditions and in mentoring the next generation of dermatologists.
Mentor Dr. Cesar Virgen with mentee Madisen Swallow
Thank you very much for the opportunity to be a part of the Skin of Color Society Mentorship program. I had the great opportunity to work with Dr. Virgen, a mentor that was assigned through the program. Throughout the year we had many opportunities to meet over Zoom and in person at the AAD Conference and the World Congress of Cutaneous Lymphomas Conference. He has spent a substantial amount of time guiding me and giving me career advice.
During our first meeting we identified goals and plans for the year to help me set up a plan to learn and improve throughout the year. During our meetings over the year, we have assessed my progress working towards accomplishing these goals and identified new areas to grow. Additionally, we have worked together on a research manuscript, which has just been selected for publication. Throughout this time, Dr. Virgen has also gone above and beyond to get to know me as a person, and to really understand my passion behind my hopes for a future in academic medicine. I was previously a middle school science teacher before starting medical school, which has shaped my passions and goals of becoming a medical educator in the future.
Dr. Virgen has helped me to better understand how I can incorporate these goals, skills, and ideas into a future career. Overall, I am extremely thankful for the personal, professional, and research mentorship I have received through my amazing mentor in this program. It’s my only hope that I can be as great a mentor in the future to any future mentees I may have, as Dr. Virgen has been to me.
Mentor Dr. Rashmi Sarkar with mentee Dr. Vignesh Narayan R
Under the mentorship of Dr. Rashmi Sarkar ma'am , a distinguished figure in dermatology, my journey into the realm of skin of color has been profoundly enriching. Throughout the mentorship program, I actively engaged in various collaborative endeavors that have significantly shaped my career aspirations and deepened my understanding of dermatological nuances specific to diverse skin types.
One highlight of this mentorship journey was the opportunity to contribute to the release of a monograph on melasma, where I co-authored chapters on photoprotection and etiopathogenesis. Additionally, participating in the tranexamic acid expert consensus paper facilitated invaluable networking and collaboration experiences, further solidifying my expertise in this area.
Furthermore, co-authoring articles on topics such as the unmet needs of mentorship in India and adolescent atopic dermatitis not only broadened my research horizons but also enabled me to address pertinent issues within the field. The guidance received extended beyond academia, as demonstrated by ma'am's heartfelt involvement in personal milestones, such as my wedding, reflecting a mentorship that transcends professional boundaries.
Moreover, the opportunity to serve as a co-editor for a forthcoming book on vitiligo underscored the trust and confidence bestowed upon me by my mentor. Engaging in the review process of international articles enhanced my critical appraisal skills while fostering a global perspective on dermatological advancements.
Dr. Rashmi ma'am's mentorship went beyond scholarly pursuits, encompassing practical skills such as effective presentation techniques and publication management. Her unwavering support and encouragement, evident in her presence at the release of the residream magazine, where I served as convenor and editor-in-chief, epitomize her commitment to nurturing emerging talents.
In essence, Dr. Rashmi Sarkar ma'am's mentorship has not only sharpened my academic prowess but also instilled in me the values of compassion, collaboration, and effective communication essential for success in dermatology. As I embark on the next phase of my career journey, I am profoundly grateful for her guidance and unwavering support, which have undoubtedly shaped me into a more confident and capable professional.Additionally, I extend my sincere thanks to the Skin of Color Society for providing such a wonderful mentorship program.
Mentor Pamela Allen, MD with mentee Angelica Zambrano
Being accepted to join the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) Mentorship Program with Dr. Allen as my Dermatology mentor has been an invaluable experience that has immensely enhanced my journey to Dermatology. Through virtual meetings and frequent email communication, Dr. Allen's mentorship has fostered a supportive and encouraging environment that greatly contributed to my growth as a budding Dermatologist. As a student of Texas Tech HSC El Paso, which does not have a home Dermatology program, the mentorship offered through SOCS filled a crucial void, providing me with the guidance and resources necessary to navigate the field. Through the mentorship program, I not only solidified my resolve to pursue a career in Dermatology but also gained invaluable insights and resources that have laid a strong foundation for my future endeavors.
Our interactions over Zoom were not merely check-ins but rather engaging sessions where Dr. Allen offered insightful guidance, shared her wealth of knowledge, and provided constructive feedback on various aspects of my Dermatology application. One of the most pivotal moments of our mentorship journey came when Dr. Allen suggested a Dermatology journal to submit my case report. Her recommendation proved to be instrumental in securing my first-ever Dermatology publication—an achievement I had long aspired for.
Beyond academic achievements, Dr. Allen also played a crucial role in helping me navigate the intricate landscape of away rotations. Her advice on selecting locations and programs tailored to my interests proved invaluable in making informed decisions that aligned with my career aspirations as a Dermatopathologist. In a field as competitive and multifaceted as Dermatology, having a mentor like Dr. Allen provided me with the clarity and confidence needed to navigate this complex process.
In conclusion, I am very grateful to SOCS for providing me with the platform to connect with Dr. Pamela Allen and for facilitating a mentorship experience that has been nothing short of transformative. Her unwavering support, expert guidance, and genuine interest in my growth have not only bolstered my confidence but also equipped me with the necessary tools to pursue my passion.