SOCS is excited to introduce its new Sliding Scale International Membership Dues Categories. This sliding-scale dues structure, based on the World Bank income classification, allows SOCS to reach Dermatologists around the globe at a fair cost associated with their local economic conditions. By offering a range of dues categories, SOCS aims to make membership more accessible to dermatologists worldwide, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their country's economic status, can benefit from the organization's resources and network.

Applicants must ensure that their medical license corresponds to the country code from which they are applying. The license must be issued by the same country listed in their application, in alignment with the World Bank classification used to determine membership dues.

This structure is designed to provide flexibility while maintaining a commitment to supporting the global dermatology community. With this change, SOCS hopes to further its mission of advancing dermatologic education, research, and collaboration across all regions.

Below are the regions the World Bank has classified for income levels, which will help determine the appropriate membership dues for dermatologists.

Dermatologists of Tomorrow Scholarship

Presented by Clinique & SOCSF

Program Overview

The Skin of Color Society Foundation (SOCSF), in partnership with Clinique, is proud to introduce the Dermatologists of Tomorrow Scholarship presented by Clinique & SOCSF. This initiative is designed to provide financial support and mentorship to individuals who are committed to health equity and aspire to pursue careers in dermatology. Recognizing dermatology as one of the most competitive medical specialties, this scholarship aims to increase access to the field.

This initiative aims to contribute to the pursuit of health equity and address health disparities for underserved, underrepresented, and marginalized groups by increasing the number of dermatologists who will prioritize care for these patients.

The Dermatologists of Tomorrow Scholarship (DOTS) program was officially launched at the 21st Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium on March 6, 2025. Through this collaboration, SOCSF and Clinique will provide scholarship support and mentorship to a projected 100 medical students over 3 years.

Program Objectives

• To provide financial support for medical students to support their educational endeavors and expenses incurred when applying to dermatology residency.
• To broaden access to the specialty of dermatology.
• To boost the number of individuals in the field of dermatology who are committed to serving underserved, underrepresented, and marginalized populations. 
• To cultivate scholars who not only successfully match into dermatology programs, but also develop into future dermatology leaders who are committed to health equity.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Dermatologists of Tomorrow Scholarship presented by Clinique & SOCSF, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Medical Student Membership: Must be an active member of the Skin of Color Society (SOCS).

Residency Path: Planning to submit an ERAS application for dermatology residency in the current application cycle.

Medical School: Currently enrolled in a U.S.-based medical school as a third-year going into fourth year.

Commitment to Health Equity:  Applications are open to medical students, particularly those with financial need, and are encouraged from those with a demonstrated commitment to serving underserved, disadvantaged, and marginalized populations.

Academic Excellence: Demonstrated academic achievement, as evidenced by a strong CV and recommendation letters.

Financial Need: Must exhibit financial need to support the dermatology residency application process.

Awardee Expectations

Use of Funds: Scholarship funds are intended for dermatology residency-related expenses such as applications, away rotations, travel, conference registration, interview attire, and professional society memberships.

Active SOCS Membership: Maintain active membership in SOCS throughout the scholarship period, including transitioning from Medical Student to Resident membership.

Participation in Surveys: Complete program-related surveys to provide insights and feedback about the scholarship experience.

Awardee Report: Submit a 500-word report detailing the impact of the scholarship on career development, especially regarding dermatology for skin of color.

Attendance at SOCS Symposium: Awardees are highly encouraged to attend the Scientific Symposium in the year following their award. An additional travel stipend will be provided to cover associated costs.

Testimonial Contribution: Provide testimonials for SOCS newsletters or other platforms, sharing how the scholarship supported your path in dermatology.

Residency Match Notification: Notify SOCS once matched into a dermatology residency and join the SOCS alumni network for ongoing mentorship and community engagement.

Participation in Alumni Network: Awardees are encouraged to actively participate in the alumni network, fostering mentorship and sharing experiences with new recipients.

Required Documents:

✔ Completed Application Form

✔ Personal Statement
Outline your career goals and commitment to dermatology, with a focus on skin of color.

✔ Curriculum Vitae (CV)

✔ Two Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
From individuals who can speak to your teamwork, collaboration, and leadership potential.

✔ Letter of Enrollment & Good Standing
Official confirmation from your U.S. medical school.

✔ Step 1 Transcript

✔ Official Medical School Transcript
Start preparing now to ensure your application is complete when the call for applications opens!

Presented by Clinique & SOCSF

Program Overview

The Skin of Color Society Foundation (SOCSF), in partnership with Clinique, is proud to introduce the Dermatologists of Tomorrow Scholarship presented by Clinique & SOCSF. This initiative is designed to provide financial support and mentorship to medical students who aspire to pursue careers in dermatology and are committed to health equity.

This initiative aims to contribute to the pursuit of health equity and address health disparities for underserved, underrepresented, and marginalized groups by increasing the number of dermatologists who will prioritize care for these patients.

The Dermatologists of Tomorrow Scholarship (DOTS) program was officially launched at the 21st Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium on March 6, 2025. Through this collaboration, SOCSF and Clinique will provide scholarship support and mentorship to a projected 100 medical students over 3 years.

Program Objectives

• To provide financial support for medical students to support their educational endeavors and expenses incurred when applying to dermatology residency.
• To broaden access to the specialty of dermatology.
• To boost the number of individuals in the field of dermatology who are committed to serving underserved, underrepresented, and marginalized populations. 
• To cultivate scholars who not only successfully match into dermatology programs, but also develop into future dermatology leaders who are committed to health equity.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Dermatologists of Tomorrow Scholarship presented by Clinique & SOCSF, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Medical Student Membership: Must be an active member of the Skin of Color Society (SOCS).

Residency Path: Planning to submit an ERAS application for dermatology residency in the current application cycle.

Medical School: Currently enrolled in a U.S.-based medical school as a third-year going into fourth year.

Commitment to Health Equity:  Applications are open to medical students, particularly those with financial need, and are encouraged from those with a demonstrated commitment to serving underserved, disadvantaged, and marginalized populations.

Academic Excellence: Demonstrated academic achievement, as evidenced by a strong CV and recommendation letters.

Financial Need: Must exhibit financial need to support the dermatology residency application process.

Awardee Expectations

Use of Funds: Scholarship funds are intended for dermatology residency-related expenses such as applications, away rotations, travel, conference registration, interview attire, and professional society memberships.

Active SOCS Membership: Maintain active membership in SOCS throughout the scholarship period, including transitioning from Medical Student to Resident membership.

Participation in Surveys: Complete program-related surveys to provide insights and feedback about the scholarship experience.

Awardee Report: Submit a 500-word report detailing the impact of the scholarship on career development, especially regarding dermatology for skin of color.

Attendance at SOCS Symposium: Awardees are highly encouraged to attend the Scientific Symposium in the year following their award. An additional travel stipend will be provided to cover associated costs.

Testimonial Contribution: Provide testimonials for SOCS newsletters or other platforms, sharing how the scholarship supported your path in dermatology.

Residency Match Notification: Notify SOCS once matched into a dermatology residency and join the SOCS alumni network for ongoing mentorship and community engagement.

Participation in Alumni Network: Awardees are encouraged to actively participate in the alumni network, fostering mentorship and sharing experiences with new recipients.

Required Documents:

✔ Completed Application Form

✔ Personal Statement
Outline your career goals and dedication to dermatology with a focus on underserved, disadvantaged, and marginalized populations.

✔ Curriculum Vitae (CV)

✔ Two Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
From individuals who can speak to your teamwork, collaboration, and leadership potential.

✔ Letter of Enrollment & Good Standing
Official confirmation from your U.S. medical school.

✔ Step 1 Transcript

✔ Official Medical School Transcript

Start preparing now to ensure your application is complete when the call for applications opens!

The SOCS Public Education Committee

SOCS Public Education Committee Co-chairs, Drs. Heather Woolery-Lloyd (left) and Oluwakemi Onajin

For this month’s Committee Corner, we are pleased to feature the Public Education Committee, (formerly known as Patient Education.)

Co-chaired by Drs. Heather Woolery-Lloyd and Oluwakemi Onajin, this busy and productive committee is dedicated to creating and disseminating high-quality educational resources tailored specifically for individuals with skin of color. 

About the Committee
The committee develops materials that address the unique dermatologic needs, conditions, and concerns of the public, empowering them with knowledge for better skin health and well-being. By providing accessible and culturally relevant information, the committee aims to enhance awareness and understanding, ultimately improving patient outcomes. 

The committee oversees the educational content for the My Best Winter Skin campaign, an initiative that raises awareness about winter skin health while promoting volunteerism and donations to the SOCS Foundation.

In addition, the committee recently assumed the responsibilities of the SOC Images Task Force, whereby it will oversee the Society’s relationship with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), facilitating collaboration on the AAD Image Collection to ensure  more inclusive visual representation. Further, the committee will focus on increasing the presence of skin of color images in educational materials, including medical textbooks and patient pamphlets. A key priority for the committee will be to examine how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can be leveraged to improve the quality and accessibility of educational resources and images.

Meet the Co-chairs
Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd is the Director, Skin of Color Division, Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. A well-recognized expert in skin of color who lectures nationally and internationally, Dr. Woolery-Lloyd participates extensively in clinical research, serving as an investigator for clinical trials with an emphasis on increasing the inclusion of skin of color patients. A longtime SOCS leader, Dr. Woolery-Lloyd is also an active Academy member, where she was recently honored with the AAD's Presidential Citation for her commitment to education and research in skin of color dermatology.

Dr Woolery-Lloyd has worked with Dr. Onajin and their committee to make skin of color dermatology patient education more accessible and easier to understand, particularly on the updated SOCS website. “Providing reliable, accessible information on common dermatologic conditions in skin of color is an important mission of SOCS.  This commitment to education is one of the reasons I find serving on the Public Education Committee to be so deeply rewarding,” she notes. Dr. Woolery-Lloyd adds, “Patient education is key to improving health outcomes. If you're passionate about empowering patients through education, consider joining our committee to help further our mission and impact!”

Dr. Oluwakemi Onajin is an  Assistant Professor, Dermatology and Dermatopathology, at the University of Chicago, Department of Medicine. Her clinical interests span complex medical dermatology, connective tissue diseases, hidradenitis suppurativa, and dermatopathology.

Dr. Onajin comments, “As co-chair of the Public Education Committee, I am committed to ensuring that individuals of all skin tones have access to accurate, culturally sensitive and empowering information about skin health. In an era marked by increasing political polarization, our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is more critical than ever. I urge SOCS members to continue to raise awareness about the disparities in dermatological care faced by people of color, and to advocate for policies that dismantle systemic barriers to dermatological care.”

Check out the Public Education section of the SOCS website!

VIEW PUBLIC EDUCATION