October 7, 2025

Medical Students: Apply Now for the

Dermatologists of Tomorrow Scholarship (DOTS)!

Medical students and mentors gathered at the inaugural Medical Student Breakfast

on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Orlando, FL.

We are thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the Dermatologists of Tomorrow Scholarship (DOTS) presented by Clinique and the Skin of Color Society Foundation (SOCSF). 

Now in its second cycle, DOTS continues to advance its mission of increasing access to the dermatology specialty. The program offers financial assistance and dedicated mentorship to medical students who are interested in pursuing a career in dermatology and are committed to health equity. By investing in future leaders, DOTS supports a more inclusive and representative dermatologic workforce. 

The DOTS Scholarship Offers: 

• Grants to help cover the financial burden of the dermatology residency application process. 
• Assistance with application fees, travel, and lodging for away rotations, interview expenses, and conference registration costs. 
• Mentorship opportunities with established leaders in dermatology. 

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! If you’re a medical student entering your fourth year and planning to pursue dermatology, we encourage you to apply today.

Applications close on October 31, 2025.  

Now Open: Applications for the

Clinical Investigator Training Mentorship Program!

SOCS/NMA mentors and mentees gathered together at the recent Phase II:

In-Person Training/Meet Your Mentor on Friday, July 18, 2025.

We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for the Clinical Investigator Training Mentorship Program, presented collaboratively by SOCS and the National Medical Association (NMA) Dermatology Section. 

This groundbreaking program develops the skills of dermatology investigators of tomorrow, offering critical support to propel mentees’ career development, provide an experience that mirrors conducting industry-sponsored research, and impart knowledge needed to run a successful and high-quality research program. This program is for board-certified or board-eligible dermatologists who are either SOCS or NMA Dermatology Section members.

To gain deeper insight into this incredibly rich collaborative program, we invite you to tune into this recent Skin of Color Savvy podcast episode, which features a fascinating conversation between the initiative’s leaders representing SOCS and the NMA Derm Section, Drs. Leandra Barnes, Tarannum Jaleel, Hope Mitchell, and Cheri Frey. 

Applications close on November 30, 2025. Learn more about the program and apply soon to take advantage of this outstanding and unique opportunity!

New and Coming Soon: Option to Renew Your 2026 Dues Early!

Get ready to renew your membership in SOCS and continue your journey with us! We’re pleased to let you know that for the first time, we’ll be opening up 2026 membership renewals in your MemberCompass™ by mid-October.  

We’re excited to offer you early access so you can secure your membership and stay connected to our vibrant community of leaders, learners, and advocates. And remember, your membership entitles you to exclusive research, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, plus reduced registration fees for our 22nd Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium and so much more! 

Keep an eye on your inbox later this month for your official renewal notification—be on the lookout for your chance to renew early! If you have not done so already, we invite you to explore our new Members-only section of the website to become familiarized with all that is available, including your personalized MemberCompass™ page.

105 Abstracts Submitted for the 22nd Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium!

We extend congratulations and appreciation to 105 researchers who have submitted their scientific abstracts for consideration for inclusion in the upcoming 22nd Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium, happening on March 26, 2026, in Denver, CO. The call for abstracts is now closed. The SOCS Scientific Meetings Committee will be reviewing these submissions in the coming weeks, and accepted abstracts will be announced in November. 

Watch for exciting news about our flagship scientific program, and the opening of registration later this year. 

In the World of Skin of Color Dermatology

My Best Winter Skin Day is Coming Soon: Are You In?

We are counting the days until our international holiday known as My Best Winter Skin Day happens on October 24. This unique holiday launches our season-long educational and community outreach campaign! 

In the coming months at numerous events around the world, SOCS members and advocates will distribute dermatologist-developed educational material and donated product samples to raise awareness about optimal winter skin care. 

How You Can Participate: 

• Fill out this form to opt-in and host an event in your community, clinic, shelter, or campus. 
• Share SOCS-developed educational materials on winter skincare. 
• Distribute sample kits to raise awareness about skin health (Order yours now as supplies are limited). 
• Celebrate international “My Best Winter Skin Day” on October 24 with your own outreach, and tell us about it! 

Check us out on social media!