Skin of Color Savvy: News Update—Addressing Disparities, Black History Month, & Mentorship Opportunities

Welcome to Skin of Color Savvy: The Art and Science of Treating Patients of Color!

In this News Update, part of the Skin of Color Savvy: The Art and Science of Treating Patients of Color series, Brittany Oliver, MD, FAAD, speaks about the pivotal role of mentorship in dermatology and the initiatives led by the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) to foster professional development. Oliver emphasizes the profound impact of mentorship on career trajectories, highlighting how meaningful mentor-mentee relationships extend beyond networking to shape clinical expertise, confidence, and leadership in the field.

She discusses SOCS’s commitment to mentorship as one of its core pillars, detailing key programs such as the SOCS Mentorship Program, the Observership Grant, and the newly launched Diversity in Clinical Research Mentorship Program. These initiatives aim to support early-career dermatologists, underrepresented minority (URM) investigators, and students pursuing careers in dermatology.

In honor of Black History Month, Oliver reflects on the influential mentors who shaped her journey, including Adam Friedman, MD, and SOCS founder Susan Taylor, MD, whose dedication to mentorship and advocacy has left a lasting impact on the specialty. She also shares her perspective on the importance of increasing diversity in medicine, encouraging dermatologists to engage in outreach, advocacy, and structural changes to address healthcare disparities.

Finally, in recognition of American Heart Month, the discussion turns to the intersection of dermatology and cardiovascular disease, particularly within communities of color. Oliver underscores the need for systemic solutions, early pipeline programs, and physician-led advocacy to improve representation and access to care. She calls on her colleagues to take an active role in addressing disparities, emphasizing the power of physicians to effect meaningful change beyond the clinic.

To learn more about SOCS’s mentorship programs and initiatives, visit Skin of Color Society.