THE SKIN OF COLOR SOCIETY (SOCS) WRAPS ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

Skin of Color Society

THE SKIN OF COLOR SOCIETY (SOCS) WRAPS ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

CHICAGO, PRNewswire -- The Skin of Color Society (SOCS), the world's leading skin of color dermatology organization, reports that its 20th anniversary year delivered record-level achievements and a slate of new initiatives advancing knowledge and excellence in the specialty through research, education, mentorship, and advocacy. This robust year of accomplishment and innovation was marked by the following highlights:

Establishment of the SOCS Center for Leadership (CFL)

Inspired and led by SOCS President Dr. Victoria Barbosa, the Society introduced the SOCS Center for Leadership (CFL), a comprehensive educational program designed to develop leaders who will drive the dermatology field forward with innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.

The CFL offers comprehensive leadership education and development through a health equity lens. The curriculum includes live and on-demand online programming, as well as a more structured cohort experience blending webinars and online communities with an immersive, in-person program tailored to individual needs and aspirations, planned for 2025.

Two insightful webinars were presented this year, both moderated by Dr. Barbosa, including, "Social Media Masterclass" with Drs. Corey L. Hartman and Suchismita (Tia) Paul, and "Developing Your National Leadership Potential," with Drs. Valerie D. Callender and Seemal R. Desai. A third webinar will be presented in February 2025.

My Best Winter Skin Campaign (MBWS)

Now in its second year since the SOCS Foundation created an international health awareness holiday known as My Best Winter Skin Day, the annual MBWS campaign has more than doubled in terms of member participation, public engagement, and support.

Built around education, volunteerism, and giving, this year's campaign expanded to include 26 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Canada. More than 200 residents, medical students and Fellow members have committed to volunteer for MBWS outreach events at universities, hospitals, and community venues, with a planned distribution of 10,000 gift bags with tips for managing winter skin and free moisturizing products generously provided by campaign sponsor, Clinique. Additional valuable support for this year's campaign was provided by Eli Lilly and Company.

While educating the public about the common and often bothersome condition known as winter skin, which affects people of all ages, skin types and tones, funds raised through this campaign go to the SOCS Foundation to help support innovative research, education, mentorship and advocacy in skin of color dermatology.

7th Annual SOCS Media Day Educational Video Series

At mid-year, as part of the 7th Annual SOCS Media Day initiative, the Society released a wide-ranging educational video series addressing dermatologic conditions and diseases of importance to people of color.

Nationally and globally recognized board-certified dermatologists contributed their expertise to this informative series for patients, physicians, and the public, including: Drs. Victoria Barbosa, current President; Andrew F. Alexis, Immediate Past President; Shawn Kwatra, Secretary/Treasurer; Janiene Luke, Board Member and Media Day Co-chair; Nkem Ugonabo, Media Day Co-chair; Prince Adotama, Board Member, and Nada Elbuluk, President-Elect.

Augmenting the Society's existing collection of educational resources, the latest series includes the following:

Ask the SOCS Expert videos

"Psoriasis in Skin of Color" with Drs. Alexis and Kwatra

"Seborrheic Dermatitis in Skin of Color" with Drs. Adotama and Luke

"A Fresh Look at Aging" with Drs. Luke and Ugonabo

"Skincare as a Ritual, Not a Chore" with Drs. Luke and Ugonabo

"Sunscreen and Skin of Color" with Drs. Adotama and Ugonabo

MelanatED videos (Augmenting the 2023 series of public education videos)

"Hair Styles, Health, and Care" with Drs. Barbosa and Luke

"Acne in Skin of Color" with Drs. Adotama and Kwatra

"Social Media Misinformation" with Drs. Adotama, Elbuluk, Luke, and Ugonabo

Additional leadership-themed videos will be released in early 2025.