Mentorship Opportunities

Mentorship, Fellowship, and Other Opportunities Related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Society for Pediatric Dermatology Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) Mentorship Award

This award supports the academic pursuits of historically marginalized individuals with disproportionately low representation in pediatric dermatology.

The Association of American Medical College (AAMC) describes “underrepresented in medicine” as “those racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population,” defined as Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

To promote greater inclusivity in our selection process, we will consider additional elements of diversity to include LGBTQIA+ identification, physical or mental impairment, immigration status, socio-economic background, or disadvantaged experiences.

AAD Diversity Mentorship Program

A lack of diversity in race and ethnicity exists within the dermatology specialty. This affects racial/ethnic minority patients because they may seek medical care less frequently or when it is too late.

The Diversity Mentorship Program offers hands-on exposure to students who are interested in learning more about the specialty of dermatology through a one-on-one mentorship experience with a dermatologist of the student’s choice.

Who is eligible?

First- through fourth-year medical students who are considered to be underrepresented in medicine may apply to participate in the American Academy of Dermatology’s Mentorship Program. However, we highly encourage medical students to apply in their third or early fourth year of medical school when they have already decided on dermatology as a career and can use the month-long mentorship experience to work on publications and clinic work to receive an advantageous letter of recommendation from their mentor.

Skin of Color Society Mentorship Program

The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) mentorship program is a comprehensive program that connects young physicians with an approved skin of color expert from SOCS. Mentoring will be provided for up to one year.

Who is eligible to be a mentee?

• Participants must be existing members of SOCS

AND

• Medical students, or
• Dermatology residents, fellows/young dermatologists who completed residency no more than 3 years ago.

Who is eligible to be a mentor?

• Participants must be existing members of SOCS

AND

• Practicing Dermatologists, or Dermatology residents?
• Note: Residents can serve as both a mentor (to medical students) AND as a mentee (matched with a practicing dermatologist).

The National Medical Association Dermatology Mentorship Committee

The National Medical Association Dermatology Mentorship Committee was established to increase the representation of African Americans as well as other students of color in the field of dermatology. By connecting mentees with mentors, we aim to engage, enlighten, and empower individuals on their development to advance their career as a dermatologist through guidance on the application and interviewing process as well as professional development beyond residency training.