Mentor of the Year
Mentor of the Year recognizes Skin of Color Society mentors for guidance, leadership, and inclusive support that develop rising dermatologists and advance care for patients of color.
Funder: Skin of Color Society
Due Dates: October 19, 2026 (Nominations open) | December 14, 2026 (Nomination deadline)
Funding Amounts: Annual recognition award for one SOCS member
Summary: Recognizes an outstanding SOCS mentor whose guidance, accessibility, inclusivity, and leadership advance rising dermatologists and care for patients of color.
Key Information: Nominees must be current SOCS members with official SOCS mentoring experience; self-nominations are not permitted.
Description
The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) Mentor of the Year Award honors one outstanding member annually for exceptional commitment to developing the next generation of dermatologists. It recognizes mentors whose guidance, support, and meaningful opportunities have made a profound impact on mentees’ personal and professional development while advancing dermatology for patients of color.
The award celebrates engagement across SOCS mentorship pathways, including the Center for Leadership, Mentorship Program, Observership Grant, Clinical Investigator Training Mentorship Program, and Dermatologists of Tomorrow Scholarship. Its priorities include professionalism, accessibility, impact on mentees, contributions to mentorship programs, leadership, and support for health equity. The SOCS Mentorship Committee reviews nominations and recommends an awardee for final ratification by the SOCS Board.
