~18 minute read

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Understanding Skin of Color Training: Bridging the Gap in Dermatology Education

Dermatological care for skin of color (SOC) patients has long been underserved in traditional medical training as recently discussed in an article on Essential Dermatology Textbooks for Skin of Color. Conditions like keloids, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can present differently and require tailored diagnostic and treatment approaches. Skin of Colour Training UK (SOCTUK) is changing this narrative. Their mission is to empower us with the knowledge and skills to confidently manage conditions in patients with black and brown skin, ensuring that everyone receives the highest standard of dermatological care.

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Focus on Skin of Color

Dermatological conditions don’t always look the same across different skin tones. For example, eczema in darker skin can appear as purple, brown, or gray patches instead of the classic redness seen in lighter skin tones. These differences are often underrepresented in textbooks and medical training, leaving healthcare providers underprepared to diagnose and treat these patients effectively.

Skin of Colour Training aims to address this gap by offering comprehensive training and resources tailored to managing SOC. Their efforts ensure that healthcare providers—whether they practice in diverse urban centers or less-diverse rural areas—are equipped to provide equitable care.

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SOCTUK’s Events and Educational Resources

Since 2021, SOCTUK has hosted annual conferences to educate dermatologists, primary care practitioners, nurses, trainees, and medical students. Their sessions blend evidence-based lectures with hands-on workshops, giving attendees the practical skills to address unique SOC concerns.

The upcoming 2025 conference, themed “Getting it Right the First Time,” promises to be their most impactful event yet. Held at the prestigious Royal College of Physicians in London, the two-day conference will feature:

• Renowned global speakers sharing diagnostic and therapeutic advancements.

• Hands-on workshops tailored to treating SOC conditions.

• A special pre-meeting event focusing on hair and aesthetic concerns, sponsored by Eucerin and supported by the British Skin Foundation.

The Skin of Colour Training UK Conference offers a rich agenda focused on understanding skin health across diverse skin tones. The conference begins with Registration & Networking Lunch at 12:00, followed by a warm welcome from Dr. Marisa Taylor of Epsom and St Heliers NHS Trust.

Session 1: Skin and Hair 101

The first session covers the fundamentals of skin and hair health. Dr. Dami Jagun from East Kent Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will present on the Basics of Skin and Hair Anatomy, laying the groundwork for understanding skin of color. This will be followed by Dr. Leila Asfour from Salford Royal Foundation Trust, who will discuss Identifying Alopecia in the Hairdresser’s Chair and when to refer patients for further care. The session concludes with a Q&A.

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Session 2: Aesthetics in Skin of Colour

This session highlights the unique aesthetic considerations for different skin tones.

• Dr. Nicole Chiang will explore Aesthetics in Skin of Colour from an East Asian Perspective.

• Dr. Aimee Vyas will present on Aesthetics in Skin of Colour from a South Asian Perspective.

• Dr. Ifeoma Ejikeme will provide insight into Aesthetics in Skin of Colour from an African Perspective.

The session wraps up with a panel discussion on aesthetics chaired by Dr. Rajani Nalluri, offering a multidisciplinary exchange on best practices.

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Session 3: Dermocosmeceutics

The final session dives into skin care and cosmeceuticals. Dr. Cristina Psomadakis of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust will present on Understanding Skin Care and Cosmeceuticals, followed by Dr. Emma Amoafo of Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, who will speak on Using OTC Medications, Bleaching, and Cultural Considerations. The session concludes with a Q&A, providing a space for attendees to ask questions and share insights.

This conference promises to be an essential platform for expanding knowledge and fostering collaboration in dermatology, with a focus on providing specialized care for diverse skin tones.

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The Skin of Colour Training UK Masterclass

The SOCTUK Masterclass is a flagship initiative designed to empower attendees with in-depth knowledge and practical skills to manage dermatological conditions in skin of color. These comprehensive sessions cover a range of topics, including pigmentation disorders, keloid management, and culturally sensitive care. Led by the SOCTUK team, the Masterclass blends clinical insights, case-based learning, and evidence-based strategies, ensuring you are well-equipped to address the unique needs of diverse populations. Example lectures:

• Nails Disorders Masterclass

• Vitiligo and its surgical management (members)

• Psychodermatology in skin of color

• Hair Disorders by Professor Ncoza Dlova, South Africa

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Education for Estheticians

When we speak about the lack of diversity in dermatology education, that extends to our esthetician friends. I'm delighted to see the SOCTUK team is offering skin of color education for estheticians during a half-day pre-meeting on Wednesday January 22, 2025. The early session will focus on hair and aesthetics and be taught by local experts. Eucerin's Social Mission Program and the British Skin Foundation are also sponsoring this segment in which attendees will have access to all recordings for the 12 weeks following the conference.

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Meet the Team

Dr. Marisa Taylor | Consultant Lead

Dr. Marisa Taylor, MBBS, DCD, MSc, MD, FRCP, a Consultant Dermatologist at Epsom & St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, co-founded SOCTUK. A graduate of the University of the West Indies with an MD from Cardiff University, she has held influential roles, including Honorary Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London and Biologics Lead at her current hospital. Passionate about medical education and leadership, Dr. Taylor has worked tirelessly to improve dermatological care for skin of color. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, an examiner for Cardiff University's MSc in Clinical Dermatology, and an active member of multiple dermatological societies.

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Dr. Oluwadamilola Jagun | Trainee Lead

Dr. Jagun, MBBCh, MSc, MRCP, PGCert is a Dermatology Specialty Registrar in East Kent with a strong background in medical education. She earned her medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and completed an MSc in Clinical Dermatology at Cardiff University, graduating with distinction. Driven by her passion for teaching, Dr. Jagun developed a dermatology teaching program for 4th-year medical students while serving as a Clinical Fellow in Wolverhampton, where she also achieved a Postgraduate Certification in Teaching and Learning. Her enthusiasm for medical education inspired her to establish the UK’s first Skin of Colour Training Day after attending international conferences. An advocate for mentoring, she supports students from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds and has a passion for diversifying dermatological education.

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Dr. Farah Mahmood | Consultant Research Lead

Dr. Mahmood, MBChB, BSc (Hons), MRCP earned her medical degree from the University of Warwick and holds a first-class honors degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Leicester. She is currently a Consultant Dermatologist based in the West Midlands. Dr. Mahmood completed her Dermatology registrar training in the East Midlands in 2023 and has gained experience in Dundee, where she developed a special interest in photodermatology. Her areas of expertise include medical dermatology, skin of color, and skin cancer. She has taught nationally on skin of color for the Royal College of General Practitioners and has presented on topics such as sarcoidosis, genital dermatology, and pediatric dermatology. She has also published research on acne and immunobullous diseases. Additionally, Dr. Mahmood has co-authored two book chapters on drug-induced pemphigus and alitretinoin, reflecting her interest in medical pharmacology. Outside of work, she is married to a general physician, has two young daughters, and enjoys learning languages and baking.

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Dr. Dijon Millette | Research Lead

Dr. Dijon Millette, MD, MSc is the Research Lead for Skin of Colour Training UK. He obtained his medical degree from the Latin American School of Medicine in Cuba in 2013 and later completed an MSc in Clinical Dermatology at Cardiff University. Dr. Millette spent his early postgraduate years in the Midlands and, before beginning his Dermatology training, he completed a two-year clinical research fellowship at the Russell Hall Hospital in Dudley. During this time, he worked as an investigator on over 14 clinical trials, developing a strong interest and aptitude for research. He also joined the UK Dermatology Clinical Trials Network (UKDCTN) medical trainee group, which focuses on advancing clinical trials. Currently, Dr. Millette is a specialty registrar in Dermatology in the Northwest, where he plans to continue his work in dermatological research and clinical trials.

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Dr. Serena Ramjee | Design Lead

Dr. Ramjee, MBBS is a junior doctor with a creative flair, specializes in producing anatomical diagrams and visual aids for dermatological education. Her work has earned accolades like the Contributor Award in Surgical Art. Through her role, she enhances training materials, fostering a deeper understanding of skin of color.

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Dr. Shahd Elamin | Secretary and Website Content Creator

Dr. Elamin, MB, BCh, BAO, MSc (Clin Ed), MRCP (UK) is a dermatology registrar currently undergoing training in Northern Ireland. She completed her medical degree at Queen’s University Belfast, graduating in 2014. Passionate about teaching, she earned a Master's in Clinical Education with distinction. Dr. Elamin has a strong interest in research, having presented at multiple meetings and published several papers. She is a member of both the British Association of Dermatologists and the British Society of Medical Dermatology. With a particular focus on skin of color, Dr. Elamin joined the Skin of Colour Training Day UK committee to deepen her knowledge and contribute to diversifying dermatological education, promoting inclusivity within the field. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Elamin enjoys spending time with her young daughter, as well as traveling and cooking.

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Dr. Dominique Dao | Content Strategist, Website and Social Media

Dr. Dao, MD, MSc, BSc, Dip, Cos, Sci is  is an Internal Medicine trainee based in South Wales. She completed both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in London and earned her medical degree from the University of Malta. Dr. Dao has a strong interest in dermatology, particularly skin of color. She holds a diploma from the Society of Cosmetic Scientists and has created her own blog dedicated to providing skin health advice for individuals with skin of color. Outside of medicine, Dr. Dao enjoys indulging in gummy sweets for every meal and burning them off at the gym!

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Dr. Lola Meghoma | Social Media

Dr. Meghoma, MBChB, MSc, MRCP (UK) is a Dermatology Specialty Registrar based in Sussex. She completed her undergraduate medical training at the University of Liverpool and earned a Master’s degree from University College London (UCL). During her postgraduate training, Dr. Meghoma developed a strong interest in dermatology and spent two years as a Clinical Fellow at Whittington Hospital, where she gained valuable experience working with a diverse patient population. Passionate about medical education, Dr. Meghoma has been recognized as a Local Teaching Hero and received an Excellent Teacher Award. She has organized a regional revision day and regularly teaches undergraduate students. Additionally, she authored a chapter in MRCP Part 1: Targeted SBAs to Help You Pass First Time. Dr. Meghoma is an enthusiastic mentor and has served on the medical advisory board for the African Caribbean Medical Mentors charity, as well as participated in various enrichment programs. Outside of work, Dr. Meghoma enjoys sewing, interior design, and exploring different cultures.

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Dr. Rajani Nalluri | Website Content Lead

Dr. Nalluri, MRCPCH, MRCPderm, MSc completed her medical qualifications in India before pursuing postgraduate training in pediatrics. She later specialized in dermatology through the Northwest rotation in Manchester, one of the largest dermatology units outside London, earning her Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in 2016. Following this, she underwent advanced training in cosmetic dermatology at Dermatology, Laser & Vein Specialists of the Carolinas, a prominent cosmetic practice in Charlotte, USA. Dr. Nalluri has contributed significantly to the field through national and international presentations, publications, and authoring book chapters in the recent two editions of Treatment of Skin Diseases. She is an active member of the Skin of Color Society USA, mentoring medical students and collaborating on publications. Additionally, she chaired the section on pigmentary disorders at the SOC UK meeting.

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Dr Cher-Han Tan | Treasurer

Dr. Tan, MBChB, MRCP (UK) is a Consultant Dermatologist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Scotland. He graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2007 and completed his postgraduate training, including a year as a dermatology research fellow, before achieving his dermatology specialist certification in 2018. Dr. Tan has a particular interest in medical dermatology and skin of color dermatology. He serves on the committee for the Skin of Colour Training Day UK team and is an active member of the British Society of Medical Dermatology (BSMD) and the Scottish Dermatological Society (SDS). He has presented at scientific meetings and published multiple papers in peer-reviewed journals. Outside his professional work, Dr. Tan enjoys Mensa games, puzzles, and other intellectually stimulating activities, appreciating both the challenge and the social engagement they provide.

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‍Join the Movement

SOCTUK’s 2025 conference is open to all healthcare providers and anyone passionate about SOC dermatology. Early bird registration ends December 25, 2025, with spaces limited for the highly anticipated workshops and pre-meeting events. The application to submit abstracts are closed for this conference, however, you can mark your calendar for next year and learn about the requirements by clicking here. For questions and to learn more, email them directly.

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Kimberly Madison, DNP, AGPCNP-BC

I am a nurse practitioner entrepreneur who specializes in dermatology nursing education and research with an emphasis on skin of color. I created this blog to share my journey as a source of motivation and as a blueprint, as you embark on your journey. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to increasing access to dermatology education and clinical training for aspiring and practicing nurse practitioners. I invite you to view the mission and vision statement on the homepage to see how we can best partner to make our dreams align.

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