A First Step into Dermatology: Reflections from the Skin of Color Conference 2025
The world of aesthetics quickly taught me that technique alone isn’t enough. Guided by mentors, I’ve come to understand that truly entering this field requires engaging with research, clinical practice, and the wider dermatologic landscape, especially as it relates to patients with skin of color. That’s what led me to choose the Skin of Color Update 2025 Conference as my first dermatology conference. I was looking for a setting where the newest evidence-based research is highlighted, where leaders and innovators come together, and where discussions go beyond aesthetics to encompass the full breadth of care for patients with skin of color. It felt like the perfect opportunity to view the field through a deeper, more well-rounded lens.
By Leslie Thompson, NP Student, RN BSN
Arriving and Navigating the Conference
I was able to catch an early Amtrak train from Baltimore to New York and arrive at the conference first thing in the morning. From the moment I arrived, the Skin of Color Conference Update (SOCU) team made the experience seamless, directing me to the event space, providing a name tag, and connecting me with other professionals. The venue was organized thoughtfully, with multiple rooms and breakout sessions that allowed attendees to focus on the topics most relevant to them throughout the day. It immediately felt like a place designed to help you connect, learn, and navigate the world of dermatology with purpose.
The majority of us ended up in the main conference room, where we were warmly greeted by the conference hosts. They thoughtfully had a coffee station set up as we entered, which brought a welcoming touch. During the sessions, we were able to hear from a range of experts, each presenting on different topics within dermatology. Afterwards, breakfast was provided, and we had the chance to explore additional breakout sessions. These sessions led us through halls filled with evidence-based research posters and exhibits giving a tangible sense of the depth and breadth of work being done in the field.
SOCU 2025 Main Conference Room
During transition periods between session rooms, I had the chance to network with professionals from across the country and even from other parts of the world. It was amazing to engage in conversations about current trends and the scope of practice in their countries, and to compare those approaches with my own experience here in the United States. I also connected with pharmacists and researchers, discussing current trends and drugs on the market as well as what’s on the horizon. Those informal conversations gave me a broader perspective on the field and reinforced just how much there is to learn beyond the clinic.
Conference Highlight: Respecting Diversity in Dermatology
What stood out most to me is that every presentation, no matter who was speaking, consistently addressed the nuances of skin color and how dermatologic and aesthetic cases differ across ethnicities and skin tones. Nothing felt like a one-size-fits-all approach, which was incredibly validating. As a novice aesthetic nurse, it’s easy to focus on the “basics,” but the reality is that the basics rarely capture the cultural and anatomical nuances that exist across different patients and clientele. Seeing these differences acknowledged and discussed in every session felt not only informative but also deeply affirming; it reminded me why thoughtful, individualized care is so important in this field.
A slide from Dr. Cheryl Burgess’ presentation, “Injectables in Skin of Color: Mastering Facial Anatomy & Managing Complications.”
Equally impactful was the chance to learn directly from leading dermatologists from around the country, whose extensive experience made their insights especially valuable. After their presentations, the panelists broke down real case studies, which added a practical and impactful layer to the sessions. It was a highly effective and intentional approach; rather than simply providing information, it gave me the chance to see how these experts think, analyze, and approach complex cases. Watching their thought processes in real time made the learning experience much more tangible and meaningful.
SOCU 2025 Dermatology Panel: Case Study Analysis
After the sessions, there was a networking happy hour with an open bar, giving attendees the chance to connect with vendors, peers, and experts. I was especially thrilled to meet Dr. Battle, one of the inventors of the Diolaze machine used in my clinical setting. We had a meaningful conversation about the limitations of the Fitzpatrick skin type scale and the need for further work to better capture diverse skin tones. Knowing he had worked directly with Dr. Fitzpatrick himself made the discussion even more impactful. I also had the chance to try some of the latest dermatology technologies, including a facial scan. Experiencing it from a patient’s perspective was eye-opening and highlighted how these tools can enhance clinical practice and patient care.
A highlight of the conference: a one-on-one discussion with Dr. Battle about the Fitzpatrick scale and patient care.
Overall, my experience at the conference was absolutely wonderful. I came away feeling inspired, informed, and even more committed to the field of Dermatology. While attending conferences require an investment, the chance to learn, connect, and grow makes it invaluable. I can’t wait to take part in future Dermatology and Aesthetic Conferences and highly recommend it to anyone passionate about dermatology and aesthetics. Beyond the network and clinical pearls you gain, they offer a chance to feel connected to something larger. Being immersed in this environment reminds you that your work contributes to a broader cause, and that sense of connection and purpose is just as valuable as any technical knowledge you gain.
Leslie Thompson, RN, BSN, is a nurse practitioner student and registered nurse with six years of professional experience in emergency, critical care, and aesthetics nursing. Her professional interests center on advancing health equity in dermatology, with a particular focus on positioning aesthetics as an integral component of holistic and evidence-based patient care. As a contributor to the Mahogany Dermatology Nursing | Education | Research™ platform, Thompson provides a distinctive perspective on the intersection of dermatology, equity, and clinical practice, offering insights informed by frontline experience and a commitment to innovation in nursing. She can be reached via Instagram @lesquity or LinkedIn.
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
