Dermatology Society: Networking Officer

Hi, I’m Sophie, a second year medical student! I am applying for this position as I attended the SkinSynergy Conference this year and felt inspired by the range of activities organised and opportunities available. As someone who is interested in dermatology as a future career option, I would love to be able to learn more about this field!

I believe I would be suitable for this position as I have experience in gaining/communicating with various sponsors (such as MasterCard, Argos and Rokos Capital Management) from my role as the finance, sponsorship and marketing manager for my team in F1 in Schools. I am confident that I will be able to use the skills I have acquired to increase this society’s network! 

I've experienced firsthand the doubts and uncertainties that accompany pursuing a competitive field like dermatology. Education, networking, and mentorship are pivotal in shaping successful medical careers. 

That’s why I’m so excited to be running for the Networking Officer role this year! 

As your Networking Officer, I pledge to listen, collaborate, and innovate to strengthen the UCL DermSoc community. Having been the UCL Women in Surgery chair, and other society committee positions, I'm thrilled to bring my expertise and enthusiasm to creating a supportive and collaborative space.

My key focusses: What am I committed to doing?

• Introducing a DermSoc mentorship scheme - Leveraging my previous experience in running similar schemes, we will match members with mentors to provide guidance, advice, and support tailored to their specific aspirations and interests. Mentors will include current practicing dermatologists, researchers, educators, etc. 
• Networking Events: Introducing the "DermSoc Connect" series, I aim to revitalise the current networking opportunities. These events will provide members with the opportunity to interact directly with experts in fields such as paediatric dermatology, dermatopathology, cosmetic dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and more!
• Collaborations with MedSoc: Creating a chance to connect with medics/healthcare professionals from other specialities!

Together, let's build a network that empowers and supports everyone's journey in dermatology!

Attending the SkinSynergy Conference this year, I was inspired by all the amazing speakers and the like-minded attendees. The experience was one that gave me a much more realistic understanding of what a career in dermatology would be like, and in doing so further nurtured my interest in the specialty. It is my aim to continue the wonderful work of the previous networking officer in finding and reaching out to dermatologists to speak at conferences to come, so that more people can benefit from such events as I have.

Through getting the opportunity to interact with professionals in the field, aspiring dermatologists can gain a real insight into dermatology, consider new concepts they never thought about before, and learn the true impact of dermatology which can often be underestimated. Hearing about patient stories and clinicians’ experiences, one will quickly realise the sheer significance of this specialty in maintaining patients’ quality of life. Furthermore, it is my hope to increase exposure to the other, even more unrecognised, aspects of dermatology, namely managing diseases of hair and nails.

Lastly, I aim to liaise with other societies, including dermatology societies of other universities, to achieve all the above-mentioned goals and maximise UCL Dermatology Society’s outreach.

Thank you for reading, it would be my pleasure to contribute to this society and give back to the committee which has provided me with such an invaluable experience. 

Hi everyone! My name is Ria, I'm a fourth year medical student and one of the current publicity officers for DermSoc. 

Having worked with the society for a year, I have gained invaluable experience and a thorough understanding of the society's work. I also gained a crucial insight into the organisation of events such as the London DermSocs conference (which we hosted at UCL) and the UCL DermSoc teaching series where I helped invite speakers and deliver sessions. These experiences have allowed me to appreciate the importance of the networking officer role, and the impact that engaging and passionate speakers can have at these events. 

During my iBSc year, I conducted research within the UCLH Dermatology Department for my project on adolescent dermatology. Carrying out this work and presenting the research at conferences has honed my networking skills and broadened my understanding of the field. I believe that my blend of experience and passion would allow me to make effective contributions within the Networking Officer role. I am eager to use my experience to help the society in continuing to run such valuable events and talks.