Why We Started Troy Dermatology Club

Two years ago, Isabelle and I founded Troy Dermatology Club with a simple idea in mind. Weeks before club applications opened, we knew we wanted to create a club centered around dermatology, wellness, and skincare. After many conversations and brainstorming sessions, we realized that dermatology offered the perfect opportunity to educate others while giving back to our community. Today, our club has become one of the few student organizations at Troy dedicated to a single medical specialty.

One question we are often asked is, "Why dermatology?" The answer is simple. Troy offers an incredible variety of clubs, ranging from engineering and business to law and community service. However, we recognized that there were very few opportunities for students to learn about skin health, one of the largest organs in the body. Beyond education, dermatology also provides countless ways to improve the well-being and confidence of others through skincare awareness, health education, and community outreach.

When we first started, our goal was simply to teach students about common dermatological topics through engaging presentations and discussions. As the club continued to grow, so did our mission. Today, we maintain an educational blog filled with evidence-based skincare articles, organize fundraisers, and lead donation initiatives that extend far beyond our school campus. Whether supporting unhoused individuals with hygiene kits or donating skincare products to cancer patients undergoing treatment, we have learned that our impact reaches much further than classroom meetings alone.

Some people may find it surprising that high school students are leading a dermatology-focused organization, especially considering we are years away from becoming healthcare professionals. That is completely understandable. Our purpose has never been to replace the expertise of dermatologists. Instead, our mission is to promote skin health education, encourage healthy skincare habits, and use dermatology as a way to serve others. In many ways, dermatology is simply the foundation that brings together education, community service, and leadership.

Looking back, founding Troy Dermatology Club was about filling a gap that we noticed within Troy's club community. We wanted to create a space where students could explore an exciting field of medicine while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As our club continues to grow, we hope to expand our outreach even further and continue serving communities both inside and outside of our school. No matter how large or small a community may be, everyone deserves access to education, care, and the confidence that comes from feeling comfortable in their own skin.

If our mission resonates with you and you are interested in learning more about dermatology while giving back to the community, we would love to welcome you to Troy Dermatology Club. We look forward to continuing this journey and making an even greater impact together.