Dermatology fellowship programs and practices that would like to initiate a fellowship program in cosmetic dermatology have until June 15 to apply for accreditation status through the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS).
The ASDS launched the Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship Accreditation Program in summer 2013 to promote comprehensive—and accredited—post-residency training in cosmetic dermatologic surgery procedures. Both ASDS members and non-members may participate in the fellowship program.
The program focuses on six core competencies: patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning, interpersonal skills, professionalism and system-based practice. Each fellowship program must have at least two faculty members to support the educational needs of one Fellow, and must average at least 1,000 combined cases per year in five of eight categories over the past five years. The categories include: wrinkles and folds, body contouring, rejuvenation, lifting, resurfacing, hair treatments, veins and scar revision.
“Residents are required to perform skin cancer surgery and repairs of surgical defects, but receive limited exposure to fillers, neuromodulators and lasers, to name just a few gaps,” said ASDS President Mitchel P. Goldman, MD. “This is happening at the same time as there is more patient demand than ever for cosmetic procedures. Our accreditation program fills that void and—with its rigorous curriculum and challenging standards—also ensures that future dermatologists are well-trained in cosmetic procedures.”
All ASDS-accredited programs are one year in length and begin on July 1, August 1 or September 1 of each calendar year. The training is held in the office or facility of the Fellowship director where the majority of training time is spent.
For more information, visit www.asds.net/cosmetic-accreditation or call 847.956.0900.
