Career Corner - Tips for Applying to Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship

Tips for Applying to Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship

Special thanks to Dr. Mary L. Stevenson and Dr. Alyx Rosen Aigen for providing tips and guidance on the best way to prepare and apply for a Mohs fellowship! Dr. Stevenson serves as the Associate Director of the Mohs Fellowship Program at NYU. Dr. Aigen is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami.

1.  How can a resident best demonstrate their interest in Mohs fellowship?

• Practice good surgical skills.

• Study and understand the Mohs technique, types of reconstruction, anatomy and pathology as well as types of tumors.

• Get involved in Mohs research.

• Read journal articles to stay up to date on emerging research.

• Speak with Mohs faculty at your department to express interest.

• Attend surgical meetings, including the annual ACMS and ASDS meeting.

• Get connected and meet program directors from other programs.

• Attend Mohs monthly virtual journal club.

• Build a portfolio, like how an artist does, to demonstrate your interest and more importantly set you on the right track in your training.

2. How important is research for Mohs applications?  

• Research is an important component in the Mohs fellowship application and allows residents to demonstrate their interest in the field.

• Through research projects or other impactful work, residents can demonstrate a trajectory towards Mohs surgery training during residency.

• Research interests may include complex tumors, types of reconstruction, basic science and much more such as tumor characteristic, new immunologic advances, and staging systems.

• Programs want to know they are going to train the next generation of thought leaders. Showing an interest in the field, and not just in getting into fellowship, shows your dedication to furthering Mohs micrographic as a field, and an interest in becoming a leader that brings change.

3. Are away rotations recommended for Mohs applicants?

• There are varying opinions on away rotations.
  
  
• Pros: it allows you to show yourself and connect. It is a great way to meet the Mohs team and and be able to make a great impression. It is also a great way to meet the current fellow who can be an incredible resource in the application process. Additionally, spending time with the Mohs team in person may prompt small research projects.
  
  
• Cons: it could negatively impact your chances if there is an error or poor interaction
  
  
• If there are certain programs that an applicant is incredibly interested in, an away rotation is a great way to meet the Mohs team and be able to make a great impression. Aim for 2-3 short away rotations if one's schedule can accommodate.
   
• Be mindful that some programs are not allowing rotators or have very specific guidelines and requirements.

4. Since each fellowship program varies in terms of their surgical and cosmetic exposure, how can applicants best determine the right fit?

• Speak to as many people as possible to find out about a program and find the right fit.
  
  
• Speak with residents, former fellows, program directors, and others that may know about the actual opportunities available during fellowship.
   
  
• If keen on expanding your aesthetics experience during Mohs fellowship, explore the few combined ASDS/ACGME programs across the country that offer both accreditations.
  
  
• If pursuing an ACGME fellowship with university affiliation, you can also obtain a portion of the resident training product from various injectable companies, as programs add that there is an ACGME fellow when submitting for cosmetic training product.