The guiding principle for all dermatologic surgeons is to practice ethical medicine with the highest possible standards. Physicians should be properly trained in all procedures performed to ensure the highest level of patient care and safety. A physician should be fully qualified by residency training and preceptorship or appropriate course work. Training should include an extensive understanding of cutaneous medicine and surgery, the indications for each procedure, and the pre- and post-operative care involved in treatment. It is the position of the ASDS that only active and properly licensed doctors of medicine and osteopathy shall engage in the practice of medicine.
Under the appropriate circumstances, a physician may delegate certain procedures to certified or licensed allied health professionals. The physician must directly supervise the allied health professionals to protect the best interests and welfare of each patient. The supervising physician shall be physically present on-site, immediately available, and able to respond promptly to any question or problem that may occur while the procedure is being performed. It is the responsible physician’s obligation to ensure that, with respect to each procedure performed, the allied health professionals possess knowledge of cutaneous medicine, documented training in the procedure, the indications for the procedure, and the pre- and post-operative care involved.