International Preceptorship Program

Notice: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Preceptorship Program has been temporarily suspended. The program webpage will be updated as soon as ASDS is able to resume the program.

The International Preceptorship program facilitates educational mentoring opportunities with expert ASDS members (Preceptors), allowing international dermatologic surgeons the opportunity to expand their knowledge of advanced procedures and techniques not currently available in their country of origin. One applicant is selected annually by a physician work group to become the ASDS International Preceptee. The Preceptee receives a modest monetary grant to assist with travel expenses.

International Preceptee Applicants Must:

Be international dermatologic surgeons (i.e., not American or Canadian, and not residents-in-training) practicing full-time in an academic institution or private practice outside of North America.
Be a current member of the ASDS or another internationally recognized dermatologic surgery organization.
Be committed to sharing newly acquired skills and knowledge with dermatologic surgeon colleagues in their country of origin.

Program Guidelines

International Preceptee Applicant Must:

Be international dermatologic surgeons (i.e., not American or Canadian, and not residents-in-training) practicing full-time in an academic institution or private practice outside of North America.
Be a current member of the ASDS or another internationally recognized dermatologic surgery organization.
Be committed to sharing newly acquired skills and knowledge with dermatologic surgeon colleagues in their country of origin.

Prior to the visit, the preceptee is required to:

Review the International Preceptorship Program Guidelines.
Review and sign ASDS International Preceptee Agreement and Release of Liability.
Confirm arrangements by US Preceptor of any necessary legal licensure.
Confirm necessary insurance coverage for activities related to the visit.
Arrange for transportation and Visa to the Preceptorship country/institution at the lowest economy cost available.
If approved by the Preceptor/Host institution: May arrange to be accompanied by an assistant if necessary, with travel and hotel accommodations covered at their own expense.

After the visit, the preceptee is required to submit the following to ASDS:

Complete ASDS expense form and receipts for reimbursement.
A one-page summary of your experience for the ASDS to use in future promotions of this program.
Complete ASDS evaluation of the visit.
Present on his/her experience during the ASDS Annual Meeting if invited to do so.
Submit a photo(s) from your visit for the ASDS to use in future promotions of this program.

Preceptor Guidelines

Be an ASDS Member in good standing within the U.S. or Canada.
Provide a current CV for Work Group approval.
Submit the completed ASDS International Preceptorship application – One time (unless there are changes).
Must offer a minimum of 5 days teaching for the visit.
Secure and confirm with the Preceptee the Preceptorship length/dates.
Complete a short evaluation and provide a follow-up report/critique of the visit for program files and possible publication in ASDS communications.
Present experience at ASDS Annual Meeting if invited.
Submit a photo(s) taken during the visit to use for future promotions of this program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the selection process?

The physician work group will review and score each application
The selected Preceptee and Preceptor/Host will be notified by the ASDS and will be sent additional paperwork to prepare for the Preceptorship
Applicants that are not selected will be notified

How long does the selection process take?

Applicants will be notified whether they have been selected 4-6 weeks after application deadline.

How long is the preceptorship?

The length of the visit is arranged between the Preceptee's and the Preceptor's availability. Typically visits are from one to three weeks in duration.

Who makes the travel arrangements for the Preceptee?

The Preceptee makes his/her own travel arrangements.

What is the process to obtain a VISA?

The following information is based on a previous Preceptee’s experience and his provided comments are to assist future Preceptees; however; it is strongly advised to contact the US Embassy in your country for the exact requirements and application process:

The VISA issuance, may take up to one to three months, so it is best to apply well in advance. The application to apply can be done online. Go to http://www.usembassy.gov/. Applicant should have a letter of invitation to participate in the program from ASDS while applying for the VISA. The applicant will need to request this from the ASDS if they are selected as the International Preceptee for the ASDS Preceptorship Program as the letter cannot be provided prior to then. The application process includes an interview (which requires a fee for the interview). The interview will take place by an officer of the US Embassy. The interview is the main deciding factor for issuance of a VISA, and other supporting documents are secondary to it. The applicant will need to complete a DS 160 which is an electronic form for the non-immigrant VISA available from the website of the US embassy of his/her respective country.

You will be requested for a salary statement (for the VISA process) to prove your employment and financial status. This can be issued by the bank where your check is deposited from your employer or work place.

Does the program cover my expenses?

The Preceptee will receive a monetary grant of up to $2,000 (U.S. Dollars) to assist with travel expenses.

Read what former International Preceptees had to say:

Established through the Lawrence M. Field, MD, International Dermatologic Surgery Educational Exchange Fund.

Questions? Call 847-956-0900.

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International Preceptorship Program

Notice: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Preceptorship Program has been temporarily suspended. The program webpage will be updated as soon as ASDS is able to resume the program.

International Preceptee Applicants Must:

Program Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Read what former International Preceptees had to say:

Established through the Lawrence M. Field, MD, International Dermatologic Surgery Educational Exchange Fund.

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International Preceptorship Program

Notice: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Preceptorship Program has been temporarily suspended. The program webpage will be updated as soon as ASDS is able to resume the program.

International Preceptee Applicants Must:

Program Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Read what former International Preceptees had to say:

Established through the Lawrence M. Field, MD, International Dermatologic Surgery Educational Exchange Fund.

General Quick Links

Member Quick Links

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