The 2026 ASDS Preceptorship Program provides residents and early-career members with the opportunity to visit the practice of an established dermatologic surgeon. Participants will advance their skills in core areas of practice, including procedures and techniques not previously learned in their residency. The visit provides a unique opportunity to learn new approaches and perspectives to patient care, see a successful practice in action and develop valuable career networks.
Preceptorship visits must be completed by Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2026.
Requirements:
Read testimonials from previous Preceptees.
"The ASDS preceptorship is an excellent opportunity to pursue rotations with mentors that you wouldn’t otherwise experience. My rotation was amazing. I saw cosmetic surgeries and procedures that I did not even know existed. I learned so many new techniques and ways that I can implement more cosmetics into my practice."
"I was able to witness multiple Mohs cases during my week, many requiring larger reconstructions including varies flaps and all forms of grafts. I learned new reconstruction techniques after Mohs surgery and gained several new surgical pearls that will stay with me for the rest of my career."
"This program allowed me the opportunity to refine my surgical knowledge and skills. I had the opportunity to get hands-on experience in a different clinical setting, learning differences and nuances in practice management and surgical technique. Through this rotation, I was able to advance my surgical skills and further my clinical dermatologic knowledge. I also had the opportunity to expand my career network. This experience was tremendously beneficial as I finish my dermatologic training and transition into practice."
“My time with Dr. Avram was invaluable as I was able to observe and learn about hair loss from one of the leading experts in the field. I saw how Dr. Avram interacted with patients during the consultation process, which is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment plan. He addressed patient’s concerns and utilized his expertise to guide treatments that were both in line with the patient’s wishes but would deliver the best therapeutic efficacy. I learned about surgical hair restoration by observing both the elliptical or follicular unit transplant technique as well as robotic surgery utilizing follicular unit extraction. I also learned the various aspects involved in establishing a practice with an emphasis on medical and surgical hair restoration. Overall, my preceptorship experience with Dr. Avram provided me with the tools necessary to be confident in helping patients with hair loss and in establishing the most optimal and individualized treatment plan for each patient. Perhaps more importantly, my preceptorship experience allowed me to connect and share ideas with leaders in the field.”
“This opportunity provided me an inside look into Dr. Butterwick’s daily life as a cosmetic dermatologist. I observed cutting-edge procedures and the latest and greatest in cosmetic dermatology. I also witnessed why she has excellent patient rapport. One of our days started off bright and early in the office operating room as we gowned up and prepared for a liposuction and fat transfer case. Dr. Butterwick is a master of liposuction, and I learned so much watching her do this procedure! We wrapped up our case and bounced from room to room as I watched her skillfully administer neuromodulators and dermal fillers. Her artistic touch and ability to assess each individual patient to provide the best cosmetic outcome was amazing! I also spent time with Dr. Douglas Wu, who has mastered the treatment of facial hyperpigmentation with lasers, and Dr. Monica Boen, who shed light on her techniques administering dermal fillers with a cannula. I returned to Detroit with a repertoire of new skills to enhance my own patient care and results.”
“This experience really gave me a great opportunity to learn new cosmetic dermatology and Mohs surgery skills from one of the leaders in the field. I learned about new filler and neurotoxin techniques as well as CoolSculpting, Thermage, lasers and PRP. My current career goal is to join a private practice after finishing residency. I learned so much about office management and work flow from Dr. Marmur too. This preceptorship was an amazing experience and I highly recommend it.”
“A particular highlight of my time with Dr. Maher was learning about his approach to treating melanoma in situ of the face with micrographic surgery. Through my dermatology residency, I developed an interest in melanoma, particularly histology and immunohistochemistry. While rotating with Dr. Maher, I had the opportunity to observe a case of melanoma in situ of the eyelid treated with micrographic surgery. I was able to witness the staining process and interpretation of both H&E and Mart1 immunohistochemistry sections. With this technique, we were able to completely remove the patient’s melanoma while preserving important structures near the eye.”
Preceptors are able to mentor up to three preceptees per year. Preceptors decide the length of each visit (usually 3-5 days), their level of involvement (i.e. observation only, hands-on opportunities, etc.) and the number of preceptees to mentor in a given year.
All travel expenses are the responsibility of the preceptee and ASDS; there is no direct cost for the preceptor.
If you would like to be added to the Preceptor List, please email education@asds.net.