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International Preceptorship 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.

International Preceptee Applicants Must:

Be an international dermatologic surgeon (i.e., not American or Canadian, and not a resident-in-training) practicing full-time in an academic institution or private practice.
Be a current member of ASDS.
Be committed to sharing newly acquired skills and knowledge with dermatologic surgeon colleagues in their country of origin.

Read about past preceptees' experiences

Program Guidelines

Applicant Eligibility Criteria

Be an international dermatologic surgeon (i.e., not American or Canadian, and not a resident-in-training) practicing full-time in an academic institution or private practice outside of North America.
Be a current member of the ASDS.
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.

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

ASDS evaluation of the visit
A one-page summary of your experience for ASDS to use in future promotions of this program
Photo(s) from your visit for ASDS to use in future promotion of this program
Present on his/her experience during the ASDS Annual Meeting if invited to do so.

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).
Submit a 60-90 second video outlining goals for the preceptorship.
Must offer a minimum of 5 days teaching for the visit.
Secure and confirm with the Preceptee the visit 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 International Work Group will review and score each application.
Up to two Preceptees and their Preceptors / Hosts will be notified by ASDS with additional paperwork to prepare for the Preceptorship.
Applicants will be notified whether or not 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) based on their availability. Typically, visits are one to three weeks in duration.

Who makes the travel arrangements for the Preceptee(s)?

The Preceptee(s) 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 comments are provided to assist future Preceptees; however; it is strongly advised to contact the U.S. 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 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 ASDS if they are selected as an ASDS International Preceptee as the letter cannot be provided prior to then. The application process includes an interview (which requires a fee). The interview will take place by an officer of the U.S. 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 U.S. 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(s) will receive a monetary grant of up to $1,000 (U.S. Dollars) to assist with travel expenses.

Read testimonials from previous International Preceptees:

2024 Preceptees — Fatimah Al Muqarrab, MD, and Jihane Benahmed, MD
2023 Preceptee — Leyla Elmas, MD
2019 Preceptee — Felipe Cerci, MD
2018 Preceptee — Karen Abigail Santos, MD
2017 Preceptee — Lena Hampel, MD, PhD
2016 Preceptee — Su Phyo Aung, MBBS, MScm
2015 Preceptee — Choon Chiat Oh, MD
2014 Preceptee — Shambhu Dutta Joshi, MD
2013 Preceptee — Katrina Abat, MD
2012 Preceptee — Sudip Parajuli, MD, MBBS
2011 Preceptee — Chang-Hun-Huh, MD, PhD

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

Questions? Call 847-956-0900.

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Important Links

International Preceptorship Program

International Preceptee Applicants Must:

Program Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Read testimonials from previous International Preceptees:

General Quick Links

Member Quick Links

Important Links

International Preceptorship Program

International Preceptee Applicants Must:

Program Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Read testimonials from previous International Preceptees:

General Quick Links

Member Quick Links

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