Membership FAQs

The American Board of Dermatology (ABD) recently received approval from the American
Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) for a new board certification in Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery (MDS).

Per the ABD website, candidates for the Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery subspecialty
certification must:

1. Possess a current, valid, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or osteopathy in at
least one state or province within the United States or Canada;
2. Hold primary certification in general dermatology from ABD;
3. Be up to date in Maintenance of Certification (MOC) if certification by ABD is time-limited;
4. Demonstrate experience in the subspecialty by:

• successfully completing the ACGME-accredited MSDO fellowship
  OR
• during an initial 5-year practice pathway eligibility period only, attesting to practicing micrographic surgery; and

5. Pass the MDS certification examination.

For additional information, please visit https://www.abderm.org/public/announcements/mds-
subspecialty-certification-approved.aspx.

While Fundamentals of Mohs Surgery represents an exceptional professional training
opportunity for all Mohs surgeons, course attendance is a requirement only for Associate Fellow and Fellow membership candidates.

The Fellow examination is currently offered twice a year, at each of the two major educational meetings of the Society. Presently, the Annual Meeting: Focus on Skin Cancer is offered each May in Florida and the Fundamentals of Mohs Surgery course is offered each November in Southern California.

Candidates are not required to attend the associated meeting in order to sit for the examination, however request must be made to the ASMS at least 30 days prior to the selected exam date, with completed payment of $325.