Observership
ESMS Study visit scholarships – Are you willing to be a host?
The ESMS would like to increase the skills and knowledge of Mohs and micrographic surgery in different European countries and encourage knowledge exchange between countries. Therefore, we are introducing the ESMS Study visit scholarships. Please let us know if your center would be willing to host Mohs or micrographic surgeons, Dermatologists training to be Mohs or micrographic surgeons or lab technicians from abroad as observers for study visits of up to five days. We hope that many centers will offer this opportunity, thereby supporting Mohs and micrographic surgery in Europe and also profiting from such an international exchange. If you are willing to be a host, please send an email to our secretariat: info@esms-mohs.eu.
ESMS Study visit scholarships – Apply now!
The ESMS is now offering scholarships of up to €1,000* for members who are planning a study visit at a European Mohs or micrographic surgery center with a duration of up to 5 days. The funding can be used to cover costs for travel and accommodation. The application should include:
- A brief motivational letter explaining the importance of the study visit and expected goals.
- An invitation letter from the Mohs or micrographic surgery center including the planned study visit dates.
Deadline for application each year: 1st of March.
The ESMS board will choose up to 3 applications per year for this scholarship.
Please send your applications to info@esms-mohs.eu.
ESMS can help to facilitate contacts with centers willing to host.
* Please note that the scholarship money will be paid out to the awardee after receiving an expense reimbursement form including receipts from the study visit.
Experiences from the observership participants and scholarship receivers
Observership in Switzerland, Lausanne with Dr. Patrick Perrier (2025)
“From Dr. Perrier, I learned not only a technique but a true human and rigorous approach to surgery, based on precision, empathy, and total dedication to the patient.” — Dr. Giulio Cortonesi
Read the full review here
Dear ESMS Executive Board,
I had the honor of winning one of the three annual fellowships awarded by the ESMS (European Society for Micrographic Surgery) for training in Mohs surgery. Thanks to this extraordinary opportunity, I had the chance to spend a formative period at Dr. Patrick Perrier’s center in Lausanne.
Dr. Perrier was an exceptional teacher and a generous, welcoming mentor: he made me feel at home, as part of his family, and shared with me – with patience and passion – all his knowledge of Mohs surgery. From him, I learned not only a technique but a true human and rigorous approach to surgery, based on precision, empathy, and total dedication to the patient.
I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to ESMS, to the entire Executive Board, and to the President, Dr. Severin Läuchli, for making this fellowship program possible. Experiences like this allow young dermatologic surgeons to discover different working environments and to grow within the field of Mohs surgery with renewed passion – even though there is still a long way to go, especially in countries like Italy, where this technique is not yet widely practiced. It would be extremely valuable for young dermatologists to have the opportunity to take part in more fellowships like this one, in order to pursue the ESMS Certified Member qualification – a demanding yet fascinating and profoundly educational journey that is essential for improving the management of patients with skin cancer.
I return from this experience with deep gratitude to Dr Perrier, whom I consider a teacher and a model of professionalism and humanity, and to ESMS for offering me such a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Grazie mille
Dr Giulio Cortonesi
Observership in Switzerland, Basel with Dr. Kunz (2024)
“This observership provided invaluable insights and inspired me to pursue my career in Mohs surgery with renewed passion.” — Dr. Ewa Kloczko
“Learning from Dr Kunz and Dr Zehnder was both professionally enriching and personally inspiring.” — Dr. Ewa Kloczko
Read the full review here
I was fortunate to visit the Mohs Micrographic Unit in Basel, Switzerland, where I was warmly welcomed by Dr Kunz and his exceptional team.
During my time there, I had the invaluable opportunity to observe a wide range of Mohs micrographic surgery cases, acute on-call procedures, and complex reconstructive reviews. Despite the brevity of my visit, I was able to gain practical insights that I am eager to integrate into my own practice, including techniques to prevent ‘suture spitting’ and strategies for achieving optimal wound eversion. Dr Kunz ensured that I had ample opportunities to learn, from observing clinical cases to engaging in case-based discussions.
I also had the privilege of shadowing Dr Mara Zehnder, who taught me the nuances of split skin grafting for chronic leg ulcers. Dr Zehnder is the only dermatosurgeon in Switzerland performing sentinel lymph node biopsies, and learning about her career path was profoundly inspiring. Given the underrepresentation of female surgeons in dermatosurgery, spending time with such a distinguished role model was particularly meaningful.
This enriching experience was further enhanced by the outstanding support of the nursing team, especially Danielle, who not only assisted with patient care but also helped me practice my German, enabling me to communicate more effectively with patients.
Reflecting on my time with Dr Kunz and his team, I believe the Mohs Micrographic Unit in Basel would be an ideal center for a Mohs Fellowship. The comprehensive training and opportunities for hands-on learning offered at this institution are unparalleled, making it a prime environment for advancing my skills in Mohs surgery.
I am deeply grateful to the European Society for Micrographic Surgery for providing me with this invaluable opportunity, which has only strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career as a Mohs surgeon.
Dr. Ewa Kloczko