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.
Insights from a Scholarship Recipient
Curious about what a study visit is like? Read about a recipient’s experience and how the scholarship helped enhance their Mohs surgery skills.
A Learning Experience in Basel by Ewa Kloczko
"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 observed a wide range of Mohs micrographic surgery cases, acute on-call procedures, and complex reconstructive reviews. Despite the brevity of my visit, I gained 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 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. As the only dermatosurgeon in Switzerland performing sentinel lymph node biopsies, her expertise and career path were 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 hands-on learning opportunities 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 strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career as a Mohs surgeon."