DermSurgery 101
A Didactic Curriculum for the Novice Dermatologic Surgeon
12 modules · Evidence-based · Cross-linked to clinical tools
Foundations of Cutaneous Surgery
Wound healing biology, surgical anatomy for the dermatologic surgeon, and systematic preoperative evaluation.
Local Anesthesia & Pain Management
Pharmacology of local anesthetics, injection techniques, nerve blocks, and tumescent anesthesia for dermatologic surgery.
Surgical Instruments & Electrosurgery
Essential instrument identification, the dermatologic surgery tray, electrosurgery physics, and safety protocols.
Biopsy & Excision Techniques
Punch biopsy, shave biopsy, elliptical excision design, and curettage & electrodesiccation protocols.
Suture Materials & Selection
Thorough classification of suture materials: absorbable vs. non-absorbable, monofilament vs. braided, and clinical selection.
Suturing Techniques
Buried dermal sutures, epidermal closure techniques, and the art of layered wound closure with the TAFT framework.
Local Flaps: Principles & Classification
Flap classification by movement type, biomechanics of tissue transfer, and design principles for advancement, rotation, and transposition flaps.
Skin Grafts
Full-thickness and split-thickness skin grafts: harvesting, processing, graft survival physiology, and donor site selection.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery: Principles
The Mohs technique step-by-step, appropriate use criteria, and frozen section histopathology for margin evaluation.
Anticoagulation & Perioperative Management
Evidence-based management of antithrombotic medications, bleeding risk stratification, and hemostasis techniques in dermatologic surgery.
Wound Care & Scar Management
Wound healing biology (inflammatory, proliferative, remodeling phases), postoperative wound care protocols, dressing selection, suture removal timing, and evidence-based scar prevention and management strategies.
Surgical Complications: Prevention & Management
Recognition, prevention, and management of hemorrhagic, infectious, structural, and neurologic complications in dermatologic surgery.
About This Curriculum
DermSurgery 101 is a structured, evidence-based didactic curriculum designed for PGY-2 to PGY-4 dermatology residents entering procedural rotations and early-career dermatologists building surgical competency. Content is modeled after ACMS fellowship lecture series and ASDS Resident Essentials. Modules are cross-linked to MohsPedia's interactive clinical tools for hands-on application of concepts.