American Society For Dermatologic Surgery Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery (MDS) Exam Review

This on-demand course provides a comprehensive review of dermatologic surgery fundamentals and key knowledge in high-yield content areas outlined by the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) Study Guide to prepare for the MDS Subspecialty Certification Examination.
For more information about the exam and eligibility visit abderm.org. The American Board of Dermatology (ABD) was not involved in preparing this course and does not attest to whether the course is a reflection of the content of the MDS exam.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

Assess readiness for certification exam and to identify areas of individual competencies.
Describe the process of obtaining, processing and interpreting Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) speciments.
Describe concepts related to wound healing as well as the appropriate use and execution of various reconstructive strategies.
Recognize safe and effective pre-, peri- and post-operative care.
Discuss the appropriate management of skin cancers, including the use of adjuvant and alternative strategies.
Identify the requirements of relevant regulatory authorities and to apply the principles of correct coding and documentation.

Faculty / Presenters
Murad Alam, MD, MBA; Sarah Arron, MD, PhD; Thomas Bander, MD; Jeremy Bordeaux, MD, MPH; David Carr, MD; Bryan Carroll, MD, PhD; Karen Connolly, MD; M. Laurin Council, MD; Brienne Cressey, MD; Alison Durham, MD; Matthew Fox, MD; Cerrene Giordano, MD; Nicholas Golda, MD; Hayley Goldbach, MD; Kelly Harms, MD, PhD; S. Brian Jiang, MD; Hillary Johnson- Jahangir, MD, PhD; Thomas Knackstedt, MD; Naomi Lawrence, MD; Ian Maher, MD; Christopher Miller, MD; Maxim Polansky, MD; Anthony Rossi, MD; Chrysalyne Schmults, MD; Valencia Thomas, MD; David Zloty, MD, FRCPC
ASDS Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery (MDS) Exam Review is an on-demand online review course offered by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, designed to help board-certified dermatologists prepare for the MDS subspecialty exam with focused content, in-depth lectures, and specialized review materials.
Who This Course Is Best For

Board‑certified dermatologists planning to sit for the ABD Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery (MDS) Subspecialty Certification Examination.
Dermatologic surgeons in training (fellows, senior residents) who need a structured, exam‑focused review of Mohs surgery principles and perioperative dermatologic oncology care.
Clinicians seeking a concise refresher on high‑yield topics in micrographic surgery before taking a subspecialty exam or returning to practice.

What the Course Covers

High‑yield review of Mohs micrographic surgery fundamentals, reconstruction, pathology correlation, and perioperative management that map to the MDS exam blueprint.
Recorded lectures and expert faculty presentations that emphasize exam‑relevant knowledge and practical decision making.
Case‑based discussions and procedural demonstrations to reinforce clinical reasoning and technical points

 
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Introduction and Course Overview
Self-Assessment Pre-Test: 15 required and 15 optional
Ten Training Modules representing content outlined in ABD MDS Subspecialty Certification Examination Study Guide:

Module 1 – Demonstrate competence in obtaining and processing Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) specimens. Module 2 – Interpret findings on MMS slides.
Module 3 – Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the appropriate utilization, design, and execution of methods to repair surgical defects.
Module 4 – Demonstrate competence in nail surgery, scar revision, and tissue expansion techniques.
Module 5 -Provide safe and effective pre-, peri-, and post-operative care.
Module 6 – Understand the usefulness and impact of chemotherapeutic agents used in cutaneous oncology as well as those used by specialists providing care for our patients. Understand the appropriate use of radiation therapy.
Module 7 – Diagnose and appropriately manage keratinocyte carcinomas and other non-melanoma skin cancers.
Module 8 – Diagnose and appropriately manage melanoma and melanoma-in-situ.
Module 9 – Understand the principles of correct coding and documentation.
Module 10 – Understand the requirements of relevant regulatory authorities and how to adopt practices that assure compliance.

Post-Test (Self-Assessment)