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Preceptorship Program

Supported by an independent educational grant from AbbVie.

The ASLMS Preceptorship Program provides a unique opportunity for ASLMS members who are early in their careers to learn new techniques and perspectives in lasers and other energy-based technologies, observe a successful practice in action, and develop valuable career networks.

ASLMS uses survey instruments and tools to conduct several needs assessments throughout the year. Professional practice gaps are identified through these assessments. The ASLMS Preceptorship Program is designed to address knowledge, competence, and performance practice gaps by providing direct exposure to clinical cases and treatment strategies as conducted on patients in real-time by experienced clinicians. A funded, organized Preceptorship Program is an opportunity for ASLMS to enhance its ability to provide additional educational opportunities for clinicians consistent with the organizational mission and vision and has the potential to improve patient care outcomes.


preceptee-elizabeth-dupay

Elizabeth DuPay, MD
ASLMS PRECEPTEE

"I found the preceptorship especially beneficial to learn some of the softer skills that go into successful laser practice, such as patient counseling and pre- and post-treatment care, which you can’t necessarily learn from a textbook."



Participation Requirements

ASLMS members who are between one and five years post medical school graduation, third-year residents (or second-year residents as long as the preceptorship occurs during their third year of residency), or in a fellowship will have the opportunity to visit the practice of an established physician to observe best practices and skills in core areas, as well as advanced skills in procedures and techniques not previously learned.

Applicants must be in a qualified residency or fellowship program or board-certified by a recognized American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) board. If you are not an ASLMS member, you may apply for membership by visiting Membership | Join.


Available Funding

Please note that all 2024 funding for the ASLMS Preceptorship Program has been allocated. Applications will be considered for those choosing to work with a preceptor in their locale, however, the applicant must be willing to assume all associated expenses.



Application Process

Applications for preceptorships are being accepted. The date of the preceptorship can be no more than six months from the application date and is not available on the dates of the Annual Conference. 

  • A maximum of $1,000 is available for each preceptee’s travel expenses.
  • Allowable travel expenses include hotel, airfare, cab fare, car rental, gas mileage, toll booths, public transportation, and airport shuttle. Up to $75.00 per diem for meal expenses.
  • A minimum of $100 in expenses must be requested.
  • Choose a preceptor from the list of ASLMS members who have met the criteria established for preceptors and who have agreed to serve as a preceptor. The preceptor must be contacted to ensure they are interested in serving in that capacity for the potential preceptee. Preceptor List
  • Prior to submitting an application to ASLMS, applicants must secure a preceptor, agree upon a time frame for the preceptorship, and secure the preceptor’s signature on the application which verifies agreement with the terms of the program.
  • Each preceptorship must be a minimum of one week. It is the responsibility of each preceptee to coordinate the duration of the preceptorship. Preceptorships may begin in June and must be completed within one year.
  • Preceptee candidates are eligible for one preceptorship per year.

To apply, use the printable application. 

The following documents must be attached:

  • Current curriculum vitae.
  • Essay outlining career goals, educational goals, and how the preceptorship will impact the applicant’s future or current practice of using lasers and other related technologies in medical and surgical applications.
  • Residents must include a letter of support from their program director or chief of service on official letterhead.
  • Signed and dated Preceptee Release Form.

Applications should be emailed to information@aslms.org


Approval Process

The ASLMS Awards Committee is responsible for the final decision on approving ASLMS members who apply for a preceptorship.

Preceptee applicants will be accepted based upon the merit of:

  • Career and educational goals.
  • How the preceptorship will impact future or current practice of using lasers and other related technologies in medical and surgical applications.
  • Be in a qualified residency or fellowship program or board-certified by a recognized ABMS member board.
  • A letter of approval verifying acceptance of any application must be provided by ASLMS to the preceptor and preceptee before a preceptorship begins. Preceptors will not schedule preceptorships without first receiving verification from ASLMS.

Post-Preceptorship Requirements

Upon completion of preceptorship, preceptees must submit to ASLMS:

  • Final expenses (if applicable), timesheet, and evaluation (using the forms provided by ASLMS).
  • A brief report (1,000 words or less) outlining the experience. Reports are to be submitted via email to information@aslms.org. Preceptee reports may be shared in the member newsletter, on the website, and in other marketing materials. 
  • High-resolution (300 dpi or greater) color photograph/headshot in .png, .pdf., .eps, .tiff, or .jpg format.

preceptee-payvand-kamrani

Payvand Kamrani, DO
ASLMS PRECEPTEE

"My profound thanks goes to ASLMS because, without their support, I would not have been able to go on this rotation and be exposed to all the treatment modalities that I didn’t even know existed!"



The Preceptorship Experience

The preceptorship program is a service for ASLMS members. ASLMS’ role is to provide the organizational structure for the program, coordinate applications for the program, solicit funding, publicize and promote participation in the program, and act as a fiscal agent with regard to appropriation of funds to preceptees for program participation expenses.

ASLMS will have no role in or responsibility for the actual implementation of the individual preceptorships, including but not limited to supervision, administration, advice, guidance, monitoring, direction, conduct, or performance. Each individual preceptorship reflects the views, skills, practice, and content of individual preceptors only.

The views, techniques, and practices demonstrated in the preceptorships do not represent the views, practices, opinions, or recommendations of the ASLMS as an organization or those of the funding sponsors.

The availability of hands-on experience depends upon local practice or institutional requirements for licensure and insurance coverage. Applicants must seek information from the preceptor defining the expectations of an individual preceptorship program.

ASLMS assumes no liability for any individual preceptorship, and all preceptors and preceptees will release ASLMS and indemnify and hold it harmless from any liability. Preceptors and preceptees will be responsible for obtaining their own insurance to cover preceptorship activities.



Preceptee Stories

Sheena Desai, MD, MBA

Sheena Desai, MD, MBA shares her preceptorship experience with Eric Bernstein, MD, MSE

sheena-desai-and-dr-bernstein

During my preceptorship at the Main Line Center for Laser Surgery in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, I had the invaluable opportunity to work alongside Dr. Eric Bernstein, a renowned expert in laser technology. Dr. Bernstein has issued over 20 patents for laser technology and has played an integral role in developing protocols for laser technology around the world. Completing this preceptorship with him not only deepened my understanding of laser applications in dermatology but also significantly enriched my perspective on patient care and treatment planning.

Throughout my time with Dr. Bernstein, I observed firsthand his methodical approach to assessing patients in real time. Each patient presented unique challenges, and I was impressed by Dr. Bernstein’s ability to formulate tailored treatment plans utilizing a variety of laser devices. These included the UltraClear, VBeam Perfecta, PicoWay, and DermaV lasers, each chosen based on the specific conditions being treated, such as pigmentation issues, photodamage, scarring, veins, and redness.

One of the most enlightening aspects of this preceptorship was witnessing how Dr. Bernstein approached the same condition differently depending on the patient's skin type. This nuanced understanding highlighted the importance of individualized care in dermatology. It became clear that a one-size-fits-all approach with lasers is not only inadequate but can also lead to suboptimal outcomes. This realization is something I will carry into my future practice, emphasizing the need for customized treatment strategies.

In addition to treatment techniques, I learned about the key components of patient counseling in laser surgery. Dr. Bernstein excelled at setting realistic treatment expectations and emphasizing the importance of post-procedure aftercare. His ability to communicate effectively with patients helped demystify the process, reducing anxiety and fostering trust. I recognized that successful patient outcomes are as much about effective communication as they are about the technical aspects of the procedures.

Furthermore, Dr. Bernstein’s insights into potential laser complications were invaluable. He stressed the necessity of understanding each laser device's capabilities and limitations to minimize risks. This aspect of laser surgery - balancing efficacy with safety - was a big takeaway for me. I learned that awareness of potential complications is crucial for both practitioners and patients, highlighting the need for thorough pre-treatment evaluations and informed consent.

Throughout my preceptorship, Dr. Bernstein was always approachable and generous with his knowledge. His willingness to answer my questions about the lasers and his treatment philosophies provided me with a more comprehensive understanding of laser surgery. I came to appreciate the sophisticated nature of these devices and their potential to address a wider range of skin conditions than I previously realized.

Additionally, Dr. Bernstein emphasized the importance of laser safety protocols, reinforcing the notion that while lasers are powerful tools, their use requires a thorough understanding of safety measures. This commitment to patient and practitioner safety resonated with me and will undoubtedly influence my future practice.

Overall, my preceptorship experience with Dr. Eric Bernstein was transformative. I gained profound insights into the world of laser surgery, from technical skills to patient management. This experience has fueled my enthusiasm for incorporating laser technology into my future practice, equipped with a deeper understanding of its applications, safety, and patient-centered care. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a respected expert and excited about the potential of lasers to improve patient outcomes in dermatology.


Additional Information

Please contact us with any questions or concerns. 

 

The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Inc. is the world’s largest scientific organization dedicated to promoting research, education and high standards of clinical care in the field of medical laser applications. It provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information and participation in communicating the latest developments in laser medicine and surgery to clinicians, research investigators, government and regulatory agencies, and the public.

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