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Mohs Surgeons Leading the Future: A Highlight of the ACMS Foundation Leadership Program

By Christie Regula, MD, FACMS

The ACMS Foundation Leadership Program, Mohs Surgeons Leading the Future (MSLF), was founded in 2021 to support and grow the influence of Mohs surgeons and the ACMS in its commitment to patients with skin cancers by developing and strengthening a pipeline for leadership within the ACMS. An additional program goal is to increase racial and ethnic diversity in the ACMS leadership pipeline and include individuals from other groups that have been underrepresented. The MSLF committee, led by Dr. Nat Jellinek, established this program as an opportunity to develop a new group of leaders for the College. “Historically, it has been difficult to access a leadership path within the College for members. The committee saw this as an opportunity to develop a program to address this specific gap and help develop a new wave of leaders for the College,” comments Dr. Jellinek.

The yearlong, three-tiered innovative leadership program is comprised of project-based learning, mentoring, and leadership training. 

• Project-based learning – This comprises 70% of the experience and is focused on developing and completing a project with other MSLF teammates that is presented to the executive committee and ACMS Board. The ACMS Board and Leadership Program Steering Committee identify project topics that are valuable initiatives for the College. Past projects have included development of an ACMS Diversity Mentorship Program, working to create criteria for Mohs Centers for Excellence, creation of a digital flipbook for patient education, and assessing Mohs Workforce Adequacy.
• Mentoring – Each participant selects a mentor from a group of ACMS volunteers who will provide formal leadership development support. Mentoring pairs will meet monthly by phone/video conference and in-person three times a year.
• Leadership Training – Training is completed via monthly virtual meetings and in-person meetings (three times a year) and focuses on three competency areas: leadership of self, leading others, and leading within a system.

While other leadership programs do exist across dermatology, the MSLF program offers a unique experience for College members with an “emphasis on experiential learning and working within the College infrastructure to both maximize personal development and provide the skills necessary to grow within the College itself,” describes Dr. Jellinek.  Dr. Charlene Lam, who will complete the program this year and is mentored by Dr. John Albertini, sees the program’s College-specific approach as a major strength. “This program offers more than just personal growth opportunities. It also provides a chance to become acquainted with ACMS leaders and gain exposure to the inner workings of the College,” says Dr. Lam. 

The program accepts eight participants a year and is open to College members at all stages of their career. Who should apply for the program? “The committee is looking for motivated College members who are looking to grow within and give back to the College, expand their leadership skills, and commit the time over a year in MSLF to complete a longitudinal project with their cohort,” says Dr. Jellinek. Successful applicants will be required to attend three in-person meetings (at the ACMS meetings at the start and end of their cohort and at the ASDS meeting) as well as monthly calls or Zoom meetings with all participants and the MSLF committee, with their project team, and with their mentor. “It can be an intensive year,” Dr. Lam comments regarding the program’s required commitment, “but the personal and professional growth opportunities that come with it are truly invaluable.”

The program is also continually seeking to expand the pool of experienced mentors to work with MSLF participants. The mentor-mentee relationship is beneficial for both parties, as it is a unique opportunity to mentor the College’s future leaders and for mentors to also grow their own leadership experience. “It is truly a gift to have access to such experienced mentors and leaders who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise with us. Their guidance, support, and feedback have been invaluable in helping us with our projects and our personal growth. I am deeply thankful for the opportunities it has provided us,” says Dr. Lam. 

Applications are due by January 1 of each year, and applications for both leadership participants and mentors can be found here. As with many things, the strength of this program lies in the participants – the MSLF committee (Drs. Nat Jellinek, Mary Maloney, Carl Washington, Thomas Knackstedt, and David Carr), executive coach Trish Moore, program participants and mentors, and all College members through our support of the program and the ACMS Foundation.