American Society For Dermatologic Surgery

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) was founded in 1970 to promote excellence in the subspecialty of dermatologic surgery and to foster the highest standards of patient care. Dermatologic surgery deals with the diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of diseases and disorders of the skin, hair, nails, mucous membranes, and adjacent tissues. Dermatologic surgical treatment is used as a means of repairing and/or improving the function and appearance of skin tissue. The Society, which currently consists of approximately 2,400 members, supports continuing education and training of its members; clinical and basic research grants; and public information and community outreach programs relating to dermatologic surgery. The ASDS conducts a Clinical and Scientific Annual Meeting; provides representation in the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates; and offers a variety of professional publications including the ASDS official publication “Dermatologic Surgery” and a quarterly member newsletter entitled “Currents.” The Society also provides a patient information news brief entitled “Skin sights” and a variety of patient fact sheets on such topics as the function of a dermatologic surgeon, benign and malignant growths and skin cancer, aging and sun-damaged skin, and treatments for certain dermatologic conditions including chemical peeling, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and soft tissue augmentation. The ASDS also has a consumer hotline and physician referral service.