International Consortium of Mohs Surgery

Connecting Mohs surgeons worldwide.

The International Consortium of Mohs Surgery (ICMS) is a global community of dermatologic surgeons dedicated to advancing Mohs micrographic surgery and cutaneous oncology through education, research, collaboration, and the highest standards of patient care.

ICMS is an educational and collaborative society. It does not function as a certifying or accrediting body; formal qualifications remain the purview of national and regional organizations.

About ICMS

Mission, Vision & Purpose

ICMS was founded to unite Mohs micrographic surgeons across continents, foster cross-center collaboration, and support consistent, high-quality patient care in skin cancer surgery and reconstruction.

Mission

To advance the art and science of Mohs micrographic surgery and cutaneous oncology through education, research, collaboration, and the highest standards of patient care worldwide.

Vision

A global community of Mohs surgeons dedicated to excellence, innovation, and ethics in skin cancer treatment, improving outcomes and accessibility for patients everywhere.

Purpose

  • Promote education and training in Mohs surgery and reconstruction worldwide.
  • Facilitate international collaboration and dissemination of research and best practices.
  • Support high ethical and clinical standards in skin cancer management.
  • Provide a platform for professional exchange and mentorship.
  • Engage in advocacy and outreach to promote skin cancer awareness and prevention.

Global, collaborative, and inclusive

ICMS is not an accrediting or certifying body. Our goal is to be more inclusive than exclusive, bringing together surgeons from diverse training environments and health systems to learn from one another while maintaining clear standards for full membership.

Membership and leadership are intentionally international, with representation from all continents where Mohs surgery is practiced.

Seat of the organization
ICMS is being organized as an international non-profit entity. The final choice of legal seat (for example, in the United States or Switzerland) is under active evaluation and will be determined after review of association management proposals and banking/logistical considerations.
Membership

ICMS Membership Categories

ICMS welcomes physicians and collaborators at all stages of their Mohs surgery journey — from trainees to senior leaders. Membership is designed to be globally inclusive while maintaining clear standards for full membership based primarily on recognition through established national and regional Mohs societies.

Category

Full Member (Mohs Surgeon)

For dermatologic surgeons whose Mohs training and practice have been recognized by credible national or regional Mohs societies.

  • Current membership in an ICMS-recognized Mohs society (e.g., ACMS, ESMS).
  • Good standing with relevant national specialty boards or colleges (where applicable).
  • Two professional references, ideally via a standardized ICMS reference form.
  • Commitment to ICMS ethical standards and ongoing education.

Privileges: Voting rights, eligibility for leadership, and use of the designation Fellow of the International Consortium of Mohs Surgery (FICMS), as defined in the bylaws once finalized.

Category

Associate Member

For physicians involved in skin cancer surgery or reconstructive dermatologic surgery who may not meet criteria for Full Member status but are aligned with the ICMS mission.

  • Dermatologists, plastic surgeons, ENT/head & neck surgeons, oncologists, and related specialists.
  • Documented involvement or interest in cutaneous oncology and reconstruction.
  • One or two professional references (standardized form preferred).

Important: Associate membership does not attest to or certify Mohs surgery training or competence. It reflects engagement in skin cancer care and support of ICMS goals, and is clearly labeled to avoid any misunderstanding by patients, regulators, or payors.

Category

Member-in-Training

For physicians currently enrolled in dermatology residency or formal Mohs / procedural training programs.

  • Verification of training status by a program director or supervisor.
  • Access to ICMS curriculum, virtual case discussions, and mentorship.
  • Reduced registration fees for selected ICMS meetings and courses.

Pathway: Eligibility to apply for Associate or Full Member status after completing training and satisfying recognized society-based criteria.

Category

Histotechnologist Member

For histotechnologists and laboratory professionals actively involved in Mohs micrographic surgery, recognizing their central role in quality and safety.

  • Employment or active role in a Mohs laboratory or cutaneous oncology lab.
  • Commitment to best practices in tissue processing, staining, and QA.
  • Access to histotechnology-focused modules, forums, and mentorship.

Privileges: Participation in ICMS educational programs, histotechnology networks, and relevant committees (non-voting unless otherwise specified in bylaws).

Category

Retired & Honorary Members

ICMS values the continued engagement of senior colleagues and global pioneers in Mohs surgery.

  • Retired Members: Former Full or Associate Members who have left active clinical practice but wish to remain connected.
  • Honorary Fellows: Individuals with exceptional global contributions to Mohs surgery, dermatologic oncology, or education, nominated by the Board.

Privileges: Recognition at ICMS events, continued access to programs (often at reduced or waived fees), and opportunities for mentorship and advisory roles.

Application process
The Membership Committee will review applications on a tiered basis (administrative review for Associate Members; committee review for Full Members; additional regional input for colleagues in regions without established Mohs societies). Detailed criteria, standardized reference forms, and fees will be posted once ICMS launches formal enrollment. Case log verification will not be performed by ICMS.
Eligibility

Recognized National & Regional Mohs Societies

Full Member status in ICMS is anchored in existing national and regional Mohs societies. Membership in these organizations, once reviewed and approved by ICMS, will serve as the primary pathway to Full Member status. A comprehensive, vetted list is being compiled.

Society Region / Country Status
American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) United States Approved pathway for Full Member eligibility
European Society for Micrographic Surgery (ESMS) Europe Approved pathway for Full Member eligibility
Additional national / regional Mohs societies Global Under review by the Membership Committee

Surgeons practicing in countries without a formal Mohs society may be considered through an alternative pathway, guided by the Membership Committee and regional mentors to validate training and practice.

Education

Education & Training Pathways

ICMS aims to harmonize Mohs training standards while respecting local practice realities. Our educational model emphasizes multi-center exposure, structured assessment, and shared resources.

  • Online modules in Mohs histopathology, tissue mapping, and reconstruction.
  • Virtual case conferences featuring complex tumors and reconstructive challenges.
  • Guided logbook framework for documenting Mohs cases across participating centers.
  • Faculty mentorship and opportunities for short observerships and exchanges.

In countries where histopathology exposure is limited, ICMS will provide foundational resources in BCC/SCC recognition and slide interpretation, helping bridge critical gaps in training. As meetings grow, ICMS will also curate an online library of lectures and recorded sessions, with hybrid access whenever possible.

Case-Based Assessment & Feedback

ICMS is exploring structured, educational assessments to support competency development across centers. These tools are intended for learning and feedback and are not formal certification examinations.

  • Review of curated Mohs cases with slide marking and tumor mapping exercises.
  • Documentation of tumor type, subtype, and key histologic features (e.g., perineural invasion).
  • Completion of full case files, including decisions on additional stages and reconstruction.
  • Standardized error definitions to guide feedback (major vs. minor decisions).

Participation in these assessments will be framed as part of an ongoing educational journey, complementing — but not replacing — national boards, fellowships, or institutional credentialing.

Research & Collaboration

Advancing the Science of Mohs Surgery

The ICMS Research & Publications Committee will support collaborative projects that address important clinical and scientific questions in Mohs surgery and cutaneous oncology, including:

Multi-center clinical studies

Harmonized data collection on outcomes, complications, and reconstructive techniques, allowing for robust international benchmarking.

Education & training research

Evaluation of training models, assessments, and competency-based approaches in Mohs surgery and histotechnology.

Technology & innovation

Exploration of digital pathology, tele-Mohs, AI-assisted mapping, and imaging tools that support more precise and efficient patient care.

Global health & access

Partnerships to improve access to high-quality skin cancer surgery in underserved regions, with context-specific training and support.

Interested in collaborating?
Early ICMS research priorities and working groups will be announced after the upcoming Executive Committee and founding meetings. Prospective collaborators can indicate interest via the contact form below.
Governance

Leadership, Committees & Structure

ICMS is governed by a Board of Directors, supported by an Executive Committee and standing committees that oversee membership, education, research, meetings, and ethics. Names are placeholders and will be updated as appointments are finalized. Bylaws are being kept high-level and stable, with more detailed administrative regulations maintained separately for flexibility.

Executive Committee

Role Name
President Dr. Surgeon
President-Elect Dr. Surgeon
Immediate Past President Dr. Surgeon
Secretary Dr. Surgeon
Treasurer Dr. Surgeon

Board of Directors

The Board includes regional representatives to ensure international perspectives and equitable representation. Exact structure may evolve as ICMS grows.

Region Representative
North America Dr. Surgeon
Europe Dr. Surgeon
Asia Dr. Surgeon
Latin America Dr. Surgeon
Africa & Middle East Dr. Surgeon
Oceania Dr. Surgeon

Standing Committees

Committee Chair Focus
Membership & Credentials Dr. Surgeon Membership criteria, application review, and recognition of national/regional societies.
Education & Training Dr. Surgeon Courses, webinars, curriculum development, and assessment tools.
Research & Publications Dr. Surgeon Collaborative studies, registries, and scholarly output.
Meetings & Programs Dr. Surgeon Annual and regional meetings, workshops, and symposia.
Ethics & Professional Standards Dr. Surgeon Code of conduct, conflicts of interest, and professional behavior.
Bylaws & Administrative Regulations
The structure above reflects the draft ICMS Bylaws, which define governance, membership categories, elections, and terms of office. Operational details will be maintained in separate administrative regulations (“ad regs”) that can be updated by the Executive Committee as ICMS grows. The final bylaws document will be available to members once approved.
Meetings

ICMS Launch & Upcoming Meetings

ICMS will formally launch in partnership with existing meetings and through virtual programming, with a strong commitment to hybrid access whenever feasible.

Tentative ICMS Charter Signing – ESMS, London

Dates: September 11–12, 2025
Location: London, United Kingdom

The current plan is to hold the first official signing of the ICMS Charter during the European Society for Micrographic Surgery (ESMS) meeting, bringing together founding members and signatories from both Europe and North America. Final confirmation will follow once logistics and availability are fully aligned.

Next Executive Committee Meeting

Date: February 6, 2025
Format: Virtual

The Executive Committee will review and refine membership criteria, finalize draft bylaws and administrative structures, and review proposals from association management companies before deciding on the legal seat and foundational infrastructure.

Concept: First Full ICMS Congress – Asia/Philippines

Target Year: 2027
Format: Hybrid, education-first global congress

ICMS is exploring the Philippines or broader Asia region for the first full ICMS Congress, designed as a highly accessible meeting emphasizing surgical technique, histotechnology, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Details will evolve in partnership with regional leaders and societies.

Virtual access & archives
ICMS intends to maintain hybrid meeting capabilities and build an online archive of lectures, case discussions, lab setup guides, and histotechnology modules as content becomes available.
Join / Contact

Register Your Interest in ICMS

ICMS is in its founding phase. If you are interested in becoming a member, serving on a committee, or partnering on educational or research initiatives, please share your details below. A member of the organizing team will follow up with you as membership and events formally launch.

Who should join?
  • Dermatologic surgeons performing Mohs micrographic surgery.
  • Dermatology residents, fellows, and trainees with an interest in cutaneous oncology.
  • Histotechnologists and lab professionals working in Mohs laboratories.
  • Colleagues in plastic surgery, head & neck surgery, oncology, and pathology collaborating in skin cancer care.
  • Industry and allied partners committed to advancing global standards in Mohs surgery.