International Traveling Mentorship Program

Residency Graduate Olivia Chen, MD, Recounts Her Pandemic Visit to South African Mentor.

Olivia Chen, MD, with her ITMP mentor Pieter du Plessis, MD, of South Africa

As a recent graduate from dermatology residency at the University of Michigan and current Mohs fellow, I had the tremendous, good fortune to continue pursuing my interest in global health and dermatologic surgery by spending my last month of residency learning about Mohs surgery from a phenomenal team of Mohs and reconstructive surgeons at the Skin Matters Mohs and Reconstructive Unit in Pretoria, South Africa.

The Skin Matters Unit in Pretoria is the leading Mohs center in its country and

one of three ASDS certified Mohs fellowship sites globally. Years ago after traveling to the U.S. through the IMP program to train with Brett Coldiron, MD, in Mohs surgery, Pieter du Plessis, MD, returned to South Africa to establish the country's first Mohs unit.

At Skin Matters, I had the opportunity to learn extensively about Mohs surgery

and reconstruction, including high quality tissue processing, cutting and staining; histologic interpretation of diverse pathologies; problem-solving challenging cases; reconstruction of substantial defects; critical review of literature; a n d more. Dr. du Plessis provided a truly comprehensive education in Mohs surgery and also sought out every learning opportunity for me including the chance to witness cutting-edge operations by the talented multidisciplinary team at the unit.

Additionally, I learned the daily workflow and noticed how the seamless teamwork, coordination of services and remarkable efficiency and organization of operations contributed significantly to effective patient care and a positive patient experience. I am fortunate to havelearned so much about Mohs and effective implementation of team-based, patient-centered care in dermatology and dermatologic surgery. The breadth and depth of learning at the unit combined with South Africa's cultural, historical and natural wonders (and delicious cuisine!) that Dr. du Plessis and his team ensured I discover, is altogether an experience I will cherish forever. I am deeply grateful to Dr. du

Plessis for sharing his knowledge, experience and tremendous hospitality. I am lucky to have learned from such a great educator and to have gained a mentor and friend.

I am also thankful for the guidance, mentorship and hospitality from incredible

Mohs surgeons Nivana Ramlachan, MD, and Tshepo Mokwena, MD, as well as plastic surgeon Japie de Wet, MD. Finally, thank you to the entire staff and Mohs lab - IIze, Gerrit, Elize, Mike, Carmel - and talented team of plastic, ENT and orthopedic surgeons who generously shared their expertise and allowed me to observe the breadth of their cutting-edge surgical collaboration at the center. I miss working with everyone — the joy of excellent patient care and good times with great colleagues! I will carry forward all these learning experiences as I complete my Mohs surgical fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center and beyond in my future career. I look forward to working together again soon!