A Nationwide Dermatologic Surgical Training Program in Indonesia

In 1999, the Indonesian Society for Dermatologic Surgery was founded with the goal of improving patient care by providing structured education in dermatologic surgery. The society, under the leadership of President Marwali Harahap, MD, faced challenges from other medical specialties and within dermatology itself. They established a nationwide training program to create proficient dermatologic surgeons who would also contribute as faculty in residency programs. The training methodology included observation, assistance, and performing surgeries under supervision, following the "See one, help one, do one" philosophy. Trainees attended intensive surgical workshops, participated in study groups, and were evaluated through exams to ensure the quality of their training and their skills. They also kept logs of their surgical procedures for committee review. The success of the program was to be determined at a future date.