ASLMS Preceptorship Program

Supported by an independent educational grant from AbbVie.

The ASLMS Preceptorship Program provides a unique opportunity for ASLMS members who are early in their careers to learn new techniques and perspectives in lasers and other energy-based technologies, observe a successful practice in action, and develop valuable career networks.

ASLMS uses survey instruments and tools to conduct several needs assessments throughout the year. Professional practice gaps are identified through these assessments. The ASLMS Preceptorship Program is designed to address knowledge, competence, and performance practice gaps by providing direct exposure to clinical cases and treatment strategies as conducted on patients in real-time by experienced clinicians. A funded, organized Preceptorship Program is an opportunity for ASLMS to enhance its ability to provide additional educational opportunities for clinicians consistent with the organizational mission and vision and has the potential to improve patient care outcomes.

Elizabeth DuPay, MD
ASLMS PRECEPTEE

“I found the preceptorship especially beneficial to learn some of the softer skills that go into successful laser practice, such as patient counseling and pre- and post-treatment care, which you can’t necessarily learn from a textbook.”

Participation Requirements

ASLMS members who are between one and five years post medical school graduation, third-year residents (or second-year residents as long as the preceptorship occurs during their third year of residency), or in a fellowship will have the opportunity to visit the practice of an established physician to observe best practices and skills in core areas, as well as advanced skills in procedures and techniques not previously learned.

Applicants must be in a qualified residency or fellowship program or board-certified by a recognized American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) board. If you are not an ASLMS member, you may apply for membership by visiting Membership | Join.

Available Funding

Please note that all funding for the ASLMS Preceptorship Program has been allocated. Applications will be considered for those choosing to work with a preceptor in their locale, however, the applicant must be willing to assume all associated expenses.

Application Process

Applications for preceptorships are being accepted. The date of the preceptorship can be no more than six months from the application date and is not available on the dates of the Annual Conference. 

• Choose a preceptor from the list of ASLMS members who have met the criteria established for preceptors and who have agreed to serve as a preceptor. The preceptor must be contacted to ensure they are interested in serving in that capacity for the potential preceptee. Preceptor List
• Prior to submitting an application to ASLMS, applicants must secure a preceptor, agree upon a time frame for the preceptorship, and secure the preceptor’s signature on the application which verifies agreement with the terms of the program.
• Each preceptorship must be a minimum of one week. It is the responsibility of each preceptee to coordinate the duration of the preceptorship. Preceptorships are not available during the annual conference.
• Preceptee candidates are eligible for one preceptorship per year.

To apply, use the printable application.

The following documents must be attached:

• Current curriculum vitae.
• Essay outlining career goals, educational goals, and how the preceptorship will impact the applicant’s future or current practice of using lasers and other related technologies in medical and surgical applications.
• Residents must include a letter of support from their program director or chief of service on official letterhead.
• Signed and dated Preceptee Release Form.

Applications should be emailed to information@aslms.org.

Approval Process

The ASLMS Awards Committee is responsible for the final decision on approving ASLMS members who apply for a preceptorship.

Preceptee applicants will be accepted based upon the merit of:

• Career and educational goals.
• How the preceptorship will impact future or current practice of using lasers and other related technologies in medical and surgical applications.
• Be in a qualified residency or fellowship program or board-certified by a recognized ABMS member board.
• A letter of approval verifying acceptance of any application must be provided by ASLMS to the preceptor and preceptee before a preceptorship begins. Preceptors will not schedule preceptorships without first receiving verification from ASLMS.

Post-Preceptorship Requirements

Upon completion of preceptorship, preceptees must submit to ASLMS:

• Final expenses (if applicable), timesheet, and evaluation (using the forms provided by ASLMS).
• A brief report (1,000 words or less) outlining the experience. Reports are to be submitted via email to information@aslms.org. Preceptee reports may be shared in the member newsletter, on the website, and in other marketing materials. 
• High-resolution (300 dpi or greater) color photograph/headshot in .png, .pdf., .eps, .tiff, or .jpg format.

Payvand Kamrani, DO
ASLMS PRECEPTEE

“My profound thanks goes to ASLMS because, without their support, I would not have been able to go on this rotation and be exposed to all the treatment modalities that I didn’t even know existed!”

The Preceptorship Experience

The preceptorship program is a service for ASLMS members. ASLMS’ role is to provide the organizational structure for the program, coordinate applications for the program, solicit funding, publicize and promote participation in the program, and act as a fiscal agent with regard to appropriation of funds to preceptees for program participation expenses.

ASLMS will have no role in or responsibility for the actual implementation of the individual preceptorships, including but not limited to supervision, administration, advice, guidance, monitoring, direction, conduct, or performance. Each individual preceptorship reflects the views, skills, practice, and content of individual preceptors only.

The views, techniques, and practices demonstrated in the preceptorships do not represent the views, practices, opinions, or recommendations of the ASLMS as an organization or those of the funding sponsors.

The availability of hands-on experience depends upon local practice or institutional requirements for licensure and insurance coverage. Applicants must seek information from the preceptor defining the expectations of an individual preceptorship program.

ASLMS assumes no liability for any individual preceptorship, and all preceptors and preceptees will release ASLMS and indemnify and hold it harmless from any liability. Preceptors and preceptees will be responsible for obtaining their own insurance to cover preceptorship activities.

Preceptee Stories

Additional Information

Please contact us with any questions or concerns.