Introduction of the South African Mohs Surgery Society
Over the past decade, the South African Mohs Group has represented the interests of Mohs surgeons practicing in South Africa. In 2024, the group took a significant step forward by formally establishing the South African Mohs Surgery Society (SAMSS). This transition is pivotal in ensuring Mohs surgery’s consistent quality and standard nationwide.
The SAMSS is a registered public benefit organisation governed by a formal constitution. It is affiliated with the Dermatologic Society of South Africa and the South African Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
The society’s primary objectives are:
The current members of the South African Mohs Surgery Society are (in alphabetical order):
In the best interest of skin cancer patients, SAMSS recommends supporting Mohs Surgery practitioners who are SAMSS members. SAMSS is the only body in South Africa to recognise, endorse, and peer-review Mohs Surgeons’ training and practice.
The Mohs Surgeons in this society, initially on behalf of the South African Mohs Group and now on behalf of the SAMSS, have successfully and continually engaged with the South African Medical Association (SAMA) over the past decade in establishing coding to be used by appropriately qualified Mohs surgeons when performing Mohs surgery. SAMA fully endorses this approach, specifying in its official coding guidelines that only SAMSS members or members of its predecessor, the South African Mohs Group, should use the latest coding changes specific to Mohs surgery.
SAMSS is committed to fostering the growth of well-trained Mohs surgeons in South Africa. This is especially critical in a country with a significant skin cancer burden. The society aims to ensure that the public and referring doctors have access to Mohs surgeons with the appropriate standard of training and expertise.
To this end, SAMSS is proud to endorse the Mohs Fellowship training program, which the newly created Academy of Mohs Surgery will soon offer. This initiative will expand access to Mohs surgery across South Africa. SAMSS can also advise on international training programs and the SAMSS criteria for membership.
We trust that SAMSS will grow and continue to serve as a cornerstone of excellence in skin cancer care.
The new society and its members appreciate your support as we embark on this exciting chapter in the development of Mohs surgery in South Africa.
Sincerely
Dr Pieter du Plessis
Chairperson – South African Mohs Surgery Society
The SAMSS is a registered public benefit organisation governed by a formal constitution. It is affiliated with the Dermatologic Society of South Africa and the South African Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
The society’s primary objectives are:
- Annual Peer-Review: To evaluate and maintain the standard, quality, and quantity of work its members perform.
- Membership Criteria: To establish clear standards for evaluating new applicants seeking The SAMSS welcomes applicants practicing in the SADC countries, offering guidance to those who do not yet meet the criteria to support them in achieving eventual membership. These initiatives ensure Mohs surgery in South Africa is performed to international standards and provide confidence to dermatologists, referring doctors, other specialties, the public, funders, and affiliated societies. Membership in SAMSS serves as a benchmark for identifying Mohs surgeons who meet these rigorous standards.
The current members of the South African Mohs Surgery Society are (in alphabetical order):
- Johann de Wet
- Pieter du Plessis
- Tshepo Mokwena
- Mahendran Moodley
- Derek Odendaal
- Nivana Ramlachan
- Mark Roscher
In the best interest of skin cancer patients, SAMSS recommends supporting Mohs Surgery practitioners who are SAMSS members. SAMSS is the only body in South Africa to recognise, endorse, and peer-review Mohs Surgeons’ training and practice.
The Mohs Surgeons in this society, initially on behalf of the South African Mohs Group and now on behalf of the SAMSS, have successfully and continually engaged with the South African Medical Association (SAMA) over the past decade in establishing coding to be used by appropriately qualified Mohs surgeons when performing Mohs surgery. SAMA fully endorses this approach, specifying in its official coding guidelines that only SAMSS members or members of its predecessor, the South African Mohs Group, should use the latest coding changes specific to Mohs surgery.
SAMSS is committed to fostering the growth of well-trained Mohs surgeons in South Africa. This is especially critical in a country with a significant skin cancer burden. The society aims to ensure that the public and referring doctors have access to Mohs surgeons with the appropriate standard of training and expertise.
To this end, SAMSS is proud to endorse the Mohs Fellowship training program, which the newly created Academy of Mohs Surgery will soon offer. This initiative will expand access to Mohs surgery across South Africa. SAMSS can also advise on international training programs and the SAMSS criteria for membership.
We trust that SAMSS will grow and continue to serve as a cornerstone of excellence in skin cancer care.
The new society and its members appreciate your support as we embark on this exciting chapter in the development of Mohs surgery in South Africa.
Sincerely
Dr Pieter du Plessis
Chairperson – South African Mohs Surgery Society
