[DGDC (German Society for Dermatologic Surgery) observation day with live nail surgery by Dr. Christoph Löser at the Ludwigshafen Dermatology Clinic : Insights and inspiration].

Comprehensive training in nail surgery is usually difficult to provide as part of clinical training and continuing education due to a lack of sufficient case numbers. The Dermatology Clinic and Skin Tumor Center at Ludwigshafen Hospital has been a surgical observation and training center of the German Society for Dermatologic surgery (DGDC) since 2014 and, under the direction of Dr. Christoph Löser, is counteracting this deficiency with observation seminars, including the topic of nail surgery. As part of this one-day work shadowing program, six participants from German-speaking countries were given the opportunity to develop theoretical principles and practical skills of nail surgery in a structured manner. A total of 8 patients with various nail pathologies were treated, providing a representative cross-section of nail diseases. Immediately after each surgery, the individual surgical steps were discussed in detail and, where appropriate, analyzed using photo documentation. Key information covered in the seminar included techniques of systematic nail surgery, which can be implemented in the participants' home clinics and practices in the sense of maximizing their impact. In addition, the participants learned which previously common surgical procedures on the nail unit are now obsolete. The in-depth learning format itself is informative and should continue to be offered in this form.