In the clinical setting, optical coherence tomography (OCT) is applicable for the non-invasive diagnosis of skin cancer and may in particular be used for margin definition prior to excision. In this regard, OCT may improve the success rate of removing tumor lesions more effectively, preventing repetitive excision, which may subsequently result in smaller excisions. In this study, we have aimed to evaluate the applicability of OCT for in vivo presurgical margin assessment of non-melanocytic skin tumors (NMSC) and to describe the feasibility of different scanning techniques. A total number of 18 patients planned for excision of lesions suspicious of NMSC were included in this study. Based on OCT, we defined the specific tumor margins on 19 lesions preoperatively using different scanning modalities. Sixty-one margin points and five complete tumor margins were analysed on 18 patients with a total of 19 lesions including 63% basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (n = 12), 16% (n = 3) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 21% of other types of skin tumors (n = 4) were classified. In 84% of the cases (n = 16), the OCT-defined lateral margins correctly indicated complete removal of the tumor. The surgical margins chosen by the surgeon never fell below the OCT-defined margin. Regarding the techniques of marginal definition, punctual tumor border scan in the perpendicular direction, with an extension of free-run scans for unsure cases can hardly be recommended. This study shows that suspected NMSC can effectively be confirmed, and furthermore, resection margin can be minimized under OCT control without reducing the rate of complete removal.

Multi-beam optical coherence tomography revealed to be a fast and promising device for assessing lesions by means of BS. Both students, who benefit from practice in handling OCT, and experts are able to perform this procedure. However, experience and training in the interpretation markedly increased sensitivity and specificity of the BS in our study. Moreover, redefinition and refining of the criteria seems necessary and may further increase the diagnostic value of OCT for NMSC.

Consequently, OCT could be a potential non-invasive diagnostic tool for the characterization and monitoring of cutaneous wound-healing processes over time.

Based on this comprehensive analysis, it seems that a periodical assessment of current research activity would be useful for the future. Data assessments should be started on European and international levels and should also be applied to other surgical and medical disciplines.

BackgroundThe acquisition of a medical professorship represents a significant step in a physician’s academic career. The responsibility as well as the honor and the associated obligations are significant; however, the requirements to become a medical professor vary in Germany.ObjectiveWe analyzed the variable requirements for prospective medical professors in Germany, with special focus on the tenure track concept and the U.S. system.MethodsBased on an online research, we queried German medical faculty regulations to obtain a medical professorship within Germany.ResultsWe analyzed 35 German universities. On average, 11 publications are required after “venia legendi” to meet professorship (apl) prerequisites (median x̅ = 10, max = 24, min = 6, n = 16), whereas 6 publications with first or last authorship are required on average (x̅ = 6, max = 16, min = 4, n = 26). In most German universities, it takes an average of 4 years after gaining habilitation to apply for a professorship (x̅ = 5 years, max = 6 years, min = 2 years). Candidates for university chair positions, however, can shorten this period by an average of 38%.DiscussionIn the German academic system, the prerequisites to gain a professorship differ among universities. Due to different scientific cooperation and exchange programs, research and academic activities have reached an intense international exchange level. Yet there is no international or even national standardization, quality assurance, and comparability to gain a medical professorship.