Fellowship Training Matters!

Posted on: February 15th, 2023 by Our Team

As a patient in Phoenix or Scottsdale, Arizona, choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon for your skin cancer surgery is essential. One option is a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon from the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS).

Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized type used to remove skin cancer while minimizing the risk of scarring and preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. It is considered the gold standard for treating many types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

During Mohs surgery, the surgeon removes thin layers of skin one at a time and examines them under a microscope to check for any remaining cancer cells. This process is repeated until all of the cancer cells have been removed.

Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons have undergone additional training beyond their medical degree and dermatology or plastic surgery residency. They have completed a one- or two-year fellowship program accredited by the ACMS, which includes rigorous training in the principles and techniques of Mohs surgery.

There are several reasons why it is vital to choose a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon for your skin cancer surgery:

1. Expertise and training: Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons have received extensive training in the principles and techniques of Mohs surgery and in the reconstruction of defects resulting from cancer removal. This means that they are highly skilled in the precise and meticulous nature of Mohs surgery and can achieve the best possible cosmetic outcome for their patients.
2. High success rate: Mohs surgery has a high success rate for skin cancer treatment, and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons have even higher success rates due to their advanced training and expertise. According to the ACMS, fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons have a 99% cure rate for basal cell carcinoma and a 95% cure rate for squamous cell carcinoma.
3. Patient safety: Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons adhere to the highest patient safety and care standards. They are committed to providing the best possible outcomes for their patients and follow strict patient safety and care guidelines.
4. Access to the latest techniques and technologies: Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons are trained in the latest techniques and technologies in skin cancer surgery, including using specialized instruments and computer-assisted surgery. This means they can offer their patients the most advanced and effective treatments.
5. Commitment to continuing education: Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons must complete ongoing continuing education to maintain their certification. This ensures that they are up-to-date on the latest advances in skin cancer surgery and can provide the best possible care to their patients.

In conclusion, choosing a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon from the American College of Mohs Surgery for your skin cancer surgery is essential. These surgeons have received advanced training in the principles and techniques of Mohs surgery. They are committed to providing the highest level of patient care and safety. If you are a patient in Phoenix or Scottsdale, Arizona, and are considering Mohs surgery for skin cancer treatment, consider seeking a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon for the best possible outcome. Dr. Ramin Fathi is a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon at Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group.