How to Be Mohs Surgeon - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 2, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Mohs surgeon is a highly-trained specialist who performs a unique procedure known as Mohs Micrographic Surgery. This procedure is an advanced form of skin cancer treatment that removes the visible tumor and some of the surrounding tissue to ensure that all of the cancerous cells are removed. The procedure requires precise cutting and microscopic examination of the removed tissue, which is done by the Mohs surgeon.

The procedure has a very high success rate, making it a preferred method to treat skin cancer. This procedure results in minimal scarring, little risk of recurrence, and an overall better cosmetic outcome than other types of treatments. The effectiveness of this procedure contributes to improved patient outcomes and higher rates of survival for those affected by skin cancer.

Steps How to Become

Obtain an undergraduate degree in a natural science or pre-med program. Many universities offer a pre-med program, although it is not necessary to pursue a pre-med degree in order to become a Mohs surgeon.
Complete medical school and become a doctor. Medical school typically requires four years of study after completing an undergraduate degree.
Obtain postgraduate training in dermatology. Dermatology residencies typically last three years and involve clinical rotations and lectures.
Complete a Mohs surgery fellowship program. Fellowships last one to two years and are available through the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS). During the fellowship, you will receive specialized training in Mohs surgery techniques, such as the use of frozen sections, tissue mapping, and Mohs microscopy.
Become board certified in dermatology and Mohs surgery. The American Board of Dermatology offers certification for both dermatology and Mohs surgery. In order to become certified, you must pass a two-part exam, which is administered by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Obtain a state medical license. Each state has its own licensing requirements, which may include passing a written exam, completing a certain number of hours of clinical practice, and providing references.
Obtain hospital privileges to perform Mohs surgery. Hospitals may require additional certification or training before allowing you to perform surgery in their facilities.
Find a job or start your own practice. With the necessary qualifications and certifications, you can either find an existing job opening or start your own practice.

The Mohs surgeon is a qualified and highly experienced medical professional who specializes in the treatment of skin cancer. This specialized approach to skin cancer treatment is much more reliable and capable than other techniques. The Mohs technique entails surgically removing thin layers of skin cells and examining them under a microscope to ensure that all cancerous cells are removed.

By using this method, the risk of recurrence is minimized, as the entire tumor can be removed in one procedure. Furthermore, Mohs surgery enables the surgeon to preserve more healthy tissue, which reduces scarring and improves the aesthetic outcome. the success of a Mohs procedure depends on the skill and experience of the surgeon, and selecting a reliable and capable professional is essential for obtaining a successful outcome.

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Job Description

Diagnose and treat skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Perform Mohs micrographic surgery for the removal of skin cancer.
Examine patients to assess skin conditions and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Administer topical and injectable medications to treat skin conditions.
Coordinate postoperative care, such as wound care, scar management, and follow-up visits.
Educate patients on skin cancer prevention and risk factors.
Use imaging techniques such as x-rays and ultrasounds to diagnose skin issues.
Consult with other providers, such as dermatologists and plastic surgeons, to provide comprehensive care.
Review patient medical histories, order lab tests, and review results.
Maintain accurate records of patient care and treatment plans.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Comprehensive knowledge of skin anatomy and physiology
Advanced understanding of skin cancer and its various types
Ability to diagnose skin cancer and other skin conditions
Expertise in Mohs micrographic surgery techniques
Skilled in advanced wound closure techniques
Proficiency in reconstructive plastic surgery techniques
Effective communication with patients and their families
Ability to interpret laboratory tests and imaging studies
Knowledge of local anesthesia and sedation techniques
Competency in the use of operating microscopes, lasers, cauteries, and other surgical instruments
Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals
Commitment to ongoing professional development and education
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills

Having excellent technical skills and a strong knowledge of anatomy and pathology are essential for any Mohs Surgeon. Good communication skills and a compassionate approach to patient care are also key components of a successful Mohs Surgeon. the ability to think on their feet, prioritize tasks, and stay organized are all important traits for any surgeon.

By having these skills, a Mohs Surgeon can diagnose and treat skin cancer quickly and effectively. An accurate diagnosis and early treatment can help to reduce the risk of further spread of the skin cancer, while also improving the outcome for the patient. With the right technical skills, knowledge of anatomy and pathology, communication skills, and organizational abilities, a Mohs Surgeon can provide high quality care to their patients and help to improve the health of those who need it.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in Mohs surgery?
What do you feel is the most important aspect of providing quality care in Mohs surgery?
How do you stay up to date on the latest advancements and techniques in Mohs surgery?
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Mohs surgeons today?
How have you managed difficult or challenging cases in Mohs surgery?
What experience do you have performing Mohs surgery on skin cancers located on sensitive areas of the face, such as the nose and eyelids?
How do you ensure patient safety and comfort during Mohs surgery procedures?
How do you involve patients in decisions related to their care?
What strategies do you use to educate patients about their treatment options?
How do you ensure patients understand the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of Mohs surgery?

Common Tools in Industry

Scalpel. A thin, sharp blade used to cut tissue (eg: for incisions).
Curettes. Small tools with a scooped end that are used to remove tissue (eg: for scraping off cancerous cells).
Scissors. Used to cut tissue (eg: for trimming tissue).
Forceps. A tool with two flat, pointed ends used to grasp and hold tissue (eg: for removing tumor fragments).
Cryosurgery Equipment. Tools used to freeze and destroy cancerous tissue cells with liquid nitrogen (eg: for killing cancerous cells).
Dermatomes. A tool used to shave off thin layers of skin and measure their thickness (eg: for measuring depth of a skin lesion).
Microscopes. Used to magnify and visualize tissue and cells (eg: for examining biopsy samples).
Mohs Micrographic Surgery Staining Kit. A set of dyes and chemicals used to color tissue for easier identification (eg: for identifying tumor margins during surgery).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Dermatology
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
American College of Mohs Surgery
American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
Skin Cancer Foundation
International Society for Dermatologic Surgery
World Congress of Dermatology
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
American Association of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

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Common Important Terms

Mohs Surgery. A surgical procedure that involves the removal of skin cancer with a layer-by-layer microscopic examination of the tissue for cancer cells.
Dermatology. The medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes.
Reconstructive Surgery. A surgical procedure that involves restoring form and function of an area of the body that has been affected by injury, disease, or birth defect.
Skin Cancer. An abnormal growth of skin cells that can cause disfigurement or death if left untreated.
Pathology. The study of the cause, structure, and function of disease.
Oncology. The study of cancer.
Immunology. The study of the bodys immune system and how it works to protect against disease and infection.
Biopsy. The removal of a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope to diagnose or rule out the presence of disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Mohs Surgeon?

A Mohs Surgeon is a dermatologist and a skin cancer specialist who has received additional training in the Mohs Micrographic Surgery technique, a type of surgery used to treat skin cancer that involves the removal of skin layer by layer, microscopic examination of the removed tissue, and precision mapping of the tumor.

How many layers of skin are usually removed during Mohs Surgery?

During Mohs Surgery, typically as few as one layer or as many as 10 layers of skin are removed and examined. The exact number of layers removed depends on the size and location of the skin cancer being treated.

What are some advantages of Mohs Surgery?

Mohs Surgery offers several advantages over other treatments for skin cancer, including a high success rate (up to 99%), minimal scarring, and preservation of healthy tissue.

What is the recovery time for Mohs Surgery?

Recovery time for Mohs Surgery can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor as well as the individual's healing process. In general, patients can expect to return to their normal activities within a couple of days after surgery.