Board-Certified Mohs Surgeon vs. Mohs Certificate: A Big Difference

Choosing a Mohs surgeon for skin cancer treatment is important in ensuring you receive the best care and treatment outcome. Mohs surgery can be confusing, with terms like "Board Certified Mohs Surgeon" and "Mohs Certificate" being used.  So, what’s the difference between the two and does it matter?

What is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized technique used for the precise removal of skin cancer, particularly for cases involving the face, head, and neck or those with a high risk of recurrence. This surgery involves the precise removal of cancerous tissue layers while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. It is one of the most effective treatments for skin cancer.

Why a Board-Certified Mohs Surgeon? A Board-Certified Mohs Surgeon requires:

1. Rigorous Training and Education: A Board-Certified Mohs Surgeon is a dermatologist who has completed additional fellowship training specifically in Mohs surgery. This training typically lasts one to two years and focuses on mastering the intricacies of Mohs micrographic surgery, dermatopathology (the study of skin pathology), and surgical reconstruction techniques.
   
   
2. Board Certification: After completing the fellowship, Mohs surgeons can become board-certified by the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS). To achieve this certification, surgeons must pass a comprehensive examination that tests their knowledge and skills in Mohs surgery, dermatopathology, and surgical reconstruction.
   
   
3. Ongoing Commitment to Excellence: Maintaining board certification requires ongoing education, skill assessment, and participation in activities that ensure the surgeon remains up-to-date with the latest advancements in Mohs surgery.

What is a Mohs Certificate? Mohs certificates are different than Board-Certified Mohs Surgery through the following:

1. Minimal Training Requirement: A Mohs Certificate, is obtained after a shorter training program that may last only a few weeks or months. While this training covers the basics of Mohs surgery, it does not offer the same depth and breadth of education and experience as a Mohs fellowship.
2. Limited Credentialing: Individuals with a Mohs Certificate may not necessarily be board-certified dermatologists, and their expertise in skin cancer treatment may be less comprehensive compared to a Board-Certified Mohs Surgeon.
3. Variable Quality: The quality and rigor of Mohs Certificate programs can vary widely, and there may not be standardized criteria for assessing the competence of certificate holders.

Why Choose a Board-Certified Mohs Surgeon

1. Expertise: Board Certified Mohs Surgeons have completed extensive training and education, making them experts in Mohs surgery and related disciplines. They possess the knowledge and skills to provide the highest level of care.
2. Safety: Patients can have confidence in the safety and effectiveness of Mohs surgery performed by board-certified professionals who adhere to strict standards of practice.
3. Superior Outcomes: Studies have shown that Mohs surgery performed by board-certified surgeons results in lower recurrence rates and better cosmetic outcomes compared to procedures performed by non-specialists.

When considering skin cancer treatment, make sure your doctor is a Board-Certified Mohs Surgeon, to ensure the highest quality care and the best possible results. Your skin's health is too important to leave to chance.