How to choose a Mohs surgeon | What is the Difference Between American Society of Mohs Surgery and American College of Mohs Surgery
Who to trust with your skin cancer treatment is a touch decision. This can be a very emotional and time sensitive decision to make as a patient. We want to share information that may help making your decision for a surgeon easier.
Finding a skilled surgeon is one of the crucial factors to look for when decided who to entrust your care. There are however, a number of ways a Mohs Micrographic surgeon can attain the skill set necessary to perform this specialized procedure.
After completing their residency training, dermatologists are able to enter Mohs surgery professional association based on certain eligibility requirements. In some cases, these requirements are completed during residency, in others, additional surgical fellowship training is undertaken.
The American Society of Mohs Surgery
By being a part of the American Society of Mohs Surgery (ASMS) a doctor would complete residency, having exposure to many types of surgery including Mohs Micrographic Surgery. A surgeon on this educational track must be a board certified dermatologist and have assisted in over 75 Mohs surgeries. Their cases are reviewed for accuracy, and after passing the Society’s Mohs surgery examination and receiving letters of reference to support their character, can be deemed fellows of the ASMS. To retain this status in the Society, fellows must complete regularly scheduled continuing medical education courses and attend national meetings.
The American College of Mohs Surgery
Another way that doctors are able to obtain the skills needed for Mohs surgery is through the American College of Mohs Surgery. The requirements for ACMS are for a doctor to complete a three year residency training program, which allows for the ability to practice multiple surgery methods including Mohs Micrographic Surgery. Following the completion of their residency, the doctor then begins a 1-2 year fellowship training under the direct supervision of a highly skilled Mohs surgeon. The physician is required to complete a minimum of 500 Mohs surgery cases, gaining exposure to surgical techniques, pathology interpretation for multiple different types of skin cancer and surgical reconstruction to be eligible for membership in the Mohs College. A fellow of the Mohs College maintains their membership status by participating in regular continuing medical education activities and meetings.
Dr. Adam Mamelak spent a year in fellowship at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. During this year he performed over 2,000 Mohs surgical procedures. He has also authored two book chapters on the intricacies of the Mohs surgical technique, and its application in Melanoma skin cancer, in addition to numerous peer-review medical articles on skin cancer and other dermatologic coditions.. He is a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery, member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery and has served as a board member of the Canadian Society of Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Mamelak is a dermatologist who currently specializes in Mohs Mocrographic Surgery at Sanova Dermatology in Austin, TX.
It is always important to do your research when selecting the doctor that is the right fit for your Dermatological and surgical needs, and by being educated in the processes you are able to make a more clear and informed decision.
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