Mohs Surgeons

Physicians that perform Mohs Micrographic Surgery are highly trained in cancer resection, skin pathology and reconstruction. Physicians certified as Mohs surgeons by the American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology have already obtained fellowships (Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons) in either Dermatology or Plastic Surgery and have further certified training by the American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology as Mohs surgeons. Only physicians who have completed a residency in dermatology or plastic surgery are qualified for Mohs Micrographic Surgery training. These individuals have undertaken fellowship level training, for a minimum of a year, at an American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology qualified training centre.

Until 2010, the only such centre in Canada was the University of British Columbia Department of Dermatology's Skin Care Centre. In 2010, two new Canadian training programs were added in Toronto and Calgary to address the rapidly growing demands for this service. During their fellowship training , Mohs surgeons obtain an extensive knowledge of the skin and skin tumors, unique pathological skills, and reconstructive surgical skills. It is such skills that allow the Mohs surgeon to remove only diseased tissue while preserving all healthy tissue and minimizing the cosmetic impact of the Mohs surgery.