Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology

The procedural dermatology fellowship at MD Anderson is accredited by the American Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and approved for membership to the American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology (Mohs College). This is a one-year fellowship.

One fellow per year is selected from a competitive interview process. Only graduates of an accredited Dermatology residency program will be considered. Accepted fellows must pass the Board certification exam of the American Board of Dermatology within two years of graduation. The fellowship provides training on cutaneous oncology, Mohs micrographic surgery, reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery within ACGME guidelines. Program strengths include:

• A premier cancer and academic medical center
• Expert fellowship-trained faculty
• Complex tumor presentation and management
• Advanced skin cancer reconstruction
• Fresh frozen cadaver courses
• Emphasis on interdisciplinary interactions and collaboration
• Technology driven innovations in patient care and training

The fellow primarily works at the MD Anderson Dermasurgery Center, with a strong emphasis on Mohs surgery with reconstruction, but rotations are arranged at a variety of other locations to provide a well-rounded experience in laser and cosmetic procedures. The educational curriculum provides fellows with opportunities to fully develop the skillsets of a dermatologic surgeon, which include:

• Consultative expertise in evaluating and managing the most difficult of common and rare skin cancers
• Reconstructive expertise in the repair of simple, intermediate and complex skin cancer defects
• Effectively integrating the principles, applications and risks of surgical and nonsurgical modalities into an individualized treatment plan
• Effectively interacting with other disciplines in the care of skin cancer patients
• Leadership and interpersonal skills to effectively lead a highly trained surgical unit and establish new training programs  at other institutions
• Incorporating the principles of Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Improvement (QI) to optimize patient safety and outcomes
• Designing and executing projects based on sound scientific methodology, accurate data analysis and communication of results
• Being highly effective as an educator through teaching, publications and presentation skills
• Being active in community leadership through public service and cancer prevention efforts

How to Apply

We are participants in the San Francisco match program. Applicants must apply through both the DISCOVER System and the San Francisco match program.

• Apply online through the DISCOVER System
• Apply through the San Francisco Match Program

Core Faculty

Michael R. Migden, M.D., Program Director
Professor, Dermatology and Head & Neck

Deborah F. MacFarlane, M.D., M.P.H.
Professor, Dermatology and Head & Neck

Valencia D. Thomas, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Dermatology