MOHS MICROGRAPHIC SURGERY AND PROCEDURAL DERMATOLOGY FELLOWSHIP
Gary D. Monheit, M.D./Christopher B. Harmon, M.D.
Birmingham, Alabama

The Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Procedural Dermatology Fellowship, under the direction of Dr. Gary Monheit and Dr. Christopher Harmon, offers an intense and broad-based training experience in the field of dermatologic surgery. The fellowship year includes training in the field of Mohs micrographic surgery, laser surgery, and cosmetic dermatologic surgery. The main surgical experience is at an outpatient dermatologic surgical center; however, there is also exposure to other practice settings (Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital, HealthSouth OutPatient Care Center) to ensure a broad-based surgical experience.

The Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Procedural Dermatology Fellowship Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and approved by the American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology (ACMMSCO). Drs. Monheit and Harmon perform over 3000 cases per year. The majority of these are repaired in the office setting; however, there is a close interaction with other surgical subspecialties such as oculoplastics, ENT/Head and Neck Surgery, and plastics. Approximately 400 cases per year are performed in the day surgery unit at the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital. The fellow assists on all aspects of patient care and becomes quite proficient at using the Mohs technique for even the largest and most complicated situations.

The fellowship experience also includes ample exposure to the use of the Candela pulsed dye laser, as well as CO2 laser work. In addition, there are opportunities to observe other lasers such as the Nd:YAG, KTP, and Cynosure lasers currently being brought into our office once a month. We are also using the Ultrapulse CO2 resurfacing laser for photodamage and acne scars.

Cosmetic surgery is another important aspect of the fellowship experience. Procedures that are performed include chemical peels, hair transplants, dermabrasions, tumescent liposuction and scar revisions. The fellow receives additional experience through a weekly rotation at a cosmetic surgery clinic with experience in blepharoplasty and rhytidectomy.

Research is a key component of fellowship training and the fellow is encouraged to participate in various research projects throughout the course of the program.

The fellow is encouraged, when time permits, to attend the department conferences including patient presentation, dermatopathology, and also the Tuesday noon Cancer Conference at the University of Alabama Medical Center.

There is a weekly rotation with a dermatopathology group with emphasis placed on reading slides and recognizing tumor pathology. A bi-monthly conference on dermatologic surgery is addressed to the residents, fellows, and facial plastic fellows, and includes didactic material concerning all aspects of dermatologic surgery. Additionally, there is a study curriculum organized to provide a broad-based core of information in the basic science and clinical aspects of dermatologic surgery.

The program seeks highly motivated, energetic individuals who are interested in making contributions to the field of dermatologic and cosmetic surgery. Additional training beyond a traditional dermatologic residency experience is desirable, although not required. An academic research project resulting in a publication during the fellowship is a requirement and the fellow is encouraged to prepare a presentation at the American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology Annual Meeting.

Total Skin and Beauty Dermatology
2100 16th Avenue South, Ash Place, Suite 202, Birmingham, Alabama 35205
Telephone 205/933-0987 Facsimile 205/930-1756