Can one refuse to allow an intern to participate during Mohs Surgery?

I have a BCC that was about 1 centimeter (on the surface). It has been frozen off but I am now referred to a Mohs Surgeon. The Surgeon is affiliated with a teaching hospital. I have worked adult ICU as an RN and have seen things that have made me cringe when Interns, even with supervision, have participated (I have seen very good work also) too. What is the norm for Mohs Surgery Can I demand that the referred surgeon do all the work? Some surgeons appear magical while working, and the resultant scarring always seems better if the surgeon is very experienced.

2 answers to “Can one refuse to allow an intern to...”

A: Yes, you can ask Moh's physician to do all the work

Nobuyoshi Kageyama, MD

Yes, you have the right to ask the attending physician to do all of the work. I am a Mohs surgeon and there is a steep learning curve in terms of surgery. It takes a few years after fellowship for a diligent surgeon to become good at his craft. If the surgeon that you were referred to won't agree to do all of... more

A: Intern participation in Mohs Surgery

Bryan K. Chen, MD

In principle, the Attending physician should be closely overseeing the work of their residents and interns.  In practice, of course, this does not always occur.  I am probably a bit biased regarding this matter since I regularly serve as an attending at a teaching hospital myself.  You... more

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