Can One Refuse to Allow an Intern to Participate During Mohs Surgery?

You must understand that anytime you choose to have your care at an academic center or a physician affiliated with a teaching hospital, you may be asked if a medical student or intern may participate in your care. If you choose not to participate in training next generation of physicians, you should only get your care such as Mohs micrographic surgery at a private practice clinic.

You are the boss! If you don't want the intern involved in your care, tell the attending surgeon before your scheduled appointment and when you come in on the day of surgery remind him or her again. There shouldn't be any problem with this, and if there is, I would recommend that you have your surgery performed elsewhere. Some patients have preferences as to who performs the Mohs surgery or who performs the repair, and that is fine. I'm sure that the attending has heard this request before, and I'm sure he'll hear it again in the future.

If you are concerned with who will be your primary surgeon while a patient at a teaching institution, you should discuss these concerns with your surgeon before surgery. This is a common question and the attending physician will be happy to discuss and alleviate your concerns.