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

Question

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.

William Ting, MD · Answer

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.

Andrew Kaufman, MD · Answer

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.

Steven Hacker, MD · Answer

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.

Theodore A. Schiff, MD · Answer

If a patient is apprehensive about someone other than a physician performing Mohs Surgery on them, the patient always has the right to have the attending physician perform the surgery.

Jerome Potozkin, MD · Answer

It is your body and of course you have a choice who operates on you. It is extremely unlikey that an intern would do any work on you. Some Mohs Surgeons train fellows who have already completed dermatology residencies and have skin surgery skills. At the time of your consultation you are free to ask the Mohs Surgeon who would actually be working on you.

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

Answers (7)

Answer: Mohs Surgery and Interns

Answer: Mohs Surgery and Interns

Answer: No interns needed during Moh's Surgery

Answer: No interns needed during Moh's Surgery

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mohs Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

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

Answers (7)

Answer: Mohs Surgery and Interns

Answer: Mohs Surgery and Interns

Answer: No interns needed during Moh's Surgery

Answer: No interns needed during Moh's Surgery

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mohs Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.