The Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology (Mohs) Fellowship at the University of Iowa Health Care is an intensive one-year ACMGE-approved program offered to board eligible/board-certified dermatologists with emphasis on Mohs micrographic excision, cutaneous reconstructive surgery, and multi-disciplinary management of high-risk cutaneous oncology.

During the Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship, the fellow is involved in the evaluation, surgery, and follow-up care of essentially all cutaneous oncology patients treated. This experience is rigorous and wide-ranging. The fellow will have extensive hands-on experience as the "first surgeon," performing over 1,000 Mohs and reconstruction cases per year under the supervision of Mohs fellowship-trained surgical faculty - Drs. Marta Van Beek, Elizabeth Cusick, Kirk Sidey, and Nicole Negbenebor. The fellow will also be involved in ongoing surgical consultations from other services within UI Health Care. The program provides training with evolving fellow independence to create fellow confidence and excellency in surgery. Our faculty have secondary expertise in administration, leadership, clinical research, and narrative medicine/poetry, giving fellows a chance to see the breadth and profound impact of dermatologic surgery practice. 

Photo of Dr. Jansen performing laser therapy

The fellow can expect to participate in:

  • Mohs micrographic surgery
  • Excisional surgery of benign and malignant lesions
  • Repair and reconstructive surgery to include:
    • Local flaps
    • Staged reconstruction
    • Skin grafts
    • Nail surgery
    • Scar revision
    • Dermabrasion
    • Variety of other cutaneous surgical procedures
  • Laser surgery (non-ablative and ablative fractionated, pulsed dye, NDYAG, and tattoo)
  • Filler injections
  • Sclerotherapy
  • Chemical peels
  • Botulinum toxin injection techniques

Additional Highlights of the Program Include:

  • Robust exposure to high-risk cutaneous oncology cases given our practice setting within an academic institution with a broad catchment area
  • Integrated leadership and mentoring curriculum embedded within the fellowship
  • Attendance and participation in the coordination of care in the Melanoma and ENT Head and Neck tumor boards
  • Involvement in the evaluation, surgery, and follow-up of patients receiving Mohs micrographic surgery at the Veteran Affairs Hospital
  • Exposure to an additional off-site surgical site 10 minutes from the University campus with a more private practice atmosphere
  • Experience with treating patients from both urban and rural populations
  • Conducting an in-depth research project during the fellowship and preparing a manuscript suitable for submission to a peer-review journal
  • Designing and completing a quality improvement project
  • Leading a surgery journal club during morning didactics
  • Involvement in cutaneous oncology and surgery didactics delivered to the residents throughout the year
  • Promotion of ethical practices within dermatology
  • Inclusion within departmental activities with faculty and residents
  • Attendance at conferences such as ACMS and AAD with opportunities of abstract presentation
Photo of Drs. Sidey and Jansen using microscope

Collaborating Specialties:

  • Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
  • Orbital and Oculoplastic Surgery
  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Surgical Oncology
  • Orthopedics 
  • Radiation Oncology
  • Urology
  • OB-GYN