Frederic Mohs: A Trailblazer in Dermatologic Surgery

Abstract

Frederic Mohs was an American physician and surgeon who revolutionized the treatment of skin cancer through the development of the Mohs micrographic surgery technique. Born in 1910, Mohs devised this innovative procedure while still a medical student, seeking a more effective method for removing skin cancers with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The technique, which involves the precise removal of cancerous tissue, layer by layer, while examining each under a microscope, allows for the highest possible cure rates and the preservation of as much healthy tissue as possible. Mohs' method has since become the gold standard in dermatologic surgery for certain types of skin cancer, significantly improving patient outcomes. His contributions have had a lasting impact on both the medical field and the lives of countless patients.