Dr. Vegas’ Monthly Blog:
Dermatology Notes from Dr. H.L. Greenberg
Who is that person treating your skin?
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) recently had a video contest where ASDS members were solicited to make videos explaining the benefits of seeing a dermatologist for diseases of the skin. Being an avid videographer and video producer, I accepted the ASDS challenge and after spending 12 hours mixing in laser, surgical and cosmetic procedures with various photos, banners, and videos along with my own background music and voice over, I was left with an award winning 1 minute video explaining in words and images why dermatologists are experts in skin treatments.
Having the opportunity to express what dermatologists do through video was a treat. Most people are unaware of the person they have treating their skin and consider many treatments as minor and not medical. Sharing why dermatologists are, “Experts in Skin Treatments” is easily lost on those who are unaware of a dermatologist’s specialized training and background.
Dermatology residency requires 3 additional years of education post medical school where the focus is on everything skin. As a dermatology resident, we attended morning lectures on all of the various aspects of dermatology, went to dermatology grand rounds, had multiple quizzes and examinations, in addition to seeing a full load of patients and presenting those patients to our attending physicians. Dermatology residency was an intense experience that included hospital consults, copious amounts of reading and months spent in the pathology lab looking at skin biopsies under the microscope.
My specific dermatology residency training program at Scott & White of the Texas A&M University Hospital System required me to perform Mohs micrographic surgery- a special type of skin cancer removal surgery where the tumor is excised and evaluated for clearance at the same time by the dermatologist. During my training, I had the president of the American Society for Mohs Surgery (ASMS) train me in the Mohs Micrographic surgical technique, and an Ear Nose & Throat Surgeon teach me how to design and perform flaps, grafts and special wound closure techniques. Whereas our old suite did not have room to perform Mohs micrographic surgery, our new office space at Suite #414 has plenty of room. This month, my staff was trained on the Mohs micrographic surgery technique, our lab passed a state inspection and we are now ready to offer Mohs surgery to our patients who require tumor removal in appropriate circumstances.
Rest assured that the dedicated and exceptional team at Las Vegas Dermatology® is always striving to put the patient first and to help provide you with a healthier and more beautiful life!
