Frederic Edward Mohs, MD

March 1, 1910 - July 2, 2002

Developer of the Mohs technique for removal of skin cancer, Dr. Mohs was not trained as a dermatologist but worked in the department of Surgery at the University of Wisconsin. He found dermatologists eager learners and practitioners of his technique, which is recognized around the world as the best method for removing some types of skin cancer because it has very high cure rates and preserves as much normal tissue as possible.

The Mohs technique began from Dr. Mohs observations that tumors injected with zinc chloride showed necrosis without architectural disruption. Zinc chloride became the main ingredient in the Mohs paste that was used initially in the technique beginning in 1936 but was later found not to be essential to the high cure rates and subsequently left out of the process.

Dr. Mohs was known for his impeccable work ethic and pragmatic approach to patient care.