Richard Krathen, MD, FAAD, FACMS, is a board-certified Dermatologist, a board-certified Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon, and a fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeon. Needless to say, his credentials are extraordinary, but what do they mean and what does it mean for you?
As surprising as it might sound, doctors are only required to be licensed in their state to practice medicine. Doctors who go beyond licensing and seek board certification and fellowship training are taking strides above and beyond to become the leading specialists in their field. Both designations are significant milestones in a physician’s career, but they occur at different stages and serve distinct purposes. Let’s start with board certification.
What Does Board Certified Mean?
Board certification stands as the pinnacle of recognition for a specialist, and because it’s a voluntary step, it acts as a way for physicians to surpass the norm, indicating to their patients that they excel in their specific field. Achieving board certification involves meeting the standards set by the relevant board, such as the American Board of Dermatology (ABD). These organizations consist of various specialty boards that grant certification in their respective fields.
For most doctors, this journey includes completing a specified number of years of postgraduate training and then successfully tackling written and oral exams to satisfy the board’s stringent requirements. It’s a rigorous process that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in their medical expertise.
A board-certified dermatologist has completed four additional years of intense training and education after graduation from medical school. Our very own, Dr. Krathen holds two board certifications from the American Board of Dermatology, one in Dermatology and another in Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery.
What Does Fellowship Trained Mean?
When a doctor is “fellowship trained,” they’ve gone through a specialized program to become an expert in their chosen field according to the National Library of Medicine. In this fellowship program, they work closely with an experienced specialist, training alongside them to provide top-notch medical care in that specific area. For instance, Dr. Krathen was already a dermatologist but wanted to master the Mohs surgical technique and reconstruction, so he applied for and earned a spot in a fellowship training program focused on Mohs surgery and skin cancer reconstruction. Mohs surgery fellowship positions are extremely competitive, and only the top dermatology residents earn one.
The American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) works consistently to maintain the highest standard of care and training for physicians who undergo fellowship training. Under expert supervision, candidates must practice a minimum of 500 Mohs surgery cases in one year (Dr. Krathen's fellowship had nearly 1000). They receive training in common skin cancers like basal and squamous cell carcinomas, as well as rare tumor pathology so they can accurately analyze the tissue removed during surgery, ensuring better skin health for future patients. Dr. Krathen worked closely with his fellowship director and co-director over the year, refining surgical techniques and learning the nuances of tumor histology and skin cancer reconstruction.
It’s crucial to understand that fellowships are no piece of cake. Only the best candidates make the cut, and participating in a fellowship program often involves a physician performing numerous specialized surgeries before they can earn their credentials. It’s a challenging journey that separates the cream of the crop, so to speak, in the medical field. Physicians who carry the letters “F.A.C.M.S.” have been dubbed upstanding citizens, and thus a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgeons.
The Process at a Glance:
- Medical Degree - The physician must have graduated from an accredited medical school and carry an MD or DO.
- Residency - Upon graduating med school, they undergo additional training in a medical specialty like dermatology, through a residency program that usually lasts 3 to 5 years.
- Fellowship Training - This usually lasts for one to three years and allows the physician to delve deeper into a particular field, like Mohs surgery. (Being offered a fellowship is a privilege, one that most physicians aspire to.)
- Clinical Practice - Following their residency, doctors typically engage in clinical practice to gain expertise in their specialty.
- Eligibility - Physicians must meet specific eligibility criteria, which often includes a certain number of years in practice, completion of required training, and a clean professional record.
- Board Examination - The aspiring doctors must pass a rigorous examination that assesses their knowledge, skills, and competency in their specialty.
- Maintenance of Certification - Many medical boards require doctors to complete ongoing education and professional development to maintain their certification, requiring a life-long commitment.
That’s a lot of years, learning, and dedication, but the value of having a board-certified or fellowship-trained physician when you need expertise the most, is priceless, especially when your health is in their hands.
What does this mean for me?
These doctors are the skincare experts, dedicated to helping patients achieve healthy glowing skin and are the ones you want on your side when detecting and treating skin cancer. They handle the toughest skin conditions by detecting and treating difficult skin problems including chronic conditions that are often tricky to diagnose. They can also spot emergencies. Some skin conditions are actually signs of medical emergencies requiring immediate care such as cellulitis or staph infections–something many people wouldn’t assume.
Both fellowship training and board certification are essential for a successful medical career. Having a physician with either of these credentials behind their name is a wise choice. Imagine having a physician with two board certifications and fellowship training . . . that’s who you get with Dr. Krathen of Florida Dermatology Specialists.
Dr. Krathen’s board certification in Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery means you are being treated by an expert in the management of patients with specific types of high-risk and complex skin cancers that are best suited to treatment with micrographic surgery.
Adding to that reassurance, knowing Dr. Krathen is also fellowship trained in Mohs surgery, an extremely precise method of skin cancer removal with a high success rate, means you are being treated by a surgeon who has mastered the meticulous practice of removing cancerous tissue one singular layer at a time until no further cancerous cells can be found.
The world of medicine is always changing with new advancements and treatments. Dermatology is no exception, so it’s important that doctors stay up-to-date with the most cutting edge medical information. One of the most reassuring benefits of having a board-certified physician is knowing he is required to attend continuing education so he can stay on top of his game and your skin health.
Selecting a physician, like Dr. Krathen, who is board-certified and fellowship-trained will provide the peace of mind that you’re getting the highest quality, comprehensive care available.
Dr. Krathen is the lead dermatologist and surgeon at Florida Dermatology Specialists, a preferred dermatology practice in Stuart and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. We provide dermatologic care to all our patients with an emphasis on the prevention, treatment, and cure of skin cancer including Mohs surgery, as well as medical dermatology, and non-surgical cosmetic procedures for skin rejuvenation and health.
Schedule your appointment today to experience our comprehensive dermatologic services firsthand!