Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon Stephen Plumb, DO, began seeing patients Monday at Phoebe’s new dermatology clinic.  “I’m extremely excited to be in southwest Georgia and to be building a new practice from the ground up,” Dr. Plumb said.  “I am definitely passionate about skin cancer treatment and prevention, but I understand there are many dermatological needs in the community, and we’ll be doing a little bit of everything.”
 
Dr. Plumb is the only fulltime Albany-based dermatologist currently offering Mohs surgery, a highly-effective treatment for skin cancer.  “Mohs surgery is a surgical technique to remove skin cancers primarily from the neck up.  After the patient is anesthetized, the cancer is removed, and while the patient is still in the building, the tissue is frozen.  I cut extremely thin sections and examine them through a microscope and verify that the cancer is gone from all of the margins,” Dr. Plumb explained.  “It has the highest cure rate of any skin cancer surgical procedure, and it also spares the most tissue, so the results are more aesthetically pleasing.”
 
Dr. Plumb earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin before graduating from medical school at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and completing his residency in anatomical and clinical pathology at the University of Iowa.  He then pursued a skin pathology fellowship at the University of Washington before completing a dermatology residency.  Most recently, while practicing as a dermatologist in central Florida, he completed a fellowship in dermatologic surgery.
 
“I really enjoy learning.  That’s why I’ve done so much training.  I find it fascinating.  My biggest influence was my mother.  She’s a nurse, and she continued her schooling into her middle adult years and got a master’s in nursing and became a nurse practitioner,” Dr. Plumb said.  “I became a physician because I wanted to help people and have a positive impact on people’s lives.”
 
Dr. Plumb has four board certifications (anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, dermatopathology and dermatology) with a fifth to come soon in Mohs surgery.  “Dr. Plumb is one of the most highly-trained dermatologists in the country,” said Suresh Lakhanpal, MD, President of Phoebe Physicians.  “There are probably no more than a dozen physicians in the United States who have his combination of skills and training as a pathologist, dermatologist and surgeon.  We are extremely fortunate to have him in our community, and the people of southwest Georgia will benefit greatly from his expertise, particularly when it comes to treating skin cancer.”
 
According to Dr. Plumb, more than five million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year.  That’s twice as many as will be diagnosed with all other forms of cancer combined.  “One of the reasons I chose to come here is the limited access to Mohs surgery in the region,” Dr. Plumb said.  “A lot of patients have to go out of state for the treatment.  I want to bring those skills to the area.  The earlier cancers are caught, the more beneficial it is to the patient.  Our treatments are less invasive and there is less scaring.”
 
Dr. Plumb says it is important for patients to know their own skin and check it regularly.  Half of all melanomas, the most deadly form of skin cancer, are detected by patients.  If you notice a mole or spot that is growing, changing, burning, itching or bleeding, you should have it checked out by a dermatologist immediately.
 
Phoebe Dermatology is located at 2709 Meredyth Dr., Suite 340 in Albany.  Patients can schedule appointments by calling 229-312-6501.