Mohs Tech I

Division/Department: Dermatology

Job Title: Mohs Tech I

Reports to: Office Administrator

SUMMARY

The Mohs Technician I is responsible for preparing frozen sections during Mohs surgery in order for the dermatologist to examine under the microscope until only cancer-free tissue is obtained. They will cut Mohs up to 3 days per week. This position is also responsible for assisting and directing day to day delivery of health care and patient care management, as required. This position will report directly to the Office Administrator and will receive supervision from the following: Physicians, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Cuts Mohs up to 3 days a week.
• Prepares tissue specimens per protocol by processing, cutting and mounting on glass slides for microscopic examination and analysis.
• Receives the specimen in the surgical suite, maps out a diagram, color codes them, divides the tissue into sections, fixes it in a cryostat and cuts to make slides, stains and prepares for the MOHS Surgeon to read.
• Prepares and maintains stains and solutions as required and processes tissue through the steps of proper processing of frozen specimen, cutting, staining, and mounting the specimen to the slide.
• Prepares slides by processing, embedding, and sectioning tissue; using tissue processing instrumentation, routine and special stains, frozen-section instrumentation.
• Maintains necessary/required paperwork for Mohs, excisions, and frozen sections.
• Assists dermatologist with tissue grossing procedures by preparing the tissue grossing area with appropriate materials and instruments; maintaining and assuring specimen identification by labeling cassettes; maintaining workflow in concert with the dermatologist.
• Performs a variety of delicate and complex tissue tests, including preparation of frozen sections, for rapid diagnosis of tissue during surgery.
• Performs all routine histopathology procedures, such as preparing gross specimens for examination by the MOHS Surgeon, accessioning specimens, and maintaining a numerical log of all specimens received.
• Maintains asepsis by cleaning the workstation at the completion of grossing procedures; observing health safety protocols.
• Maintains equipment, instrumentation, and solutions by performing/scheduling preventive maintenance and quality-control procedures; recording temperatures on various instruments; changing processor; changing staining solutions.
• Manages supplies by maintaining inventory of necessary stock, placing orders and verifying receipt.
• Maintains quality results by following standards, including ensuring appropriate turnaround times for lab specimens.
• Maintains organized, safe, secure, and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures, complying with regulatory requirements.
• Ensures Mohs laboratory remains in compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws and government/state regulations.
• Maintains legal and accreditation compliance by adhering to policy positions concerning federal, state, and local regulations; anticipating emerging issues.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school graduate or GED
• One year medical experience in a physician’s office or equivalent combination of training and experience preferred; will train a highly-motivated new graduate.
• 24 hours of qualifying college science credits preferred.
• Previous experience working in a medical laboratory is strongly preferred

COMPETENCIES

• Strong communication, interpersonal and organization skills.
• Communicates effectively with patients, referring physician staff, and co-workers.
• Ability to interact and communicate with people over the phone.
• Extremely detail oriented and able to multi-task.
• Basic data entry and/or work processing skills.
• Conveys empathy and understanding when handling customer service issues.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand for extended periods of time; push, pull and reach; occasionally bend, sit, stoop and stretch.
• Have full range of body motion, including handling and lifting of patients.
• Have the hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity needed to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator and medical equipment.
• Have a normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare and communicate appropriate reports; specific vision requirements: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• This position requires the ability to handle stressful situations in a calm and courteous manner at all times.