Dermatology
DR. WADE
FOSTER — MD, PhD
Dermatologist — Florida
Dermatology and Skin
Cancer Center
Wade Foster didn’t grow up with a clear
direction for his life’s work, but once he found
his calling, he fully embraced the science
and artistry of dermatology. “Artistry” may not
-
icine, but K. Wade Foster, MD, PhD, sees an
artistic component to caring for skin, stitching
wounds, and restoring a natural appearance.
During his undergraduate years at Idaho
State University, Foster explored a variety of
mission service in Germany. “I had a lot of time
to think in Germany, and that’s when I decided
on medicine as a career,” said Foster. He went
on to earn his M.D. and Ph.D. (Biochemistry)
from the University of Alabama Birmingham.
Foster’s specialization in dermatology came
while conducting doctoral research on squamous
cell cancer. “I became interested in all
the different types of dermatology. There’s
dermatopathology and studying cells under a
microscope, surgery, general dermatology, caring
for people of all ages. I get to incorporate
all that in my practice.” He completed both his
internship and residency at UAB and his Procedural
Dermatology Fellowship in Mohs surgery
at UCLA David Geffen school of Medicine
under Dr. Ron Moy and the West Los Angeles
V.A. Medical Center.
Today, Dr. Foster is the owner and medical director
of Florida Dermatology and Skin Cancer
Centers, based in Winter Haven. He purchased
-
tant. “I had a college friend who was a dermatopathologist
and spoke across the country.
He told me about a doctor in Florida who was
ready to retire. When we visited Winter Haven,
it reminded me of home Idaho but the
weather is nicer. We decided to move, and we
love it here.” The Fosters have four children and
enjoy being part of the community.
While Florida Dermatology and Skin Cancer
Centers provides the full spectrum of dermatology
and skin care services, skin cancer is
particularly widespread in Florida. Dr. Foster
received his Fellowship training in Mohs micrographic
surgery, which is a highly effective
treatment for most skin cancers. The procedure
involves removing the cancerous growth
to minimize the risk of recurrence, while leav-
in this procedure requires extensive training
to teach the physician to act as the surgeon,
pathologist, and reconstructive surgeon. “All
dermatologists get some exposure to Mohs
surgery as residents,” says Foster. “Fellowship
training gives far more exposure in all aspects
of surgery. Mohs Fellows work hands-on with
18 PolkDocTalk.com
/PolkDocTalk.com