In this episode Kelli and Tara welcome Dr. Jorge Garcia, with an inspiring story from the US Navy to founding Apex Skin. His journey from the military to medicine and his leadership at Apex Skin Dermatology & Aesthetics exemplifies the power of passion, innovation, and commitment to patient care. With 15 locations and a million patients treated, they’re making dermatology accessible for everyone. Skin cancer is both prevalent and preventable, making the work of Dr. Garcia and his team invaluable. Their efforts in education, treatment, and community engagement offer hope and practical solutions for healthier lives.
As we approach Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Jorge Garcia, a board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon, and founder of Apex Skin Dermatology Center. With his unique background spanning biomedical engineering, service as a US Navy flight surgeon, and advanced training at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Garcia brings exceptional expertise to the field of dermatology—and shares critical information everyone should know about skin cancer detection and prevention.
The statistics Dr. Garcia shared are sobering: one in five Americans will develop skin cancer within their lifetime. This makes early detection, and regular skin checks absolutely essential. As Dr. Garcia explained, basal cell carcinoma stands as the most common type of cancer in humans, followed by squamous cell carcinoma, which can be more aggressive. Melanoma, while less common, represents the most dangerous form, potentially becoming life-threatening if not caught early. The good news? When detected early, all of these cancers have excellent treatment outcomes, which is why Dr. Garcia founded Apex Skin with a mission of providing rapid access to dermatological care.
A dangerous misconception Dr. Garcia frequently encounters is that individuals with darker skin tones are immune to skin cancer. This simply isn’t true. In fact, he notes that in darker skin types, cancers often develop in unexpected locations—not in sun-exposed areas, but rather in covered areas, palms, soles, inside the mouth, or even under fingernails. He referenced Bob Marley, who died from melanoma that originated beneath his toenail but was mistaken for a soccer injury. Because of these misconceptions, skin cancers in people with darker skin often go undetected until they’ve reached more advanced stages, requiring more aggressive treatment.
For early detection, Dr. Garcia recommends remembering the ABCDE rule of melanoma: Asymmetry (uneven shape), Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolution or change over time. Additionally, he advised that persistent “pimples” that don’t heal within a month deserve professional attention, as basal cell carcinomas often masquerade as pimples or small bumps. Dr. Garcia suggests annual full-body skin examinations as a general rule, increasing to bi-annual checks for those with previous basal or squamous cell history, and three times yearly for melanoma survivors.
The skin examination process at Apex Skin is straightforward and non-invasive. Patients don a medical gown while keeping underwear on, and the dermatologist performs a visual examination from scalp to feet. If suspicious lesions are identified, biopsies can typically be performed immediately during the same visit—a convenience that sets Apex Skin apart from many practices where patients might wait weeks for a separate biopsy appointment.
Treatment options vary depending on the cancer type, location, and patient preferences. Mohs Micrographic Surgery—Dr. Garcia’s specialty—represents the gold standard for facial skin cancers, offering a remarkable 99% cure rate. This procedure involves removing and examining thin layers of skin until all cancer cells are gone, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Alternative treatments include cryotherapy (freezing), electrodesiccation and curettage, topical medications, and sophisticated radiation therapies.
Beyond treatment, prevention remains paramount. Dr. Garcia recommends wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, seeking shade during peak sun hours, wearing protective clothing (including hats), and avoiding tanning beds entirely. He emphasizes that preventative measures don’t mean avoiding outdoor activities—rather, they’re about enjoying the outdoors safely while minimizing skin cancer risk.
As Apex Skin celebrates treating their millionth patient across 15 locations, Dr. Garcia continues his mission of community education through free skin cancer screenings, 5K runs supporting melanoma research, and educational programs. His integrated approach to dermatology—featuring in-house pathology labs for rapid diagnosis, clinical trials for cutting-edge treatments, and comprehensive aesthetic services—demonstrates why the practice has become the premier dermatology resource in Northeast Ohio.
Have you scheduled your annual skin check-up yet? As we’ve learned, early detection is key to effective treatment. For more information on skin cancer awareness and prevention, visit www.apexskin.com and consider setting up an appointment today. Your skin, your health, your life – it’s all connected, and it all matters. Let’s take that step towards healthier skin together.
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Dr. Garcia is more than just a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon—he’s a passionate skin expert with a unique journey from biomedical engineering to medicine. After earning a Masters degree in Biomedical Engineering, he then commissioned with the US Navy, graduating from Penn State Medical School in 1999. His career took an exciting turn when he became a U.S. Navy Flight Surgeon, then deployed with the Marines around the world earning the prestigious Surgeon General’s Award.
Dr. Garcia later specialized in dermatology at University Hospitals Case Medical Center, followed by advanced training in Mohs Surgery and Aesthetic Dermatology at Harvard Medical School. In 2008, he stepped into the role of Director of Mohs Surgery at University Hospitals, where his research on laser skin treatments was published in Dermatologic Surgery Journal.
Not one to stop advancing or learning, he also earned an MBA from Case Western Reserve University and founded Apex Skin Surgery Center in 2011. As a Fellow of multiple dermatologic associations, Dr. Garcia is dedicated to transforming lives through healthy skin, bringing his extensive expertise, warmth, and a touch of storytelling to every conversation.
Phone: 833-279-SKIN
Location: 15 Offices in Northeast Ohio
