WellAve Brings Top Skin Cancer Care to Maryland's Eastern Shore

EASTON, Md. – February 19, 2026 – Residents of Maryland’s Eastern Shore and neighboring states now have local access to one of the most advanced forms of skin cancer treatment, as WellAve Dermatology officially launched its Mohs Micrographic Surgery program in Easton on February 12. The expansion marks a significant healthcare milestone for a region long designated as medically underserved, promising to alleviate the significant travel burden previously faced by patients seeking this gold-standard procedure.

The new surgical center is led by Dr. Kara Hoverson, a distinguished fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon who has also been appointed as WellAve's Vice President of Clinical Surgical Services. This move plants a flag for world-class dermatologic surgery in Easton, positioning the town as a new hub for critical cancer care.

Addressing a Critical Healthcare Gap

For years, accessing specialized medical care has been a persistent challenge for communities on the Eastern Shore. The region is federally designated as both a "medically underserved area" and a "health professional shortage area," a reality that forces many residents to travel an hour or more, often across the Bay Bridge to Annapolis or Baltimore, for treatment. This journey is not just an inconvenience; it's a significant barrier to care, particularly for elderly patients or those with limited transportation.

The need for accessible, high-quality skin cancer treatment is particularly acute. Maryland's Eastern Shore, along with neighboring Sussex County in Delaware, reports some of the highest rates of melanoma in the nation. Delaware's melanoma incidence rate, for instance, has increased at more than three times the national average, ranking it fifth highest in the U.S. This elevated risk, linked to factors like sun exposure in coastal and agricultural communities, has created a pressing demand for effective treatment options that has historically outpaced local supply.

The arrival of WellAve’s Mohs surgery center directly confronts this long-standing disparity. "Bringing Mohs surgery to Easton is incredibly meaningful," said Dr. Kara Hoverson. "Patients on the Eastern Shore deserve the same level of surgical excellence found in major metropolitan centers. We are committed to delivering that level of care — with precision, compassion, and efficiency — right here in their own community."

From Walter Reed to the Eastern Shore: A New Standard of Expertise

Leading the charge in Easton is Dr. Kara Hoverson, whose credentials underscore the level of expertise WellAve aims to establish on the Shore. A board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, Dr. Hoverson's experience includes providing complex skin cancer surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, one of the country's most respected military medical institutions. Her work there involved treating intricate cases, honing the clinical precision required for the delicate Mohs procedure.

Her promotion to Vice President of Clinical Surgical Services signals a broader strategic role in guiding the quality and growth of WellAve’s surgical programs across the state. She is joined in Easton by Dr. Allan C. Harrington, the founder and Chief Medical Officer of WellAve Dermatology. Dr. Harrington is widely credited with building one of the most respected Mohs surgery programs in the Mid-Atlantic and founded WellAve with a mission to bring top-tier care to communities that needed it most.

"Dr. Hoverson's experience and leadership elevate our entire surgical platform," Dr. Harrington stated. "This expansion reflects our commitment to making advanced dermatologic surgery accessible to more patients while maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence." This partnership of seasoned leadership and cutting-edge surgical skill is set to redefine the standard of care available locally.

The Mohs Advantage: Precision and Preservation

At the heart of this expansion is Mohs Micrographic Surgery itself. Widely considered the gold standard for treating common types of skin cancer like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the procedure is a meticulous, layer-by-layer process that offers unparalleled results.

During the surgery, the surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue containing the tumor. While the patient waits, that tissue is immediately processed in an on-site lab and examined under a microscope. The surgeon is able to create a "map" of the tumor and pinpoint any remaining cancerous roots. If cancer cells are detected at the margins, the surgeon removes another precise layer only from the specific location where the cancer remains. This process is repeated until no cancer cells are left.

This methodical approach yields the highest cure rates of any skin cancer treatment—up to 99% for new cancers and 94% for recurring cancers. Just as importantly, it maximizes the preservation of healthy tissue. By removing only cancerous cells, the procedure leaves the smallest possible scar, which is especially critical for cancers on highly visible or functionally important areas like the face, hands, and neck. For patients, this means a better cosmetic outcome and a faster, more effective path to being cancer-free.

A Strategic Network for Statewide Care

The Easton office is the latest piece in WellAve Dermatology's strategic vision for a comprehensive, statewide care network. With existing Mohs surgery centers in Annapolis and Frederick, the practice now forms a triangle of advanced care that spans from Western Maryland to the Chesapeake Bay and now firmly across to the Eastern Shore.

This expansion is a direct reflection of the practice's founding principles. WellAve began with an innovative mobile dermatology service designed to reach underserved areas and has maintained a physician-led, patient-centered philosophy focused on accessibility. By accepting a vast majority of insurance plans and striving to offer timely appointments, the practice has distinguished itself from a purely profit-driven model.

The addition of the Easton location not only serves local residents but also provides a crucial access point for patients in nearby Delaware and Virginia, further solidifying the Mid-Atlantic region's healthcare infrastructure. By planting deep roots in a community with a demonstrated need, WellAve is not just expanding its footprint; it is fulfilling a mission to deliver exceptional care where it matters most. The practice is now accepting new patients for Mohs surgery consultations at its Easton location.