Dr. Thomas L.H. Hocker is an internationally recognized, Harvard- and Mayo Clinic–trained expert in skin cancer surgery and one of the most accomplished Mohs micrographic surgeons worldwide. Triple board-certified in dermatology, dermatopathology, and Mohs surgery, Dr. Hocker is widely regarded as a leading authority in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of complex skin cancers, particularly melanoma.

With an exceptional surgical volume, Dr. Hocker receives over 300 melanoma Mohs referrals annually—figures comparable to those of entire academic cancer centers, such as Stanford University’s melanoma program.

Patients travel from across the Midwest and even internationally to receive care at his Overland Park, Kansas, practice, Advanced Dermatologic Surgery, where he and his team provide advanced, patient-centered skin cancer care with outstanding outcomes.

Dr. Hocker’s expertise is reinforced by his rare distinction as one of fewer than 30 physicians globally to achieve triple board certification in dermatology, dermatopathology, and Mohs micrographic surgery. Notably, he is the first African-American male in U.S. and global history to hold all three certifications.

Yale University 

University of Cambridge

Harvard Medical School

Mayo Clinic

University of Michigan

Mayo Clinic 

This multidisciplinary training provides Dr. Hocker with unparalleled expertise across the full continuum of skin cancer care—from diagnosis and laboratory pathology to surgical excision and complex reconstruction.

Dr. Hocker is the Founding Director of Dermatologic Surgery at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine / University Health, where he is building a state-of-the-art Mohs program focused on serving medically underserved populations. In both his academic and private practice roles, Dr. Hocker mentors physicians and trains other surgeons in advanced techniques such as immunohistochemical margin analysis.

He has also served as President of the Kansas City Dermatology Society and the Kansas Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery Society, underscoring his leadership in the dermatologic community.

Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Harold O. Perry Scholastic Achievement Award 

Teacher of the Year

Winston Churchill Fellowship 

Founding Director, Dermatologic Surgery

Past President

Additional academic distinctions include graduating with honors from Harvard Medical School, being a Phi Beta Kappa inductee at Yale University, and national recognition as a Churchill Scholar and Rhodes Scholar semi-finalist.

Dr. Hocker’s practice has become a destination for patients with high-risk or rare skin cancers, particularly melanoma. With a clinical volume that rivals top-tier cancer centers, his team offers surgical precision, advanced reconstruction, and compassionate care in one of the nation’s most trusted physician-owned dermatologic surgery practices.

Whether performing a routine excision or a complex melanoma reconstruction, Dr. Hocker’s skill, experience, and academic pedigree make him a national leader in skin cancer care—and a trusted choice for patients and referring physicians nationwide.