Dr. Mohiba Tareen is a nationally recognized board-certified dermatologist and the founder and medical director of Tareen Dermatology.
Since founding his practice in 2011, he has grown it into one of the most respected dermatology practices in the Midwest, with six locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Dr. Tareen’s expertise spans medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology, with a specialty in Mohs surgery for skin cancer. Her academic excellence began at the University of Michigan, where she graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Dr. Tareen has published articles in leading medical journals and is often sought out by the media for her insights into skin care, cosmetic dermatology and skin cancer prevention. With a deep passion for patient care, innovation and education, Dr. Tareen combines her scientific expertise with her compassionate approach to help patients feel confident in their skin.
What inspired you to found Tareen Dermatology and how has your vision evolved since then?
I founded Tareen Dermatology with a clear vision: to provide compassionate, personalized care using cutting-edge treatments. Early in my career, I felt there was an opportunity to create a practice that combined advanced dermatology with a patient-centered approach. My goal was to ensure that each patient felt listened to and that their specific skin concerns were addressed with tailored care. Over the years, that vision has evolved as we have expanded. While the core of our practice remains the same—delivering personalized care—the methods and technologies have advanced significantly. We now offer everything from Mohs surgery to the latest cosmetic treatments, and our team has grown to reflect this. Most gratifyingly, even as we expand, we remain deeply committed to the personalized care that sets us apart.
What drives your passion for dermatology and how do you stay inspired in such a rapidly evolving field?
Dermatology combines the art of aesthetics with the science of medicine and I have always been drawn to this balance. My passion comes from seeing the transformative impact our treatments have on people, not only physically, but emotionally too. Whether we treat a serious skin condition like melanoma or boost someone’s confidence with cosmetic procedures, the results are life-changing. What inspires me is the constant innovation in the field. New technologies and treatments emerge every year and staying on the cutting edge is something I take very seriously. I regularly attend conferences, collaborate with colleagues and stay up to date on the latest research. I’m always thinking about how to bring these advances to Tareen Dermatology to improve patient outcomes.
How do you balance managing a growing dermatology practice with being a mother of five?
It’s certainly a balancing act, but it’s one that I embrace. My family is my greatest joy, and I’ve learned that it’s all about setting boundaries and prioritizing time. I’m very intentional about when I’m in “doctor mode” and when I’m in “mom mode.” When I’m at work, I focus on my patients and my team. When I’m at home I focus on my family. But I also realized that there is no perfect balance: some days one aspect of life requires more attention than the other. I am fortunate to have an incredibly supportive family and a wonderful team at Tareen Dermatology, which allows me to thrive in both areas. I also learned to delegate, which was difficult for me initially, but was essential to maintaining that balance.
What was one of the most significant challenges you faced in your career and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced is growing the practice while maintaining the same level of personalized care we are known for. As we expanded to multiple locations, it became critical to create systems that ensured consistency in the patient experience. We achieved this by investing in ongoing staff education and building a leadership team that shares my vision of patient-centered care. Furthermore, I am very hands-on, visiting all our locations regularly and making sure our standards are met. Overcoming this challenge has allowed us to grow without compromising the quality of care that defines Tareen Dermatology.
How do you approach patient care, particularly when dealing with serious diagnoses like skin cancer?
Patient care, especially when dealing with serious diagnoses like skin cancer, requires both expertise and empathy. When a patient arrives with a troubling injury, they are often anxious or scared. It’s important to me that they feel supported, both medically and emotionally. I walk them through the diagnosis, explaining everything in clear, understandable terms. For conditions like skin cancer, we have effective treatments like Mohs surgery, which offers high cure rates with minimal scarring. But beyond the treatment itself, it’s about building trust and making sure the patient knows they are not alone in this process. At Tareen Dermatology, our entire team is committed to providing a comfortable environment, from initial diagnosis to post-treatment care.
What’s one innovation in dermatology that excites you the most right now?
I am especially excited about advances in non-invasive cosmetic treatments. Technologies like radiofrequency microneedling, for example, are changing the game when it comes to skin rejuvenation. These treatments deliver incredible results with minimal downtime, which our patients love. Technology is advancing at such a pace that we can now achieve results that were once only possible with more invasive procedures. I am also excited about the role of AI in dermatology, particularly in skin cancer detection. Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly sophisticated in analyzing moles and lesions, which could significantly increase early diagnosis rates.
What advice would you give to aspiring dermatologists?
Dermatology is an incredibly rewarding field, but it requires continuous learning and adaptability. My advice is to stay curious and never stop learning. There is so much innovation happening, so it’s important to stay involved in new research, attend conferences, and learn from mentors. Build strong relationships with your patients: listen to them, understand their concerns and approach each case with empathy. And don’t underestimate the power of mentorship. I have had the privilege of learning from incredible mentors throughout my career and I believe this should be carried forward by mentoring others. Finally, be patient. Mastering dermatology takes time, and each case is an opportunity to hone your skills.
What is the legacy you hope to leave at Tareen Dermatology?
I hope Tareen Dermatology’s legacy is one of innovation combined with heart. I want people to remember our practice as a place where cutting-edge technology meets compassionate care, where patients always feel valued and heard. We have grown tremendously since our founding, but the core of who we are has not changed. It’s about putting the patient first, always. Whether it’s saving lives with early detection of skin cancer or increasing confidence in aesthetic treatments, I want to leave a lasting impact on both the medical community and the lives of the patients we serve.