Dr. Mohiba Tareen is a nationally recognized board-certified dermatologist and the Founder and Medical Director of Tareen Dermatology.
Since founding her practice in 2011, she 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 specialization 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 been published in leading medical journals and is frequently sought after by the media for her insights into skincare, 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 establish 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 blended advanced dermatology with a patient-centered approach. My goal was to ensure that every patient felt heard and that their unique skin concerns were addressed with tailored care. Over the years, that vision has evolved as we’ve expanded. While the core of our practice remains the same—offering personalized care—the methods and technologies have advanced significantly. We now offer everything from Mohs surgery to the latest in cosmetic treatments, and our team has grown to reflect that. What’s most rewarding is that, even as we expand, we remain deeply committed to that individualized 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’ve always been drawn to that balance. My passion comes from seeing the transformative impact our treatments have on people—not just physically, but emotionally as well. Whether we’re treating a serious skin condition like melanoma or enhancing someone’s confidence with cosmetic procedures, the results are life-changing. What keeps me inspired 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 with the latest research. I’m always thinking about how I can bring these advancements to Tareen Dermatology to improve patient outcomes.
How do you balance running a growing dermatology practice with being a mother of five?
It’s certainly a balancing act, but it’s one 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’ve also realized that there’s no perfect balance—some days, one aspect of life requires more attention than the other. I’m fortunate to have an incredibly supportive family and a wonderful team at Tareen Dermatology, which allows me to thrive in both areas. I’ve also learned to delegate, which was hard for me initially, but it’s been essential to maintaining that balance.
What has been one of the most significant challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was growing the practice while maintaining the same level of personalized care that we’re known for. As we expanded to multiple locations, it became crucial to create systems that ensured consistency in the patient experience. We achieved this by investing in continuous staff training and building a leadership team that shares my vision for patient-centered care. Additionally, I’m very hands-on, regularly visiting all our locations and ensuring that our standards are upheld. 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 it comes to serious diagnoses like skin cancer, requires both expertise and empathy. When a patient comes in with a concerning lesion, they’re often anxious or frightened. 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’re not alone in this process. At Tareen Dermatology, our entire team is committed to providing a comforting environment, from the initial diagnosis to post-treatment care.
What is one innovation in dermatology that excites you the most right now?
I’m particularly excited about the advancements in non-invasive cosmetic treatments. Technologies like radiofrequency microneedling, for example, are changing the game in terms of skin rejuvenation. These treatments offer incredible results with minimal downtime, which is something our patients love. The technology is advancing at such a pace that we can now achieve results that were once only possible with more invasive procedures. I’m also excited about the role of artificial intelligence in dermatology, particularly in skin cancer detection. AI is becoming increasingly sophisticated in analyzing moles and lesions, which could significantly enhance early detection 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 educating yourself. There’s so much innovation happening, so it’s important to stay engaged with new research, attend conferences, and learn from mentors. Build strong relationships with your patients—listen to them, understand their concerns, and approach every case with empathy. And don’t underestimate the power of mentorship. I’ve had the privilege of learning from incredible mentors throughout my career, and I believe in paying that forward by mentoring others. Finally, be patient. Mastery in dermatology takes time, and every case is an opportunity to refine your skills.
What is the legacy you hope to leave with Tareen Dermatology?
I hope the legacy of Tareen Dermatology is one of innovation combined with heart. I want people to remember our practice as a place where cutting-edge technology met compassionate care, where patients always felt valued and heard. We’ve grown tremendously since our founding, but the core of who we are hasn’t changed. It’s about putting the patient first—always. Whether it’s through saving lives with early skin cancer detection or boosting confidence with aesthetic treatments, I want to leave a lasting impact on both the medical community and the lives of the patients we serve.