Meet Dr. Deborah MacFarlane, Board-Certified Dermatologist & Mohs Micrographic Surgeon

Deborah MacFarlane, M.D., MPH, FAAD, FACMS is an internationally renowned, board-certified dermatologist with advanced expertise in Mohs micrographic surgery and complex skin cancer treatment. She is widely respected for her academic leadership, surgical precision, and commitment to advancing dermatologic care through education and research.  Dr. MacFarlane offers expert care at Houston Dermatology Specialists in Magnolia, Texas.

Schedule with Dr. MacFarlane

Credentials at a Glance

• Board-Certified Dermatologist – Diplomate, American Board of Dermatology
• Board-Certified Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery—American Board of Dermatology
• Mohs Micrographic Surgeon – Fellowship-trained at Baylor College of Medicine
• Former Director of Mohs & Dermatologic Surgery – University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
• Editor & Author – Textbook on skin cancer; numerous peer-reviewed publications
• National & International Lecturer

Education and Training

Dr. MacFarlane earned her medical degree from Otago Medical School in New Zealand. She then completed postgraduate training in general surgery at several prestigious institutions, including Auckland Hospital (New Zealand), The Ohio State University, and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Following her surgical training, Dr. MacFarlane pursued advanced specialization in dermatology at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York, where she completed her dermatology training. She then went on to receive specialty fellowship training in Mohs micrographic surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, focusing on the treatment of complex and high-risk skin cancers.

Leadership & Academic Appointments

Dr. MacFarlane has held numerous leadership roles throughout her career. She previously served as Director of Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, where she played a key role in clinical care, surgical education, and program development.

She served as Director of the Mohs Unit at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the world’s leading cancer institutions. In addition, Dr. MacFarlane held adjunct appointments as professor of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery and is the Director of the Procedural Dermatology Fellowship at MD Anderson, where she trained the next generation of dermatologic surgeons.

Research, Publications, & Lectures

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. MacFarlane is deeply involved in academic medicine. She is the editor of a textbook on skin cancer and the author of numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications focused on dermatologic surgery and skin cancer management.

She is an active lecturer both nationally and internationally, frequently invited to share her expertise with physicians, surgeons, and trainees around the world.

Commitment to Patients

Dr. MacFarlane brings a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to patient care, combining advanced surgical skill with a deep understanding of skin cancer biology and reconstruction. Her practice philosophy emphasizes precision, safety, and individualized treatment, ensuring that each patient receives the highest standard of care.

Request Your Consultation

To meet with Dr. MacFarlane and her team, please use the online form to request a consultation or give us a call at (713) 487-8233. We look forward to meeting you.