Patients no longer need to travel to larger metro areas for advanced Mohs surgery and skin cancer treatment
Hagerstown, MD — WellAve Dermatology proudly announces the addition of Bharath Balu, PhD, MD, FAAD, a fellowship-trained and board-certified Mohs surgeon and board-certified dermatologist, to its rapidly growing surgical team. Dr. Balu will provide specialized Saturday-only Mohs and dermatologic surgical services at WellAve Dermatology’s Hagerstown location beginning in June 2026, bringing highly specialized skin cancer treatment directly to patients throughout Western Maryland and neighboring underserved communities.
The expansion reflects WellAve Dermatology’s continued commitment to solving one of healthcare’s biggest challenges: access.
For many patients in Western Maryland, obtaining advanced skin cancer care often means long wait times, taking time away from work, disrupting family schedules, or driving to larger metropolitan areas for specialized treatment.
WellAve is changing that.
Patients now have access to fellowship-trained Mohs expertise right in Hagerstown — including a convenient Saturday option designed specifically for patients whose schedules make weekday appointments difficult.
“Healthcare should fit into patients’ lives—not force patients to rearrange their lives around healthcare,” said Dr. Allan Harrington, Chief Medical Officer and Founder of WellAve Dermatology. “Too often, patients in Western Maryland have had to travel significant distances or delay important care because of scheduling limitations or access challenges. We recognized a need and made a commitment to solve it.”
“Adding Saturday surgical access is a game changer. Parents, working professionals, caregivers, and busy families deserve options. There is absolutely no reason patients should have to drive to a larger city for world-class skin cancer treatment when they can now receive it close to home.”
Dr. Balu joins WellAve with an exceptional combination of academic achievement, advanced surgical training, and a philosophy of care that aligns closely with WellAve’s patient-first culture.
He earned his medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University, completed an Internal Medicine residency at Tower Health Reading Hospital, and completed both his Dermatology residency and Mohs Surgery Fellowship at Geisinger Health System.
Dr. Balu additionally holds a PhD in Infectious Diseases from the University of Notre Dame, a Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology, served as Chief Resident, has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications, and holds a United States patent related to malaria research.
While his credentials are impressive, WellAve leadership believes his approach to patients may be his greatest strength.
“Dr. Balu is not only tremendously talented clinically—he fits who we are as an organization,” Dr. Harrington added. “He brings compassion, humility, and a patient-centered mindset that matters tremendously to us. Technical expertise is essential, but how you care for people matters just as much. He fits our culture perfectly.”
Dr. Balu will work under the mentorship and direction of Dr. Harrington, one of the region’s most experienced Mohs surgeons, recognized for decades of success treating highly complex skin cancer cases and delivering exceptional patient outcomes.
“I am honored to join WellAve Dermatology and help expand access to specialized care throughout Western Maryland,”said Dr. Bharath Balu. “Many patients simply cannot step away from work or family obligations during a traditional weekday schedule. Offering specialized Saturday care creates an opportunity for patients to receive advanced treatment in a way that works for their lives. I look forward to serving this community and helping ensure expert care is available where patients need it most.”
As WellAve Dermatology continues expanding throughout Maryland, its mission remains unchanged:
Deliver exceptional care. Remove barriers. Put patients first.
Saturday appointments with Dr. Balu begin June 2026 at WellAve Dermatology’s Hagerstown office.
No long drives. No unnecessary delays. Expert skin cancer care—right here in Western Maryland.
To schedule an appointment, visit WellAve Dermatology or contact the Hagerstown office today.
About WellAve Dermatology
WellAve Dermatology is a physician-led, patient-centric dermatology practice serving communities across Maryland. With seven locations spanning from the Eastern Shore to Western Maryland, WellAve provides comprehensive dermatologic care for patients of all ages, including medical, surgical, and cosmetic services. The practice is built on a foundation of access, convenience, and clinical excellence—offering same-day appointments, accepting most insurance plans, and delivering advanced treatments such as Mohs micrographic surgery performed by fellowship-trained surgeons.