Description
About Dr. Ahmed Mourad
Dr. Ahmed Mourad is a dedicated Dermatologist practicing in Calgary, AB, with a focus on the diagnosis and management of a broad spectrum of skin, hair, and nail conditions. His practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and evidence-based care. He provides comprehensive medical and surgical dermatological services for adult patients, and may also see older children for certain skin conditions. Dr. Mourad’s approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans delivered in a caring and professional environment, utilizing modern diagnostic tools and therapeutic options.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta and holds specialty certification as a Dermatologist. Dr. Mourad has completed extensive postgraduate training in dermatology, acquiring the necessary credentials to practice as a licensed specialist in Alberta. His certifications attest to his expertise in managing complex skin, hair, and nail disorders, and his commitment to ongoing professional development ensures he remains current with advances in dermatological care.
With a philosophy rooted in evidence-based medicine, Dr. Mourad is dedicated to patient education on skin health, prevention strategies, and early detection of skin cancers. He strives to provide his patients with clear, personalized information and compassionate care. Fluent in English, he is committed to building trusting relationships with his patients in Calgary, helping them achieve healthier skin and greater confidence through tailored treatment approaches.
Common Conditions Dr. Ahmed Mourad Addresses
Dr. Ahmed Mourad diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including:
Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths
- Actinic Keratosis (Solar Keratosis): A rough, scaly patch on sun-exposed skin that is considered precancerous and can sometimes progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
- Dysplastic Nevi (Atypical Moles): Moles that look different from common moles (larger, irregular borders, varied color) and may have a higher risk of developing into melanoma. Often require monitoring or biopsy.
Acne, Rosacea & Follicular Disorders
- Hormonal Acne / Adult Female Acne: Acne linked to fluctuations in hormones, often presenting in adult women along the jawline, chin, and neck, and may persist beyond teenage years.
- Folliculitis (Bacterial, Fungal, Non-infectious): Inflammation of hair follicles, often caused by infection (e.g., Staph aureus, Malassezia) or irritation, leading to itchy or painful bumps, sometimes with pustules.
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Acne Inversa): A chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin condition featuring painful, deep-seated lumps, abscesses, sinus tracts, and scarring, typically in areas where skin rubs together (axillae, groin, under breasts).
Inflammatory & Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions
- Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (Discoid, Subacute, Acute): Skin manifestations of lupus, an autoimmune disease, which can range from scaly, disc-shaped lesions to widespread rashes triggered by sun exposure.
- Rosacea (Erythematotelangiectatic, Papulopustular, Phymatous, Ocular): A common skin condition that causes redness, visible blood vessels, flushing, and sometimes small, red, pus-filled bumps on the face. Can also affect the eyes.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific dermatological condition, please consult with Dr. Ahmed Mourad.
Dermatologist Services Offered by Dr. Ahmed Mourad
- Patch Testing for Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Standard & Expanded Panels): Diagnostic procedure to identify specific allergens causing contact dermatitis by applying small amounts of common (and sometimes occupational or specialized) allergens to the skin.
- Surgical Excision of Skin Cancers (Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma) with Margin Control: Complete surgical removal of malignant skin tumors with appropriate microscopic or clinical margins to ensure clearance, often followed by reconstructive closure.
- Hair Loss (Alopecia) Evaluation & Treatment (Androgenetic, Areata, Telogen Effluvium, Scarring Alopecias): Investigating causes of hair loss (including scalp examination, hair pull tests, biopsies) and providing medical treatments for conditions like male/female pattern baldness, alopecia areata (including intralesional steroids, topical immunotherapy), telogen effluvium, and various forms of scarring alopecia.
- Diagnostic Mycology (Fungal Scrapings & Cultures): Collecting skin, hair, or nail samples to identify fungal infections through microscopic examination (e.g., KOH prep) or fungal culture.
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery for High-Risk Skin Cancers: Specialized surgical technique for removing complex or high-risk skin cancers (especially on the head, neck, hands, feet, genitals) with maximal tissue preservation by examining 100% of the surgical margin intraoperatively.
- Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy) & Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling: Procedures that create controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture, reducing scars (acne, surgical), fine lines, and stretch marks. RF Microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy for enhanced skin tightening and rejuvenation.
- Cyst Excision and Drainage of Abscesses: Surgical removal of various types of skin cysts (e.g., epidermoid, pilar) and incision and drainage for skin abscesses.
Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Mourad for care relevant to your specific condition. Coverage for services varies; medically necessary treatments are typically covered by provincial health plans, while cosmetic procedures are usually self-pay.
All medical and surgical services (if applicable) are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant dermatological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Mourad practices at a dermatology clinic located in the NW neighborhood of Calgary, including areas such as Ranchlands, Silver Springs, and Varsity. The facility is situated within a vibrant area with easy access to the Pedestrian Mall Downtown, numerous restaurants, and shops, offering a welcoming environment for patients. The location is well-served by Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, buses, and BRT routes, making it convenient for patients to reach. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that patients with mobility needs can receive care comfortably. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, providing accessible parking for patients driving to their appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Mourad, a Dermatologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Mourad, diagnostic procedures (e.g., skin biopsies), and treatments for provincially insured skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis, severe eczema, skin cancer, infections) are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB when a referral from a family doctor is in place. Purely cosmetic procedures (e.g., Botox for wrinkles, most laser hair removal, fillers for aesthetic enhancement) are typically not covered and are self-pay. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed treatment with Dr. Mourad's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) beforehand, especially if there's a potential cosmetic component.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Mourad, a Dermatologist?
- Yes, for medically necessary dermatological care covered by the provincial health plan, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an ER doctor for an acute issue) is almost always required to see a Dermatologist such as Dr. Mourad. This ensures coordinated care and that your visit is appropriate for specialist assessment. Some dermatologists may offer consultations for uninsured cosmetic services without a referral, but these would be a direct cost to you. Always check with the clinic regarding their specific referral policy.
- What is the difference between a Dermatologist and an Esthetician?
- A Dermatologist, like Dr. Mourad, is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school followed by several years of specialized residency training in dermatology. They are qualified to diagnose and treat over 3,000 diseases of the skin, hair, and nails, prescribe medications, perform surgical procedures (like skin cancer removal), and manage complex skin conditions. An Esthetician (or Aesthetician) is a skincare professional trained in cosmetic skin treatments and services that improve the appearance of the skin, such as facials, superficial chemical peels, microdermabrasion, waxing, and makeup application. They are not medical doctors and cannot diagnose skin diseases, prescribe medications, or perform medical or surgical procedures.
- What are the general risks and benefits of cosmetic procedures Dr. Mourad might offer?
- The benefits of cosmetic procedures offered by a qualified Dermatologist like Dr. Mourad can include improvement in skin appearance, texture, tone, reduction of wrinkles or scars, and enhanced self-confidence. However, all procedures carry some risks. Common risks for minimally invasive cosmetic treatments (like injectables or lasers) can include temporary redness, swelling, bruising, pain, or itching at the treatment site. Less common risks might include infection, allergic reaction, changes in skin pigmentation, or unsatisfactory results. More invasive procedures have different risk profiles. Dr. Mourad will discuss the specific risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of any proposed cosmetic procedure in detail during your consultation to help you make an informed decision.
- Dr. Mourad mentioned biologics. What are they for skin conditions?
- Biologic medications are a newer class of treatments for moderate to severe inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema (atopic dermatitis), and hidradenitis suppurativa, when other treatments haven't been effective enough. Unlike traditional systemic drugs that suppress the broader immune system, biologics are proteins engineered to target very specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation in these diseases. They are usually given by injection (either by Dr. Mourad's office or self-administered at home) or intravenous (IV) infusion. Dr. Mourad would discuss the specific biologic, its benefits, potential side effects, and monitoring requirements if it's a suitable option for you.
- What kind of sunscreen does Dr. Mourad recommend?
- While specific brand recommendations can vary, Dr. Mourad would likely advise choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher. For daily use, a lighter formulation might be preferred, while for prolonged outdoor activities, water-resistant sunscreen is important. Consider your skin type: individuals with sensitive skin might prefer mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. The most important thing is to apply sunscreen generously and reapply it every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating. Dr. Mourad can provide personalized recommendations based on your skin type and lifestyle during your consultation.
Contact & Licensing Information
446-4935 40 Ave NW
Calgary, AB T3A 2N1
Phone: (587) 774-3376 | Fax: (587) 779-9990
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Mourad is a licensed Dermatologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Mourad for medically necessary services covered by the provincial health plan. Cosmetic consultations may have different requirements.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=46a3a3b8-07fc-4907-8b59-4dc8b709e430&i=1018