The first consultation at the Northern California Melanoma Center lasts most of the day. Its purpose is to provide the patient with information about melanoma and therapeutic options. In the morning the patient meets one of the Associate Directors, Dr. Robert Weber or Dr. Ruth Marlin, who reviews the patient's medical history and performs a physical examination. To provide additional information, a video is shown which goes into questions patients commonly ask about melanoma.

Dr. Weber or Dr. Marlin present the patient's case to the Consulting Panel. The Consulting Panel discusses the case and makes recommendations concerning any diagnostic measures needed, as well as the best therapeutic options. In the afternoon, Dr. Spitler meets with the patient to inform him or her of the deliberations and recommendations of the Consulting Panel and answer any questions he or she may have.

After the initial consultation, we encourage patients with melanoma to have regular follow up visits with the Northern California Melanoma Center or with their oncologist. Should a problem arise, the patient's case will be discussed again by the melanoma Consulting Panel.