Sub Specialty Profile: Dermatology

Browse Topics: Dermatology

Dermatology Specialty Profile

Dr Alana Tuxen - Dermatology Registrar, Melbourne

A far broader field than many realise, dermatology deals with a range of diseases involving the skin, nails, hair and visible mucous membranes. A broad spectrum of pathology is encountered across patients of all ages, including both primary diseases of the skin and external manifestations of systemic disorders (e.g endocrine/ rheumatological). Dermatologists employ a vast array of treatment modalities for their patients, from topical and oral medications to intricate surgical procedures, lasers, light and ionizing radiation. Dermatology is a very “visual” specialty, whereby outcomes of treatment are obvious to both patient and physician, and are a source of great satisfaction.

Dermatology Training Program

Training Program

Dermatology training and assessment is conducted by the Australasian College of Dermatologists. A comprehensive discussion of the training program is available in the Training Program Handbook on the college website. Application Process A minimum of two postgraduate years of “acceptable”... more

Dermatology Case Study

Dr. Tim Rutherford

Name: Dr. Tim Rutherford

Career stage: Consultant

Location: Melbourne, Victoria

Medical Specialty: Dermatology

What are some of the things you enjoy most about being in your area/specialty?

I enjoy the variety of my work. A typical week would include consulting, performing a range of minor procedures, laser surgery and Mohs surgery as well as writing research papers, attending meetings and teaching other doctors/students. ...

What are some of the challenges of being in your specialty?

Maintaining the profile and high standards of dermatologists as experts in diseases of the skin, which requires considerable ongoing medical education given the plethora of rare skin diseases we come across in clinical practice. Also triaging and managing the high patient load given the Australia-wide shortage of dermatologists....

The Workplace

Dermatology is a consultative specialty which is primarily outpatient-based. Along with patient consultations, dermatologists often perform a number of procedures in this setting such as biopsies, cryotherapy and removal of skin lesions. Clinics may also be equipped to deliver laser... more

News Archive

21.03.11 | UPDATE: My Medical Career thanks the community
24.02.11 | Medical Graduates becoming ‘coffee cup interns’
25.01.11 | Indigenous doctor among nominee for Queensland's Australian of the Year nominee
02.12.10 | 20% Book Sale at Elsevier
24.11.10 | Attack of the marathon
22.11.10 | Anaesthetic training opportunities for rural and remote GPs
13.11.10 | University of Sydney's Poche Centre to host showcase for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health initiatives
20.10.10 | 2011 internship campaign places record number of interns in NSW hospitals
20.10.10 | More doctors, but most are still in cities
15.10.10 | $900,000 teaching and learning centre will be established at St Vincent's Private Hospital in Lismore
15.10.10 | $5 million grant for medical training facility at Geelong, Victoria
15.10.10 | Training more doctors, nurses and health professionals
13.10.10 | Pay GPs $50k more to attract trainees
30.09.10 | Call for action on intern crisis
30.09.10 | Deans warn: No more new places, schools

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Med Resources & Further Reading

Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics e-dition: Text with Continually Updated Online Reference, 18e
by By Robert M. Kliegman, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; Richard E. Behrman, MD, Executi

For nearly three quarters of a century, Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics has been the world's most trusted resource for best approaches to pediatric care Read more

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