Dermatology & Skin Specialists
Southern Dermatology is a specialist medical centre providing expertise in all skin-related concerns, for adults and children in the south east of Melbourne. Our team of Dermatologists, Registered Nurses and Dermal Therapists have been trained in Australia to ‘gold standard’ levels, and have gone on to complete further medical and laser training to ensure our patients receive the highest quality care.
Our doctors are committed to providing quality treatment by focusing on treating the root of the issue, while taking the time to understand and address our patients’ concerns. We take pride in our clinical skill, holistic and patient-centred approach, as well as our follow up. From the moment you enter our state-of-the art centre in Murrumbeena, you will feel a sense of welcome and genuine care.
Our facilities include surgical theatres, dedicated laser room and phototherapy. We also online telemedicine consultations for patients throughout Australia. Such consultations are conducted with our online dermatologists with a simple to use online appointment and registration system. We remain open for face-to-face visits for skin problems, including skin cancer assessment and other dermatological problems which require procedures or surgery.
What is a Dermatologist?
A Specialist Dermatologist is a highly-trained medical doctor who specialises in diagnosing and managing skin, hair, and nail conditions. Dermatologists are highly trained in the diagnosis and management of all skin, hair and nail disorders in patients of all ages, gender, race and skin-type. This includes common presentations such as skin cancers such as melanoma, acne and rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, ageing skin and other cosmetic problems. After completing medical school, which typically takes six years, Dermatologists undergo at least two years of internship and residency in various medical and surgical specialties before entering a Dermatology training program. Only Dermatologists are entitled to use the designation FACD (Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists), signifying their expertise. It's essential to verify a practitioner's qualifications and credentials on the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website when selecting a Dermatologist, as other practitioners may use confusing or misleading titles like 'skin doctors' or 'cosmetic physicians.'
The Australasian College of Dermatologists Training Program
The Australasian College of Dermatologists Training Program is a four-year program, during which trainees rotate through major public hospitals and provide on call, outpatient and inpatient services. The program is busy and onerous. In some cases, Dermatology trainees are selected to undertake part of their training overseas e.g. England. It is only on successful completion of all professional and training requirements that a doctor can be referred to as a specialist Dermatologist or Skin Specialist. It takes on average 12 years of medical training to become a Dermatologist.
