Meet the team
Introducing
SOUTHERN DERMATOLOGY
At Southern Dermatology, we are committed to providing exceptional, patient-centred dermatological care, combining medical expertise, advanced technology, and a compassionate approach. Our highly skilled team of Specialist Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons, Nurses, and Dermal Clinicians work together to deliver comprehensive skin, hair, and nail treatments in a state-of-the-art facility.
Our philosophy is simple: great skin is the result of expert care, evidence-based treatments, and a personalised approach. Whether addressing medical dermatology concerns, skin cancer management, or cosmetic skin treatments, our team is dedicated to achieving outstanding clinical outcomes while prioritising your comfort, safety, and long-term skin health.
Over 10 years experience
Overa decade of specialist expertisein medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
Specialist Medical Experts
Our Fellowship-trained dermatologists and plastic surgeons ensure world-class care.
Skilled Medical Team
A multidisciplinary team of experts in dermatology, laser, and cosmetic medicine.
Results-Driven Care
Evidence-based treatments designed for long-term skin health and natural outcomes.
Specialist dermatologists
A Specialist Dermatologist is a highly trained medical expert dedicated to diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. After completing a six-year medical degree, dermatologists undergo at least two years of hospital-based training in areas such as general medicine, paediatrics, surgery, and emergency medicine before being accepted into the Australasian College of Dermatologists’ intensive four-year specialist training program.
Only doctors who have successfully completed this rigorous training and examinations earn the prestigious title of Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists (FACD). This qualification represents the highest level of expertise in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, ensuring patients receive evidence-based, gold-standard care.
SOUTHERN DERMATOLOGY Meet our Dermatologists
SOUTHERN DERMATOLOGY Meet our Dermatologists
Founder & Specialist Dermatologist
Dr Ryan De Cruz
MBBS (Hons), BMedSci, FACD
"Great skin doesn’t just happen – it’s the result of expert care, science-backed treatments, and a healthy lifestyle."
Dr Ryan De Cruz is the founder and principal dermatologist at Southern Dermatology. He is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists (FACD) and is recognised for his expertise in eczema, acne, rosacea, psoriasis, skin cancer management, hair disorders, and laser treatments.
Ryan completed his medical degree with Honours at The University of Melbourne, receiving the prestigious Hermann Lawrence Prize in Dermatology. He trained across leading hospitals in Melbourne and the UK, including St. George’s Hospital NHS, London. He has held Consultant positions at The Royal Melbourne Hospital and The Skin Health Institute, where he leads Australia’s only Bone Marrow Transplant Dermatology Clinic.
With a passion for personalised and holistic dermatological care, Ryan founded Southern Dermatology as a centre of excellence—combining cutting-edge treatments, state-of-the-art technology, and a patient-first approach. His philosophy is simple: expert care, open communication, and genuine compassion lead to the best skin outcomes.
Specialist Dermatologist
Dr Ashling McNally
B. Physio (Hons), MBBS, FACD
Dr Ashling McNally completed her Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Melbourne. Several scholarships enabled Dr McNally to study in rural Australia and overseas, in addition to tertiary city hospitals. She discovered her passion for dermatology whilst on a scholarship placement at the University of Washington in Seattle. During medical school, she was awarded the Australasian College of Dermatologist’s
Herman Lawrence Prize in Dermatology. Prior to her medical career, Dr McNally completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Honours at the University of Melbourne, and worked as a registered physiotherapist for Alfred Health and the Epworth.
Dr McNally spent her internship and residency at the Alfred Hospital, before completing her specialist dermatology training in Adelaide. During her fellowship training, Dr McNally was appointed Associate Lecturer for the Flinders University School of Medicine and provided teledermatology support for practitioners throughout South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Dr McNally has published in several local and international medical journals and presented at Australian Dermatology and Dermatopathology Conferences. Dr McNally‘s interests include acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, hair disorders, autoimmune skin disease, contact dermatitis and paediatric dermatology.
Dr McNally initially worked as a consultant dermatologist in Adelaide, before returning to Melbourne in 2019. In addition to consulting in private practice, Dr McNally is employed as a Consultant Dermatologist at Monash Medical Centre, the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Skin Health Institute.
Specialist Dermatologist
Dr Anthea Mulcahy
MBBS, FACD
Dr Anthea Mulcahy is a compassionate and dedicated Dermatologist. She completed her medical degree in her home state of Tasmania, before moving to Sydney to undertake research in Dermatology. Dr Anthea moved to Melbourne in 2018 where she has undertaken comprehensive Dermatology training at multiple Victorian public hospitals including Royal Melbourne, Austin Hospital, Peter MacCallum and The Royal Children’s Hospital. Dr Anthea enjoys all aspects of dermatology and has a special interest in paediatric care, fostered by being a mother herself; and biologics, having worked on clinical trials in both eczema and psoriasis. Dr Anthea welcomes new referrals.
Areas of interest:
Eczema, Acne, Psoriasis, Excess sweating/ Hyperhidrosis, Skin cancer Checks, Paediatric Dermatology.
Specialist Dermatologist
Dr Nikki Adler
BSc, MBBS, PhD, FACD
Dr Nikki Adler is a Consultant Dermatologist and Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists. She completed her specialist dermatology training at The Royal Children’s Hospital, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Alfred Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital.
She completed her PhD through Monash University in 2018 on the clinical and molecular characteristics and metastatic pathways of patients with cutaneous melanoma. Dr Nikki Adler has published her work in leading national and international peer-reviewed journals. Dr Adler is a lead author of the Australian Cancer Council Melanoma Guidelines. She is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University.
Dr Adler enjoys treating all aspects of dermatology, including acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, hyperhidrosis and paediatric skin conditions.
Specialist Dermatologist
Dr Eshini Perera
MBBS, FACD
Dr Perera holds four degrees: a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of surgery, an Advanced Medical Science degree, a Masters in Medicine and a Master of Public Health and Epidemiology. She holds a special interest in medical dermatology, acne, rosacea and treatment of Melasma and cosmetic dermatology.
Dr Perera has developed procedural skills in cosmetic dermatology- using injectable agents and laser. Additionally, she has been trained in hyperhidrosis treatment, deroofing procedures of hidradentitis supprativa, acne scarring and full skin examinations in patients with a complex history of skin malignancies.
SOUTHERN DERMATOLOGY Meet our Plastic Surgeon
SOUTHERN DERMATOLOGY Meet our Plastic Surgeon
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Dr Lipi Shukla
MBBS, Dip. Anat Surg, PhD, FRACS (Plas)
Dr. Lipi Shukla is a Melbourne trained Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Lipi completed her plastic surgery training rotating through all the major tertiary centres in Victoria, including The Alfred, St Vincent’s, Royal Melbourne and Royal Children’s hospitals. She has a strong interest in melanoma and skin cancer surgery, hand surgery, breast surgery and reconstructive microsurgery. Lipi values a compassionate and individualised approach endeavouring to deliver the best possible patient experience and outcomes.
Lipi graduated from Bond University with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree, during which time she was the awarded of numerous academic prizes and held several leadership roles. She completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Surgical Anatomy, was
awarded the prize for first place in the plastic surgery stream and tutored subsequent cohorts.
Prior to commencing surgical training, Lipi completed her PhD at the O’Brien Institute investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind radiotherapy soft tissue injury and the role of fat grafting in tissue regeneration. Her ongoing interest in clinical and lab-based research is reflected in her numerous presentations and publications at both a national and international level.
Dr Shukla holds public appointments as a Consultant Surgeon at The Alfred and St Vincent’s Hospital. She consults privately in East Melbourne and Brighton Plastic Surgery clinics as well in Murrumbeena (Southern Dermatology) and Sunbury (Vineyard Medical Centre).
SOUTHERN DERMATOLOGY Meet our Dermatology Nurses
SOUTHERN DERMATOLOGY Meet our Dermatology Nurses
Registered Nurse & Dermatology Nurse
Nicole has worked as a Dermatology Nurse for several years, including as a Lead Nurse of a prestigious Dermatology clinic in Caulfield. She is the quintessential ‘pocket-rocket’ whose talents extend far beyond the realm of Dermatology.
In her spare time, Nicole is an accomplished musician, conductor and music teacher. She engages amazingly with children of all ages, and has an eye for detail that ensures patients are thoroughly cared for along every step of their journey.
Dermatology Nurse & Cosmetic Nurse
Fiona brings with her over ten years’ experience in the field of Plastic Surgery and Dermatology, having worked with several well-respected practitioners in both London and Melbourne. She understands patients’ needs and desires to enhance their appearance,
whilst maintaining a natural, fresher appearance. Her ability to combine medical, laser and injectable treatments to ensure ultimate patient satisfaction is second-to-none. Fiona offers consultations to discuss skin care, rejuvenation techniques and cosmetic injectables.
Dermatology Nurse
After studying her diploma of Nursing over in South Australia, Orlaith (Orla) joined the nursing team here at Southern Dermatology in 2022. A kind and compassionate person, Orlaith goes above and beyond to ensure all our patients are well cared for and always followed up!
When Orlaith isn’t working you will find her competing and teaching Irish Dancing. You might even catch her practising her steps around the clinic.
Dermatology Nurse
Sybylla is a passionate Enrolled Nurse with four years of experience in the healthcare field. Her fascination with dermatology flourishes. Prior to this, she honed her skills during two years of dynamic work in a surgical ward alongside plastic surgeons and other medical experts.
Sybylla's primary objective as a nurse is to provide compassionate patient care and foster a warm, secure, and encouraging atmosphere.
Outside of the clinic, she finds joy in camping, immersing herself in nature, and indulging in water sports.
Dermatology Nurse & Dermal Clinician
After completing a Diploma of Health Sciences & Beauty Therapy at Victoria University, Elke started her career in beauty therapy. She built and operated a successful dermal therapy clinic that focussed on treating clients of all skin types and conditions. She furthered her skills and knowledge-base by completing post-graduate studies in nursing.
A busy mum of three boys, Elke’s joyous disposition and warmth is palpable. She loves working within a team of Dermatologists and Specialist Nurses, and can’t wait to share her enthusiasm for achieving lasting results with you.
Dermatology Nurse
Louise has enjoyed working in Dermatology for the last eight years. She has enjoyed many roles in her career including working in palliative care as well as the Director of Nursing for a Plastic surgeon.
Her passion is the wellbeing of patients and making sure they are supported & reassured. she likes to work in a fast-paced environment & has an eye for detail. She enjoys travelling & spending time with her grandchildren.
SOUTHERN DERMATOLOGY Meet our Cosmetic Nurses
SOUTHERN DERMATOLOGY Meet our Cosmetic Nurses
Registered & Cosmetic Nurse
Celeste is a registered nurse with over 20 years of nursing experience; 13 years in Emergency Nursing and over 18 years of experience in the beauty industry and injecting.
Her artistic eye gained from years as a makeup artist, which has developed her understanding of light & shade. She applies these concepts in her approach to cosmetic injectables, resulting in natural, balanced results.
Celeste is extremely passionate about creating natural results and changing the misconceptions about cosmetic injectable treatments; when executed well they should look natural NOT artificial.
Registered & Cosmetic Nurse
Maria is an extremely experienced Cosmetics Nurse, who brings over 13 years of skill, knowledge and technique to the field of Dermatology.
Maria only selects the most appropriate treatments for each individual, recognising that no two individuals are the same. Clients feel at ease and are consistently satisfied, report increased self-esteem and enduring skin rejuvenation.
Most importantly, Maria respects and adheres to patients’ desires for natural-looking results – she optimises the use of dermal fillers and muscle relaxant treatments rather than overfilling faces or freezing facial expressions.
Client-safety is at the forefront of Maria’s practice; we just know that you will love her as much as we do – once you have experienced Maria’s skilled touch, you will no doubt return over, and over again…
SOUTHERN DERMATOLOGY Meet our Dermal Clinicians
SOUTHERN DERMATOLOGY Meet our Dermal Clinicians
Cosmetic Manager & Dermal Clinician - BBus BHScDT Dip BT
Amelia is an extensively experienced Dermal Clinician and trainer with over 12 years of experience in the dermatology & cosmetic arena. Holding degrees in both Business and Health Science Dermal Therapies, Amelia has a breadth of knowledge in acute and chronic skin conditions, disorders and diseases. Despite her notable academic background she has the gentle touch of a skin therapist who’s worked in boutique clinics.
In 2021, she joined Cutera as a Contract Clinical Trainer. A role that allows her to share her extensive knowledge with other professionals in the industry. In her role at the institution, she supervises students throughout their practical studies. This same year, Amelia also joined the medical aesthetics and laser company, Cutera, as a Contract Clinical Trainer.
Dermal Clinician - BHScDT Dip BT
Lisa has been in the industry for over eight years. Having completed a Bachelor of Dermal Science, she is a qualified Dermal Clinician. With a passion for skin, Lisa always strives for the best results for her clients through skin treatments and skin care.
Lisa specialises in treating acne through extractions, chemical peels and laser therapy.
Patient’s of Lisa always receive a personally curated treatment plan. She cares for each of her clients and helps them reach their goals and accommodates their individual needs.
Dermal Clinician - BHScDT Dip BT
Brianna has spent over 7 years in the industry within both dermatology and boutique skin clinics. Having completed her Bachelor of Dermal Science, Brianna also has multiple years of experience as a Beauty Therapist and Hairdresser and brings that gentle touch to her treatment room.
Brianna is passionate about educating her patients and working with them to improve their quality of life, with a particular passion for treating pigmentation and scarring. Brianna is meticulous in her treatments and strives to achieve results with her patients taking into consideration their personal goals and individual needs.
SOUTHERN DERMATOLOGY Meet our Administrative Team
SOUTHERN DERMATOLOGY Meet our Administrative Team
Practice Manager
Senior Receptionist
Receptionist
Receptionist
Receptionist
Receptionist
Receptionist
Your Journey to Healthy, Radiant Skin
At Southern Dermatology, we prioritise your skin health, confidence, and wellbeing. Whether you need a medical skin check, laser treatment, or cosmetic enhancement, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.