Meet our Specialists
Dr. Ryan De Cruz
Specialist Dermatologist
MBBS (HONS) BMEDSCI FACD
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Dr Ryan De Cruz, is a Specialist Dermatologist – Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists (FACD)
He completed his medical degree at The University of Melbourne, where he graduated with Honours. He was awarded the Australasian College of Dermatologists’ Hermann Lawrence Prize in Dermatology and completed a Bachelor of Medical Science in hair disorders. After completing his residency at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Ryan was selected to undertake part of his advanced training at St. George’s Hospital NHS, London.
Ryan has worked in variety of tertiary referral hospitals across Melbourne and the United Kingdom. He has been appointed Consultant positions at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and The Skin Health Institute, and has a keen interest in teaching medical students and junior doctors.
In 2016 Ryan was one of twelve recipients of the Victoria Fellowship (Victorian Government) with which he undertook further study and research in the role of immunosuppression on the skin, particularly in bone marrow transplant recipients, at King’s College and Guy’s & St. Tomas’s Hospitals NHS, London. He now heads the Bone Marrow Transplant – Dermatology Clinic at The Royal Melbourne Hospital – the ONLY multi-disciplinary clinic of its type in Australia.
Dr De Cruz is passionate about providing personalised and holistic Dermatological care. His interests include eczema, acne and rosacea, psoriasis, skin cancer management, laser treatment and hair loss disorders.
When conceiving Southern Dermatology, Ryan’s aim was to develop a centre-of-excellence for patients with diseases of the skin, hair and nails. His passion for providing outstanding, holistic care is palpable, and reflected in the state-of-the art centre located in Murrumbeena. His approach to dermatology is simple: combine outstanding clinical acumen with equal parts communication, genuine care and compassion, and patients from all backgrounds will experience an exceptional clinical outcome.
Dr. Ashling McNally
Specialist Dermatologist
B. Physio (Hons), MBBS, FACD
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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.
Dr. Anthea Mulcahy
Specialist Dermatologist
MBBS FACD
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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.
Dr. Eishni Perera
Specialist Dermatologist
MBBS, FACD
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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.
Dr. Nikki Adler
Specialist Dermatologist
BSc MBBS PhD FACD
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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. She previously worked as a specialist dermatologist at the Victorian Melanoma Service at The Alfred Hospital.
Dr Adler enjoys treating all aspects of dermatology, including acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, hyperhidrosis and paediatric skin conditions.
Dr. Lipi Shukla
Plastic Surgeon
MBBS, Dip. Anat Surg, PhD, FRACS (Plas)
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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).
Our team of specialist Dermatologists, Nurses and Dermal Therapists pride ourselves on providing exceptional patient care, with your needs at the heart of every decision we make.
Our Support Team
Nicole Marshall, RN
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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.
Nurse Manager & Dermatology Nurse
Fiona Norman, RN
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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 & Cosmetic Nurse
Louise Barrow, RN
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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.
Dermatology Nurse
Orlaith McAlinden, EEN
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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 Hempenstall, EN
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Sybella 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
Elke Hardy, EEN
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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 & Dermal Clinician
Lisa Peardon
Dermal Clinician
BHScDT Dip BT
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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.
Amelia Cartmel
Cosmetic Manager & Dermal Clinician
BBus BHScDT Dip BT
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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, Amelia joined the Victoria University clinical supervising team for students undertaking a Bachelor of Dermal Science. 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.
Brianna Simpson
Dermal Clinician
BHScDT Dip BT
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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.
Maria Jansson, RN
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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…
Cosmetic Nurse
Celeste Marler, RN
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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.
Cosmetic Nurse
Karen Long
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If efficiency had a human face, it would be the one above! Karen’s goal is to ensure one of the most expertly run medical practices in Melbourne (if not Australia!).
Karen has overseen Dermatology practices in the south east, and understands that THE most important element of any practice, is providing outstanding patient care.
Her dedication and ‘can do’ attitude, are simply out of-this-world. She is an asset to our family, and more than happy to be of assistance to referring doctors, patients and anyone else who requires it!
Practice Manager
Emily Long
Senior Reception
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Samantha has worked alongside health professionals for the past 3 years – knowledge in dermatology, radiology and optics. With her interest in health and fitness, Samantha values the opportunity to explore and learn from different occupations within the medical field.
Samantha enjoys travelling around Asia and lived in Hong Kong for several years before moving back to Australia – she is fluent in English and Cantonese. She is positive, supportive and remains attentive to any queries or concerns from our patients.
Samantha Chau
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Samantha has worked alongside health professionals for the past 3 years – knowledge in dermatology, radiology and optics. With her interest in health and fitness, Samantha values the opportunity to explore and learn from different occupations within the medical field.
Samantha enjoys travelling around Asia and lived in Hong Kong for several years before moving back to Australia – she is fluent in English and Cantonese. She is positive, supportive and remains attentive to any queries or concerns from our patients.
Reception
Paula Robbins
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Paula has been working in Medical Administration for 7 years.
Prior to dermatology, she was managing a practice in Women's Health and Gynaecology.
Paula originates from South Africa and has formal qualifications in Special Education from Edith Cowan University in Western Australia and she has worked as an educator for over 20 years prior to entering the medical field.
Paula enjoys travel and time with her family and friends. She has great communication skills and is an empathetic listener. She is very committed to patient service and the delivery of excellent patient care.
Reception