Joint advocacy on sun protective behaviour National Skin Cancer Action Week
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INNOVATE RAP
Working with Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples for better skin
health outcomes
ACADEMIC DERMATOLOGY
A need for important investment for the
future of our specialty
Joint advocacy on sun
protective behaviour
National Skin Cancer
Action Week
ISSUE 131
SUMMER 2022
From the editor
W
elcome to our first edition The new year also sees some Acting CEO role during Tim’s
for 2022. This year is change for College with the extended leave in 2020. She has
already proving to be retirement of CEO Tim Wills at the proven herself a worthy candidate
another one full of challenges beginning of February. Tim has following an extensive recruitment
as we navigate the constantly been an outstanding leader for our process and we are excited to be
changing landscape of ‘living with College since taking on the role in moving forward with Haley in the
COVID-19’. As we enter our third 2014 and I am sure I speak for all driver’s seat.
year of pandemic adjustments, when I say we are sad to see him We continue to share stories
College continues to adapt and leaving this position. We wish him of your experiences, innovation
use our experience of the past all the best in his retirement as he and adaptability that are vitally
two years to provide outstanding takes some time to concentrate important for the future direction
services for our members. on his family. of our profession. Thank you once
Our ASM, scheduled for April, will With Tim’s retirement, we again to all contributors to this
be one event where our previous are pleased to welcome Haley issue. As ever, it is a wonderful
experience will stand us in good Bennett into the role of CEO. reflection of College’s dynamic
stead. We are still working towards a Haley has been with College since and diverse membership.
face-to-face event, whilst developing 2016 and has been fulfilling the
a post-event recorded package for role of Deputy CEO for the past A/Prof Anna Braue
those who are unable to attend. three years, stepping up into the Honorary Secretary
EDITORIAL TEAM
EDITOR EDITORIAL PERSONNEL
A/Prof Anna Braue Anita Allen
Honorary Secretary Caroline Zoers
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Australasian College of Dermatologists acknowledges the
Cammeraygal people, the Traditional Custodians of the lands upon which
the College head office is located. The College also acknowledges and
pays our respects to the Traditional Custodians of the lands upon which
Australian dermatology services are delivered, and Elders past, present
and future; for they hold memories, traditions, cultures and hopes of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia.
Disclaimer: The Australasian College of Dermatologists wishes to encourage debate and exchanges of ideas amongst Fellows through The Mole.
Nevertheless, the opinions expressed in articles in The Mole are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the College.
The inclusion of advertising in this publication does not constitute College endorsement of the products or services advertised.
Contents ISSUE 131
SUMMER 2022
NEWS & INTRODUCTION
02 President’s report
03 CEO’s report
05 Message from the new CEO
06 Celebrating excellence in innovation and care in Far North Queensland
12
BEING THE REPRESENTATIVE VOICE IN SKIN HEALTH
07 Our new Innovate RAP: the next step in our reconciliation journey
10 Collaborating for impact – joint advocacy on skin cancer
12 Communicating our policy platform for engagement and influence
15 Policy and advocacy: drawing on experience for future change
LEADING SKIN HEALTH EDUCATION & TRAINING 18
17 Welcome to education in 2022 – a new year with new changes
18 COVID-19: implications for Dermatology Australasia
20 From the Faculties
DELIVERING HIGH QUALITY MEMBER SERVICES & SUPPORT
22 The 54th Annual Scientific Meeting
23 Inaugural summit on the impact of climate change on skin health
25 ADNA 20th Annual Conference
23
DRIVING DERMATOLOGY RESEARCH & INNOVATION
26 Australian dermatologists at the forefront of science
28 The Australasian Journal of Dermatology: a year in review
29 The future of academic dermatology
30 Master of Cosmetic Dermatology
30 Obituary – Dr Noel Callan
OUR PARTNERS
31
33
The Skin Hospital update
The Skin Health Institute update
26
THE MOLE | Summer 2022 | 1
NEWS & INTRODUCTION
President’s report
I
write this as Western Australia’s borders encouraged frank and fearless advice from
are poised to open. I send you all good the secretariat team.” A/Prof Chris Baker
wishes and hope that you and your remembers his determination to improve
families have not been too affected by the welfare of trainees, and his work with
this latest challenge and that personal and Chris on developing a culture and resources
professional lives continue to flourish. I to improve workplace behaviour. One
was reminded recently of the strength and of our current Board members, Dr Ben
value of our College connections when our Carew was impressed by Tim’s ability to
WA Faculty hosted a virtual meeting led by challenge the Board and organisation to
interstate colleagues generously sharing be a more responsible governance based
their experiences and advice on how we in organisation. To add to my own reflections
the West might best prepare ourselves for already published in The Weekly bulletins,
what many of you are living through now. I have been grateful for his steadfast and
Much of this helps to compensate for the responsive leadership that has given much
fact that I still cannot visit our new head needed stability throughout the uncertainties
office building in Sydney, still cannot meet and changes of the last 2 years.
College staff, old and new, and cannot We now look forward to Haley Bennett
attend the First and Third year workshops leading our organisation. As one of the
in person. main authors of our current Strategic Plan
This article also marks the end of Tim she has real ownership and understanding
Wills’ time as our CEO. We all wish him of what the Board wishes to achieve in the
well as he takes a step back to spend next few years, and we know she will help
some more time with his family. Previous us define our priorities beyond that.
College presidents whom he served under We remain focused on expanding our
have offered their personal reflections expert services to those areas where they
that include, from A/Prof David Francis, are most needed. The publication of our
“Tim’s wish to make our College a better Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan reflects
organisation for Fellows, trainees, and staff our commitment to improving Aboriginal
alike. As a past President, I was so grateful and Torres Strait Islander health, and the
to have not only his guidance and counsel, Policy team are working hard to achieve
but also his friendship”. A/Prof Stephen gains in funding for some of our most
Shumack, who was President when Tim geographically remote dermatologists.
was appointed, says “he brought a new A focus on outer metropolitan areas that
enthusiasm and energy to the position. are poorly serviced will remain, with other
He expanded the international outreach workforce issues, a priority.
and position of Australian dermatology This issue of The Mole includes further
especially with the international contacts reflections from Tim and an important article
and involvement associated with the from Haley on her plans for the organisation.
International Society of Dermatology 2021 I encourage you all to read them.
Congress and the ILDS 2023 congress
bid.” Dr Andrew Miller also reflected that Dr Clare Tait
“he has been a team builder, and always President
2 | THE MOLE | Summer 2022
CEO’s report
A
As I leave my post at College a stellar period of my life so far. to execute strategy. This involved
as CEO, I look back at what But first some thoughts. incurring cost yet we have grown
has been a very satisfying revenue and tilted the equation so
period in my life, on a great job in Always know why you exist, and that revenue has always exceeded
a great organisation that kept me have a strategy costs.
engaged and enthusiastic since On joining, College expressed itself
I started on 14 February 2014. It to me as primarily an educational Invest in the underpinning
has been an honour and privilege body. But we are also a member services
to serve as your CEO. This is your and peak body. There was no Financially College is in a sound
organisation and I have always been strategy or planning framework to position. We have capable people,
aware I held a license to operate advance anything but education, so systems and a healthy balance
only at the Board’s discretion. the first Strategic Plan 2015-2019 sheet. We invested in a rigorous
To all the many directors I worked started to recognise the member ERP financial system. Recently, we
with I wish to thank you for your and advocacy/peak body expertise re-invested our funds after careful
camaraderie, friendship, support, we needed to develop. consideration by Fellows and
and the stimulating Board-to-CEO external experts. Now in Information
by-play. I always felt we were Always execute strategy with Technology we are building a
working in partnership. I never had diligence new database and securing our
big battles, but I did at times push This means refer to strategy all the information. It is fundamental to
the Board, always with College’s time. Devise budgets that take it have all this working well.
best interests at heart. forward.
To the five presidents, A/Prof The first strategy saw significant Pay attention to governance
Stephen Shumack, A/Prof Chris but small growth. From 10-12 staff The improvement in governance,
Baker, Dr Andrew Miller, A/Prof on my arrival, I was immediately starting with the 2014/15
David Francis and Dr Clare Tait aware the cupboard was pretty Constitutional change to move
who have given me guidance, bare. We could not hope to cover away from a representative
support and courage to take on all the functions a College should state-based director model to
the improvement and change play. I went about change slowly, a skills based Board has been
agenda, my thanks. When I started but I was ambitious to improve transformative. I have been around
this very new role I was fortunate the College, as I could see the long enough to really see this bear
to be guided by Stephen through opportunities and the potential. Now fruit. The increased involvement of
the culture and practices, the I think, wow, we are mostly there in independent directors has brought
strengths and the weaknesses 2022. differing ways of thinking about
and to be encouraged to have It seemed the head office was issues, to the great benefit of the
a go. We worked together to framed and expected to be just College. Governance is important,
amend the Constitution which ‘support’. But this thinking, and the and different from management. It
has been, in hindsight, a really absence of a policy capability could is oversight, it is knowing the right
great achievement, and far from never serve the Members’ needs for questions to ask of management,
a cosmetic change. I will come advocacy (2015 member survey). and it is having the policies.
to that. And many thanks to Not until I completed the AICD
Andrew for taking my professional Strategy is key. But capability Company Directors course did I
development seriously. Joining must be built. fully appreciate its relevance. I think
The Executive Connection opened I leave College with the potential College is very well governed but it
a world of learning and resources for it to continue to be successful. must be continually monitored.
with invaluable peer support. This As we recruited staff to fill policy,
enabled me to thrive and call advocacy and engagement, external Risk management matters
stumps at a time of my choosing. I education, and member services When I joined it became obvious
am so grateful, I learned a lot. It was functions, we gained capability that we had no approach to risk
THE MOLE | Summer 2022 | 3
NEWS & INTRODUCTION
management. I also became aware is a source of some satisfaction there is hope these topics can be
I joined in the middle of a long and as I down tools. But it is all so revitalised.
serious crisis and it took a toll, the College can make strategic
but we resolved to improve risk progress. Get culture right and find Training Program and Culture
management then and there. When the wind in your sails. And finally, to the Training Program.
tackling risk management, the There is a rolling curriculum review.
Company is only as good as it can Look outside College I am greatly encouraged by the
be when it can absorb bad risks as It is often underplayed, but the work the Deans and the committees
they occur. We tightened the ‘nuts international networks gained by have done and I applaud the
and bolts’ and the discipline of risk bidding for the world congress is external expert involvement that is
management must never be allowed worth revisiting when the focus happening. The Training Program
to slip. Companies will always be can shift. College has some stellar can be bettered. There must be
attacked and face threats. Cyber international dermatology leaders, a College-wide resolve to end
risks are now our biggest risks. and the pandemic has somewhat the behaviours that are toxic to
Strategy can only happen when the prevented the continuity we had a healthy College. Trainees must
business is not diverted by crises created. The work in 2018/19 become Fellows knowing they have
coming from downside risks. to lobby and grow friends was been tested and extended but fairly
invaluable, and we could forge treated. It is core to the future.
Always take advantage of a crisis stronger links with dermatology
Whilst there is nothing good to be societies that look and behave like Hang together
said of the impact COVID-19 has us such as the UK and Canada. College membership is small. We
had on all of us, as an unpredictable do not have the leverage of the
crisis, it has given us a window Be a College that is socially bigger colleges. Now that we have
into the possible – exams, responsible, guard against elitism a good solid suite of the services to
online learning, meetings and It is my view that it is your corporate professionally manage it, it can hold
workshops. I know these were not social responsibility to help our its own, but it has to hang together,
all big favourites, but the disruption Asia-Pacific neighbours. It is or risk decline. There will always
created learning for staff, and I healthy to look out the window, to be a need for dermatologists. But
hope, many Fellows. That we, as consider what a regional leader there may not always be the body
staff, can effectively work now from College could be. A College that there to promote you if it is not
anywhere, is turning office closure is forced to retreat internally as we cohesive, progressive and solutions
from crisis to opportunity. We now have been through the pandemic, focused. Many Fellows contribute
have two staff in Melbourne, and it is insufficient. If we fail to show we hugely and voluntarily. Several
is proving no barrier to collaboration care, we risk being labelled elite. hundred attended the two online
and team building. And we must see our position as AGMs. There is a fabulous strength
privileged. This demands we give and base of collegiate interplay.
Culture eats strategy for breakfast back to Aboriginal and Torres Strait But it must be curated. And we
I am proud that with my staff we Islander peoples, and to resource need our trainees to join as happy
have together created a strong emerging nations in our sphere and willing. Work hard to stay as
culture - of improvement, of where dermatology and skin health one. Be inclusive, innovate and
embracing the ideas from within is rudimentary. modernise. Take some risks and
and without, of trust, accountability College will live on.
and responsibility. It has also Dare I raise selection?
depended upon skilled recruitment. In the early years I commissioned I feel I am leaving College in a
That we got this culture embedded reports into selection by Barbara sound position. I hand over to
well before the pandemic meant Griffin, however progress has been Haley Bennett who not only knows
we could swiftly adapt. We have too gradual for my liking. There was College well but is extremely
demonstrated that we can not then and is now no evidence for capable. I wish you all well. Finally,
only manage if disrupted but make using CVs as a part of selection. thank you to the Board of 2019
progress through crises. The new I see using mini multi-station when my personal life took a turn.
staff have accelerated the diversity interviews that we now have in And it is to this that I wish to turn my
of thought, strengthened the culture, place, scaled up, for all applicants attention to, knowing that College
and added to the mix, and I feel as the way forward. The inability to is on many fronts in a good position
adaptability is now endemic in the really progress the rural selection and in good hands.
head office. To have led a team that agenda, and to make smarter
has been strengthened and not pathways for entry is also a regret, Tim Wills
wiped out by these speed bumps but as the curriculum changes, Chief Executive Officer
4 | THE MOLE | Summer 2022
Message from
the New CEO
I
am absolutely delighted to be of the team I have built and the Our most recent AMC report has
writing for The Mole in my new services we deliver spanning policy, several conditions focusing on
capacity as CEO. I would like to government advocacy, community strengthening trainee feedback
thank the President Dr Clare Tait engagement, communications, processes, addressing bullying
and the Board for their confidence events and member services. and harassment and evaluation
in me to take up the reins following Under the leadership of Sarah of supervisor performance. These
Tim Wills’ eight years of excellent Stedman Director, Membership and cultural concerns dominate the
leadership. Tim was from the very Professional Services and Caroline conversation at all colleges and we
beginning a most generous and Zoers Director Policy, Advocacy too are not immune. A number of
supportive mentor, willing to share and Engagement, whom many of projects and process revisions will
his time, wisdom and insights you will know and have had the be kickstarted this year, helping
across all aspects of the business. pleasure to work with already, these us to address some of the more
I am extremely grateful to Tim and portfolios will continue to thrive, immediate concerns of the AMC
thank him wholeheartedly for his aiming to position College as the but also to build the foundation for
enduring support and friendship. leaders in skin health in the eyes of longer term cultural change.
I would also like to extend my government, the health sector and In the GP Education space we
gratitude to the many Fellows who patients, and ensuring that College’s continue to build momentum. In
have reached out to me personally services meet the professional and 2021 the new brand and website
to offer their congratulations. It is membership needs of Fellows. The for Dermatology Australasia were
encouraging to know that I have pandemic has made it all the more launched, led by Magda Dickinson,
so many supporting me to take the apparent how critical it is for College College’s Business Development
organisation forward. In the almost to have these capabilities at hand Manager. With Board Director Dr
six years I have been at College, and the capacity to respond to ever- Ben Carew, College consulted
I have made many connections changing public policy and health widely with Fellows in 2021 on
and as we all know, it is the people system pressures. how best to engage and optimise
that make a place. I have been The Training Program is another relationships with general practice,
continually impressed by the sheer area where adaptive ability has been as individual specialists and as an
range of ways in which the Fellows a necessity. With the move to online organisation. What we heard from
of this College work to make a exams, telederm clinics, virtual the overwhelming majority was
difference for their patients and skin school and other solutions considerable support for College’s
communities, for trainees and the necessitated by the pandemic, there work in this area and a keenness to
Training Program, and indeed for clearly exists an inherent flexibility in improve collaboration. This does not
College itself. The opportunities our processes and program delivery detract from College’s core mission
to do so really are endless and that was previously unexplored and of supporting the education, training
for me it is both personally and possibly still untapped. This year and professional development of
professionally very satisfying to be a has seen the introduction of the specialist dermatologists and our
part of such a great culture. revised curriculum which has put advocacy for the dermatology
College wears many hats – we us in good stead with the Australian workforce. Rather, external
are an education and training Medical Council. Retaining our AMC education is a complementary way
organisation, a professional and accreditation status is no small for College to deliver on our vision –
peak body, and a membership feat, and the work that goes on for available, accessible high quality
organisation. College exists for you, behind the scenes by the Dean of skin health care for all.
its members, so that you can in turn Education Dr Catherine Drummond, An admirable vision indeed – and
be supported to do your job to the President-elect Dr Adriene Lee, one that I am very honoured to work
best of your ability. This ethos is the many Fellows involved in towards as CEO.
cultivated strongly at College head education committees and College’s
office and we have ushered in many Training Program team led by Haley Bennett
positive changes. I am very proud Jennifer Chowdhury, is significant. Chief Executive Officer
THE MOLE | Summer 2022 | 5
NEWS & INTRODUCTION
Celebrating excellence in innovation
and care in Far North Queensland
C
ongratulations to Dr Aaron Boyce and
his Mackay team on being awarded the
Mackay Hospital and Health Service
2021 Excellence in Leadership, Teaching
and Research Awards under the category – CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION
Acknowledging and Rewarding Excellence in
Innovation. THIS IS PRESENTED TO
Dr Boyce and his Townsville dermatology team The Dermatology Department
were also awarded in the inaugural Townsville
Hospital and Health Service Medical Excellence In recognition of your nomination in the Mackay Hospital and Health Service
2021 Excellence in Leadership, Teaching and Research Awards
Awards 2021 in the category Transforming
Patient Care – SMO 2021. They were awarded
for excellence in developing the Townsville DR DAVID FARLOW
dermatology services and advocating for the Executive Director
Research & Innovation
care the community needs.
Congratulations to both teams on their
excellent work.
The Townsville dermatology team. Front Row: Aaron Boyce (Dermatologist), Voleak La (Nurse), Zoe Chattin (Admin Officer)
Back Row: Niall Small (Chief Medical Officer, THHS), Rupert Templeman (Registrar), Tom Pitney (Registrar), Frank Chiu (PHO).
6 | THE MOLE | Summer 2022
BEING THE REPRESENTATIVE VOICE IN SKIN HEALTH
Our new
Innovate
RAP: the next
step in our
reconciliation
journey
College is proud to be
launching our second
Reconciliation Action Plan.
Our ‘Innovate RAP’ represents the next step in our reconciliation journey and is
core to our efforts
The Australasian to strenthen
College our relationships
of Dermatologists withReconciliation
Innovate Aboriginal andAction
Torres Plan
StraitFebruary 2
Islander peoples to achieve positive change and equity in skin health outcomes.
DR CLARE TAIT, PRESIDENT
C
ollege’s new Innovate improving diversity within our own clear plan for accelerating our effort
Reconciliation Action Plan, workforce enriches those efforts – to embed Aboriginal and Torres
endorsed by Reconciliation that we can achieve more together. Strait Islander involvement and
Australia, reflects our commitment Based on the central themes perspectives in our governance
to working in partnership with of relationships, respect and and stakeholder engagement; to
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander opportunities, our Innovate RAP building skills and understanding
peoples and communities to provides the next steps in College’s to recognise and respond to the
achieve positive change and equity reconciliation journey with a focus needs of patients and communities
in skin health outcomes. on strengthening our approach to with cultural sensitivity and clinical
College is uniquely placed to reconciliation through business expertise; to addressing inequitable
help address the health disparities activities, services and programs, access to dermatology services
that exist between the Aboriginal and developing mutually beneficial and disparities in skin health
and Torres Strait Islander and relationships with Aboriginal and outcomes; and to fostering the
non-Indigenous Australians. We Torres Strait Islander stakeholders. First Nations specialist dermatology
believe reconciliation and actively The Innovate RAP provides a workforce.
THE MOLE | Summer 2022 | 7
BEING THE REPRESENTATIVE VOICE IN SKIN HEALTH
Over the past two years we have graduated At the same time, we are acutely
four First Nations dermatologists – each of aware that we remain a long way from
whom are making incredible contributions achieving health equity. While there have
to our profession, to the way we work as a been notable successes (for example,
College, and to the communities they serve recurrence rates for crusted scabies )[1]
(see Spring 2021 Mole). Our relationships with disparities persist and have in some cases
First Nations health organisations such as the widened, with the gap in 5-year survival for
Australian Indigenous Doctors Association melanoma being one such example.[2],[3]
(AIDA) and Leaders in Indigenous Medical To make significant changes, as a
Education (LIME) have been instrumental in College we need to continue on the journey
informing our positive actions in recruitment, we have started in acknowledging and
progression and support, and we look forward addressing the legacy of colonisation
to continuing to work together and nurturing processes, racism and privilege at
new relationships. curricular and institutional levels. Our
Innovate RAP provides the framework to
do this but it requires all of us to be willing
Many College Fellows to reflect on and confront our own biases,
work tirelessly to deliver to listen and to be prepared to have the
difficult conversations.
outreach, working with As Shelley Reys AO, CEO of Arrilla
Indigenous Consulting noted in her
the local Aboriginal health
Opportunities Foreword to Reconciliation Australia’s 2021
workforce to build mutual State of Reconciliation in Australia report,
“Brave - is when we listen, challenge, and
capability and capacity, learn about ourselves and others. Brave is
saying that you’re ready to delve into the
and to advocate for
The Australasian College of Dermatologists believes all very things that hold you together; your
people should have equal access to opportunities to bias, belief and values”[4].
opportunities to expand
contribute to our society and share in its development. We And to draw further on Shelley Reys’
both services and training
are committed to actively encouraging Aboriginal and Torresadvice, the measure of our success,
sage
as individuals and as a College, will be
opportunities for
Strait Islander medical students and graduates to consider
the extent to which we have empowered
dermatology as a career and to fostering a welcoming ourselves and our sphere of influence with
non-Indigenous trainees.
and inclusive culture within the College. We hope that by the knowledge and confidence to face our
increasing the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait own biases and then, to create change.
Islander peoples in ourworking
Through workforce and in our
with Aboriginal anddecision- Ultimately our success will be measured
making processes, we will
Torres Strait overcome
Islander inequality
communities and thatbytheir
and health the position that our First Nations
services, non-Indigenous Fellows and trainees
increased presence and expertise will help promote a more patients, communities and colleagues find
have the opportunity to gain invaluable themselves in - that is a safe, equitable,
accessible and culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres
experience in delivering healthcare for and with equal and fair environment filled with
Strait Islander peoples
First Nationsand contribute to achieving equitable
peoples. prospect and hope.
health outcomes.
8 | THE MOLE | Summer 2022Our new RAP coincides with the commencement of our
new curriculum with a renewed focus on ensuring our
trainees graduate with the knowledge, competencies, skills
and experience to deliver culturally and clinically safe
care for First Nations peoples and that our First Nations
trainees can learn and work in an environment of respect.
We have engaged AIDA to run face-to-
face cultural safety training for supervisors,
with these one-day workshops becoming
a fundamental component of future trainee
workshops. We look forward to offering these
(or like opportunities) to all Fellows and staff
in the future. Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Affairs Committee will also continue
to work with several College committees
to improve the cultural safety of College
processes, and to identify and address any
institutional biases and blind spots.
In launching our RAP, I would like to
acknowledge the ongoing input, energy and
commitment of College’s Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Affairs Committee,
co-chaired by Dr Dana Slape and A/Prof
Erin McMeniman, and to those Fellows who
have been champions for reconciliation and
increased First Nations presence within our
Who we are profession. I would also like to acknowledge
the contribution of Riki Salam from We Are
27 Creative whose RAP artwork incorporates
The Australasian College of concepts of taking care of Country and
Dermatologists is the sole medical Our vision is for the highest standard of skin of skin and College’s role as a place for
college accredited by the Australian health and dermatology care to be available and
Medical Council for the training and accessible to all patients and communities. coming together, of learning and in turn a
continuing professional development of Our mission is to train, educate and foster place of healing. College Director Policy,
medical practitioners in the specialty of ongoing excellence of specialist dermatologists, Advocacy and Engagement, Caroline Zoers’
dermatology. enabling our Fellows to be the leaders in skin
contribution to this article and College’s
As the national peak membership organisation, we health care, education and innovation.
represent 590 dermatologist Fellows (FACD) and Innovate RAP, and her wider support and
THESE ARE REALISED THROUGH FOUR
100 trainees across Australia and employ 24 staff
STRATEGIC GOALS:
work with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
at our Sydney office. We have four Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Fellows and one trainee. 1. To be the representative voice in skin health
Islander Affairs Committee, deserves special
As the leading authority in Australia for 2. To deliver high quality member services and mention and thanks.
dermatology, we provide information, advocacy support We look forward to continuing to work
and advice to patients, communities, government 3. To lead skin health education and training together to strengthen relationships and
and other stakeholders on skin health and
dermatological practice. Our vision is for the
4. To drive dermatology research and innovation. deliver on this vision.
highest standard of skin health and dermatology
care to be available and accessible to all patients
and communities. Our focus is on training,
educating and fostering ongoing excellence of
specialist dermatologists, enabling our Fellows
to be the leaders in skin health care, education,
1. One Disease Annual Report 2020-2021.
advocacy and innovation. 2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
2019. Cancer in Australia 2019. Cancer series
no.119.Cat. no. CAN 123. Canberra: AIHW.
3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
2021. Cancer in Australia 2021. Cancer series
no. 133. Cat. no. CAN 144. Canberra: AIHW.
4. Reconciliation Australia 2021. 2021 State of
Reconciliation in Australia Summary Report.
The Australasian College of Dermatologists Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan February 2022 – February 2024 3 THE MOLE | Summer 2022 | 9BEING THE REPRESENTATIVE VOICE IN SKIN HEALTH
Collaborating
for impact
– joint advocacy
on skin cancer The job’s not done
until we’re all safe
in the sun
Each year Cancer Council Australia and More than 1 in 4 Aussies admit that sun protection
isn’t part of their daily routine in summer.
College come together to celebrate National We are calling on the Federal Government to invest in
a national skin cancer prevention campaign.
Skin Cancer Action Week.
MARIAM ZAHID, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER;
National Skin Cancer
CAROLINE ZOERS, DIRECTOR POLICY, ADVOCACY AND Action Week
21 - 27 November 2021
ENGAGEMENT; ANNIE BYGRAVE, POLICY OFFICER
N
ational Skin Cancer Action To launch the week, a joint
Week (21-27 November press conference with Cancer
2021) presents a valuable Council was held at the Andrew Earned media
opportunity to work with Cancer (Boy) Charlton Pool in Sydney with
Council to encourage a national Fellow A/Prof Stephen Shumack
statistics of the
conversation about the importance speaking on behalf of College National Skin
of skin cancer prevention and alongside Cancer Council Australia
early detection, with many Fellows CEO Tanya Buchanan. The event
Cancer Action Week
engaging with the campaign. also included a patient story from included:
The theme of this year’s campaign Matt Kean on his experience with
• 679 media articles
The job’s not done until we’re melanoma. The campaign was
reaching a potential
all safe in the sun reflected on actively promoted through College
audience of 21,808,855
the importance of sun protective social media channels.
• 6 TV news stories,
behaviours and called on the The campaign saw strong
syndicating across the
Federal Government to invest in engagement from MPs and
country 96 times
a national skin cancer prevention achieved its advocacy goal –
• 84% of coverage
campaign to raise awareness securing a $20 million Federal
included more than 3
about skin cancer risk and support government commitment over
key messages with 76%
Australians to be SunSmart. With the next two years in skin cancer
of coverage including a
a keener advocacy focus than awareness raising activities,
spokesperson
in previous years, the campaign including a $10 million commitment
• Key message shared by
included MP mailer kits to help to Cancer Council to execute a
11 MPs and 8 third party
MPs get behind the campaign and national skin cancer prevention
health organisations
a paid media campaign targeting campaign this summer.
MPs and policymakers.
10 | THE MOLE | Summer 2022This achievement built on successful joint advocacy by College,
Cancer Council Australia and other key stakeholders over the last
year to have skin cancer included in the Federal Government’s 10
Year National Preventive Health Strategy launched in December
2021 by outgoing Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, the
Hon Greg Hunt MP.
Building on our 2021 collaboration, we Australian standards on sun protection
have also worked with Cancer Council products, such as secondary sunscreens
Victoria and Public Health Association and sunglasses.
of Australia to submit a joint response to Our recent submission on the Australian
Treasury’s Supporting business through Cancer Plan 2023-2033 provided a further
improvements to mandatory standards opportunity to highlight the importance of
regulation under the Australian Consumer dermatologists and accessibility to specialist
Law consultation to argue against proposed care; high quality education to support GPs;
changes to allow the adoption of overseas improved data collection; and the future role
standards highlighting these would weaken of artificial intelligence.
Check Launched on 19 January 2022, Cancer Council Australia’s
new Federal Government funded campaign focuses on
the UV educating Australians that the UV index, not the sun or
temperature, should inform SunSmart behaviours and the
need to be SunSmart whenever the UV is 3 or above. For
myUV.com.au more information and to help support the campaign, visit
www.myuv.com.au or like and share College’s social media
posts in support of the campaign.
Exposure to UV
radiation causes
95% of melanomas,
which means it’s almost
entirely preventable
Protect yourself in five ways from skin cancer
THE MOLE | Summer 2022 | 11BEING THE REPRESENTATIVE VOICE IN SKIN HEALTH
Communicating our policy
platform for engagement
and influence
Our skin cancer advocacy successes highlighted the
importance of grassroots community engagement and simple,
compelling narratives to execute our advocacy agenda.
CAROLINE ZOERS, DIRECTOR POLICY, ADVOCACY AND ENGAGEMENT
C
ommunicating our policy has been working to distil our care pages on the College website
positions simply in a way advocacy positions into simple key put our key advocacy asks and
that resonates with patients messages for use across a range of rationale into clear, concise messaging
and the general public as well as communications from submissions to facilitate community understanding
politicians and policymakers is through to campaign materials. and engagement. Visit the College
incredibly important. The Policy, Our new Dermatologist Workforce website to see some of the following
Engagement and Advocacy Team at a Glance and Improving access to messages in action.
12 | THE MOLE | Summer 2022THE MOLE | Summer 2022 | 13
BEING THE REPRESENTATIVE VOICE IN SKIN HEALTH
Why does this matter? arly and accurate diagnosis and finding
E
Almost 1 million people in Australia – over 4% of the the best possible treatment and support
population – suffer from a long-term condition of the can make a significant difference. Access
skin. to specialist dermatology services leads to
better outcomes for individuals and drives
any inflammatory skin diseases are,
M efficiencies within the health system.
or without early intervention become,
chronic conditions with significant health, ccess to specialist teaching and expertise
A
psychosocial and economic impacts, also provides opportunities for other health
including pain, increased levels of anxiety and professionals to develop confidence and
depression, fear of stigma and social isolation skills in delivering care to people with skin,
significantly impacting quality of life. hair and nail conditions.
t the same time, skin cancers are the most
A
commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia
each year and are predicted to continue Limiting exposure to
to rise, placing a substantial burden on
Australia’s healthcare system.
specialist expertise affects
here is clear evidence that patients
T our ability as a nation
with dermatological conditions living in
regional, rural and remote areas experience
to make optimal use of
poorer outcomes with limited access to scarce health system
specialist dermatology services being a key
contributing factor. resources.
REFERENCES
For references, visit the ACD website.
14 | THE MOLE | Summer 2022Policy and
Advocacy is a long game and there are a
myriad of issues to be tackled to create
sustained and permanent change.
advocacy: CAROLINE ZOERS, DIRECTOR POLICY, ADVOCACY
AND ENGAGEMENT
drawing on A
s 2021 drew to a close, amid new COVID-19
related challenges there was a brief opportunity
to pause and reflect on where we were on our
experience
advocacy journey and what had been achieved through
persistent and collaborative effort.
COVID-19 AND TELEHEALTH
for future
With pre-budget and pre-election submission season
on the horizon, it was a chance to take stock of our
key asks for the Federal Government. Departing Health
Minister Greg Hunt’s announcement that specialist
change
telehealth services would from 1 January be supported
by permanent Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS)
arrangements for all patients regardless of location was
welcomed and reflected many of our telehealth ‘asks’
over several years.
While store-and-forward as a mechanism for
interprofessional assessment and advice remains a
gap, these new permanent arrangements do provide
Fellows and patients with the flexibility to select the most
appropriate consultation mode to enable ongoing care.
As a result of our direct advocacy to the Department
of Health, we also saw an extension to image-based
prescribing, allowing smaller clinical software providers
the time to fully transition to electronic prescribing.
On the topic of the pandemic, the COVID-19
Taskforce’s thought leadership on the issues facing
private practice received good engagement from both
Federal and state-based AMAs, resulting in several
meetings not least with AMA Federal President Dr Omar
Khorshid. With Federal, state and territory governments
playing catch up, it is pleasing to see many of the
issues raised being in part addressed although no
doubt significant challenges remain and our COVID-19
Taskforce continue to monitor the situation closely.
WORKFORCE
Addressing the workforce shortage and maldistribution
remains our core advocacy priority. The challenges
and opportunities are well articulated in the Federal
Government’s recently released National Medical
Workforce Strategy 2021-2031 and we have used our
Federal Pre-Budget 2022-2023 submission to call on
the Federal Government to continue to invest in training
and to adapt funding mechanisms like the STP to better
consider supervisory needs.
Our advocacy at a jurisdictional level continues,
recently meeting with the Tasmanian Health Minister’s
adviser and the Department of Health’s workforce
planning division to secure in-principle support for
THE MOLE | Summer 2022 | 15BEING THE REPRESENTATIVE VOICE IN SKIN HEALTH
reinstating training in Tasmania. These activities
complement some great initiatives from Faculties aimed Advocacy requires sustained
at addressing local service and training needs.
effort around common goals
LOOKING AHEAD
As we look to the year ahead, further investigations to
and consistent messages.
inform future statements and work on AI in dermatology This year, a key focus will
continue by College’s Digital Health Committee
(previously known as the e-Health Committee), chaired be to create more sustained
by A/Prof Rob Miller, including commissioning a literature
review and meeting with AI stakeholders. and proactive relationships
Recently, College received an Educational Grant from
Janssen Pharmaceutica to develop consensus guidelines with key stakeholders and
for the management of paediatric and adult psoriasis
in Australia. College’s Policy Officer Annie Bygrave has
influencers to identify and
been expertly coordinating this process and we would
like to thank A/Prof Peter Foley and A/Prof Christopher
pursue areas of common
Baker for their active involvement and guidance. interest.
The process for development of the guidelines has
commenced. Annie has also been working with a
number of Fellows on an update to the Isotretinoin for
Treatment of Acne Policy Statement and undertaking
important work to document and refine our processes for
development of evidence-based policy.
Two separate consultations have been announced
related to use of the title ‘surgeon’ including ‘cosmetic
surgeon’ and governance of the cosmetic sector, and
the first of these has commenced. The two consultations
are below.
1. Health Ministers consultation on medical
practitioners’ use of the title “surgeon”,
including “cosmetic surgeon”, under the
Health Practitioner Regulation National Law
(National Law).
2. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation
Agency (Ahpra) and Medical Board of
Australia commissioned review of patient
safety issues in the cosmetic sector, including
how to strengthen risk-based regulation
of practitioners in the industry and ensure
Ahpra and the National Boards’ regulatory
approach keeps pace with rapid changes in
the cosmetic surgery industry.
These will be important conversations about scope
of practice and patient safety, and also have broad
implications that go well beyond cosmetic surgery.
A key focus for this year will be to create more
sustained and proactive relationships with key
stakeholders and influencers to identify and pursue areas
of common interest. Advocacy requires sustained effort
around common goals and consistent messages, and
we must use our networks and spheres of influence to
best effect.
16 | THE MOLE | Summer 2022LEADING SKIN HEALTH EDUCATION & TRAINING
Welcome to
education in 2022
– A new year with
new changes
As we reflect on 2021 and welcome 2022, the Education Team hopes
that you have all had a chance to reflect on what you have learned about
your strength and resilience over the past two years and looks forward to
a safe and more predictable year.
JENNIFER CHOWDHURY, ACTING DIRECTOR TRAINING PROGRAM
T
he Education Team has please contact Caterina via College year workshops to be held during
extended our activity over the if you wish to participate in future February and March 2022. The
last two years and continues to courses. workshops were unable to go ahead
adapt to the ongoing challenges our In other Education news, the in 2021 due to border closures
team and College faces. One of the Queensland training positions were and so workshops will be held for
more recent changes we have made due for reaccreditation in 2021 trainees who missed out in 2021
is to amend our support services and were reviewed by the National to ensure all have equitable access
to trainees. Caterina De Meneghi Accreditation Committee in December to the procedural component and
has moved into the role of National 2021. Traditionally, members of the information sessions.
Wellbeing and Engagement Manager Committee and College staff attend in In other good news the
where she is solely responsible person, visiting the sites and meeting Commonwealth Government has
for trainee wellbeing matters in all with supervisors and trainees. Due offered College another four-year
States. Ashleigh Thomas moves to COVID-19 restrictions these visits Specialist Training Program (STP)
from her Wellbeing role to Curriculum had to be conducted virtually as was funding contract, which will enable
and Assessment Manager focusing the case for South Australia in 2020. College to continue to host its 29
on the curriculum, assessment The National Accreditation Committee training positions across the country
and supervisor training. College is members were incredibly impressed in addition to the state funded
confident these role changes will help by the Queensland Faculty’s positions. College continues to be
support the Training Program needs dedication and commitment to the grateful to the hospitals and Heads
more efficiently. Training Program, and they wish to of Departments for managing these
In relation to Wellbeing matters, we thank all the Heads of Departments, positions by ensuring they meet the
have developed a personal mentoring supervisors, trainees, and Directors rural and private components of the
program to link trainees with Fellows of Training for participating in these STP operational framework.
who are able to guide trainees in sessions. The Committee recognises As we start this new year, our
navigating the program. The National the challenges faced by the Faculty in advice to all is to keep a positive and
Wellbeing and Engagement Manager managing and coordinating multiple open approach to learning as it can
is also conducting two-day Mental training sites and appreciates the time occur in different ways and from the
Health First Aid courses throughout and enthusiasm in doing this every people we least expect. Use every
the year, the first of which went year. Well done to our Queensland opportunity to expand your personal
ahead in February and was a great Faculty. and academic knowledge in any way
success. The course is open to any The Education Team are also you can. And finally, prioritise your
interested trainees and Fellows so gearing up for the First and Third wellbeing.
THE MOLE | Summer 2022 | 17LEADING SKIN HEALTH EDUCATION & TRAINING
COVID-19:
Implications for
Dermatology
Australasia
COVID-19 has brought unprecedented effects on business
systems around the world. It has created new challenges and
market conditions that require new ways of operating. As a
healthcare education provider, it is important for Dermatology
Australasia to know how to respond to these changes and new
market demands in a safe and effective manner.
MAGDA DICKERSON, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
T
he pandemic has required many of our students to rapidly adjust to new
modes of learning. The impact of COVID-19 on primary care went far
beyond the increased numbers of general practice consultations, leading
to ongoing reports of doctor burnout causing many GPs to withdraw from the
clinical workforce.
Last year, Dermatology Australasia focused on retaining enrolled students
already stretched to their limits. The spread of the Omicron variant in the first
weeks of the New Year posed new challenges to the already compromised
healthcare system and its representatives. This year Dermatology Australasia’s aim
is to further support the relationships between teachers and students and create
a space that recognises the needs of our students that have evolved as a result of
the pandemic.
Will the demand for the online learning model
continue post-pandemic, and if so, how will
this new format impact the education market in
general and Dermatology Australasia enrolments?
18 | THE MOLE | Summer 2022In 2021, as a response to student with the results to date.
expectations and developments in the To further support our students in 2022,
education market, Dermatology Australasia Dermatology Australasia readopted the
introduced an online version of our Practical 3-term format, extending each term to 12
Dermoscopy and Suture Techniques weeks. This approach allows our time-
Workshop. The workshop forms an integral poor learners more time to complete the
part of the Certificate of Practical Dermoscopy. modules. Some of the practical workshops
This year, we will continue to offer this have been postponed to the second part of
alternative to students who are unable to the year and an extensive COVID-19-safe
attend the face-to-face training. It will be plan has been developed.
interesting to see if the demand for the online Redevelopment of existing teaching
learning model will continue post-pandemic, formats to cater for the new market
and if so, how this new format will impact the demands can bring Dermatology Australasia
education market in general and Dermatology increased reach, awareness and greater
Australasia enrolments. We received positive financial sustainability. However, our main
feedback from our educators and the students priority is the delivery of high-quality
regarding our 2021 courses on the delivery, education and development of long-term
participation and learning outcomes related to student relationships amid the limitations
this new mode of training so we are pleased and challenges posed by the pandemic.
INTRODUCING OUR NEW COURSE
MANAGER NEW OPTIONAL WORKSHOP
FORMAT
The introduction of the online
practical workshop opened the
door to international enquiries
and allowed for the delivery of
Dermatology Australasia courses
worldwide.
We are pleased to announce that Uta
Meyer has joined our team as Training
Manager - GP Programs. Uta has
joined us from the Skin Health Institute
in Melbourne and brings a wealth of
knowledge, network contacts and
experience in medical education.
WEBSITE TRAFFIC
Our main priority is The DA website www.
dermatologyaustralasia.com.au
the delivery of high- maintained high traffic over the
Christmas period and course sales
quality education have gradually increased since
and development of December.
long-term student
relationships amid
the limitations and
challenges posed by the
pandemic.
THE MOLE | Summer 2022 | 19LEADING SKIN HEALTH EDUCATION & TRAINING
From the Faculties registrars. The complexity of ensuring Smith, who became a member of
NSW Faculty that each registrar receives the right the Order of Australia recently for
balance of rural, surgical, paediatric and significant service to medicine as a
As we enter our third year living in private practice exposure is no mean dermatologist and a researcher and for
a pandemic, we are accepting as the feat. I would like to take this opportunity his contribution to medical societies.
new norm PPE usage, regular RAT to congratulate and thank our three What wonderful recognition of Saxon’s
testing by staff, and juggling the reality Directors of Training: Dr Catherine many years of service to our field.
and difficulties of staff shortages and MacKay, Dr Andrea Tomizawa and Dr Lastly, the NSW Faculty has now
disruption of services due to illness. In Nicholas Stewart for their incredible created a Rural Taskforce to address
these unprecedented times, I hope that dedication and care of our registrars, the maldistribution of dermatology
you are all coping with the increased especially during last year, dealing with services across our state, to try and
stress and demands placed on us all. complex COVID-19 related training better provide services to rural NSW,
The new registrar training year issues. Their tireless efforts are not better coordinate placements for
commenced in early February, and we recognised often enough. Nick’s term Fellows who are willing to undertake
have two new additional positions. We will end in March and his last three years rural work, and to assist Fellows
warmly welcome Dr Nicole Seebacher of significant contribution cannot be working in rural / remote regions. This
and Dr Kevin Phan, along with Dr understated. Taskforce includes Dr Phillip Artemi,
Lachlan Byth, Dr Nicholas Manuelpillai The other unsung heroes are our Dr Rachael Anforth, Dr Ian Hamann,
and Dr Russell Thompson as our new Heads of Departments, Supervisors Dr Ian McCrossin, Dr Michelle McRae,
first year registrars. NSW is truly lucky to of Training and consultant Fellows that Dr Rebecca Saunderson, Dr Dana
have such a group of diversely talented year after year teach our registrars with Slape and Dr Andrea Tomizawa.
and enthusiastic trainees that will bring both passion and compassion. Without Take care and stay safe.
new skills to our Training Program. you, we would not have a Training
Indeed, we have the largest cohort Program. Thank you. Dr Li-Chuen Wong
of trainees in Australia with 34 current Congratulations to Cl Prof Saxon Chair, NSW Faculty
working tirelessly to organise the ASCD Yazdabadi on taking on the role of Chair
VIC Faculty symposium which was held at the of the National Training Committee.
Crown Conference Centre in Melbourne After eight years as our Faculty
Despite high hopes for the new year, from 25 to 27 February. Greg assembled Secretary Dr Julia Rhodes is stepping
the first few weeks of 2022 have again some great overseas and home-grown down from the Victorian committee and
been dominated by COVID-19 and speakers and the conference was Dr Toy Tancharoen will be taking on
soaring infection rates. Fortunately, over delivered live and incorporated a virtual the role. Toy is a new graduate and it is
90% of Victorians are double vaccinated component. exciting to see her collegiate spirit.
and most of our essential workers and As our graduates finish up a very A/Prof Anna Braue has another
those more vulnerable have had their successful year and start work in private year to serve as Honorable Secretary
boosters. Despite comprising less than practice we welcome our new trainees, of the College and continues to be an
10% of the Victorian population, the Dr Charlie Wang, Dr Rebekka Jerjen, invaluable asset in this role.
unvaccinated still account for most of Dr Kate Simpson, Dr Yonatan Kok The organisational skills, dedication
those who are ending up in the intensive and Dr Seamus McWhirter. and attention shown by our secretaries
care units. Melbourne will be hosting the final make life so much easier for myself, the
Reports indicate that Omicron year exams in 2022 and our censors Faculties and the national Board. Many
numbers have peaked and we will soon Michelle Goh and Matheen Mohamad thanks to Julia, Toy, Anna and their
see a reduction in hospital and ICU are already recruiting suitable patients. interstate counterparts.
admissions. Schools are back, the traffic Congratulations to Dr Adriene Lee, Finally, I am looking forward to our
is terrible and life may be slowly returning who is now President Elect of College. Victorian Faculty dinner. After cancelling
to normal. Thanks again to Dr Bruce Adriene has contributed so much to our last year, I am hoping it will go ahead on
Tate and his COVID-19 Taskforce which registrar training, the development of the 26 March. Fingers crossed!
continues to monitor the situation and Skin School and College governance.
keep us informed. Congratulations also to our past Dr Jill Cargnello
Prof Greg Goodman has been Director of Training, Dr Anousha Chair, VIC Faculty
20 | THE MOLE | Summer 2022You can also read
