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MEASURING THE INTANGIBLE
Putting College at the front of mind of
decision makers and the public
BOOSTING RESEARCH INTO PAIN
College grant boosts understanding of
Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa pain
Virtual ASM wrap-up
learnings and
opportunities
for additional
engagement
ISSUE 128
AUTUMN 2021
From the editor
W
ith 2021 now well and emerging areas of opportunity strategy in the works, and the
truly underway, we are for College which are featured trainee programs successfully
seeing more evidence of in this issue such as the Clinical operating under the same online
how our planning throughout 2020 Audit and Peer Review Program, structure as last year.
has enabled us to move forward the issues surrounding AI and our We continue to share stories
within the still unpredictable continued advocacy efforts to of your experiences, innovation
COVID-19 landscape. support rural and Aboriginal and and adaptability that are vitally
Our first virtual ASM showcased Torres Strait Islander health. important for the future direction
not only College’s adaptability, but Our new President, Dr Clare Tait of our profession. Thank you once
the adaptability of our members. has a solid base from which to again to all contributors to this
We were very proud of the way our continue our efforts in these areas. issue. As ever, it is a wonderful
keynote speakers, presenters and The education program reflection of College’s dynamic and
attendees supported this event and continues to move ahead under diverse membership.
we hope you found it as informative the leadership of our new Dean,
and engaging as we did. Dr Catherine Drummond, with Associate Professor Anna Braue
The ASM highlighted some the expansion of the GP training Honorary Secretary
EDITORIAL TEAM
EDITOR EDITORIAL PERSONNEL
Associate Professor Anna Braue Anita Allen
Honorary Secretary Caroline Zoers
Haley Bennett
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Australasian College of Dermatologists acknowledges Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands in
which we live and work, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and
emerging.
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 128
AUTUMN 2021
NEWS & INTRODUCTION
02 President’s report
03 CEO’s report
04 Introducing our new President
BEING THE REPRESENTATIVE VOICE IN SKIN HEALTH
05 Measuring the intangible: our engagement challenge
07 Townsville – Building a workforce for the region
09 ASM patient support groups roundtable
11 Choosing wisely in dermatology 11
LEADING SKIN HEALTH EDUCATION & TRAINING
14 A farewell and welcome within College education
16 Introducing new Dean of Education – Dr Catherine Drummond
17 The Benefits of Being Involved with the GP Education Program
18 From the Faculties 20
DELIVERING HIGH QUALITY MEMBER SERVICES & SUPPORT
20 Important changes in continuing professional development
23 Virtual ASM wrap-up – A new experience for everyone
28 Playing our part in environmental sustainability
30 Dermatologists do more
31 Obituary 28
DRIVING DERMATOLOGY RESEARCH & INNOVATION
32 College Scientific Research Fund in action
35 The Australasian Journal of Dermatology – 2020: a year in review
36 Gaining a clearer IMAGE
38 Eczema Association of Australasia Inc. Research Grant available soon
OUR PARTNERS
39
42
The Skin Hospital
The Skin Health Institute
36
THE MOLE | Autumn 2021 | 1
NEWS & INTRODUCTION
President’s report
W
hile the pandemic of this year which is also online. and support Fellows as they
continues to be “the We note that we missed seeing navigate the pandemic is no mean
gift that keeps giving” I our colleagues face-to-face, as feat. Your Board has given me
reflect very positively on our recent well as the ceremonial aspects of expert counsel to achieve this.
virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. College’s annual meeting, including To all the Fellows who chair and
It was another new chapter in graduating our new Fellows, and serve on College committees,
your College’s history and one the presentation of awards which thank you for your important
of the major changes required to are both highlights on the College work that provides the Board
support Fellows, trainees and other calendar. Please let College know if with appropriate knowledge to
students of dermatology through you have any further feedback make decisions. Thanks also to
these disrupted times. or suggestions after reflecting on A/Prof Anna Braue, our Honorary
I am sure you will agree the the ASM. Secretary, who oversees the
content of the meeting was Our Annual General Meeting weekly newsletter that is vital in
outstanding from both an academic (AGM) was also held online this communicating with Fellows and
and management point of view, month with the question and trainees, as well as this publication.
particularly our guest speaker answer session very popular as I have been lucky to be
sessions and panel discussions. usual. The AGM of course marked surrounded by College staff of
Congratulations and thanks go to the transfer of College presidency such high calibre. Led by Tim Wills
all Fellows, College staff, speakers, to Dr Clare Tait from Western (CEO), Haley Bennett (Deputy
and support staff, including our Australia, who as President-elect CEO), and Brett O’Neill (Education),
conference organisers and platform has assisted me greatly on the College is well equipped for the
providers, who engineered our Board of Directors for the last exciting path onward in our new
meeting. Even more importantly, few years. Clare has been a real premises. I thank also the rest of
a thank you to all those who by contributor to College over a long the employees at College, whose
attending, albeit virtually, assured period and I wish her well. Your work in the background may go
the success of the meeting. College is fortunate to have such unnoticed by Fellows, but has
Support from our sponsors was competent people to pilot us given me a platform from which to
essential to the new venture and I forward. Dr Adriene Lee is the new direct the show.
thank them for their contribution. President-elect to support Clare, I am grateful to both my work
The statistics from the meeting having served as the Dean colleagues and family for their
show that it was incredibly well of Education which was an tolerance of time absent, and
attended throughout with numbers especially important job over the especially to my wife for her
often eclipsing our last face-to-face last 12 months. support, as well as moving around
meeting. While we look forward It is an appropriate time for me to so quietly off-screen!
from a collegial point of view to express my gratitude to your Board It has been an honour to serve as
our meeting in Adelaide next year for the diligent and considered President of a medical college that
in whatever form it takes, we have work that has helped College stay is always looking to improve in its
learnt multiple lessons that will take on track and keep its head above service to Fellows, trainees, their
your College forward. This virtual water during my term as College patients and community. I leave
meeting will prompt an interesting President. To be able to continue wishing you all good health and
conversation in the future as to to implement our strategic plan, good luck!
how our meetings run, as well as continue training and graduating
providing valuable experience for dermatologists of a high standard, Associate Professor
our international meeting at the end deal with financial risks to College, David Francis
2 | THE MOLE | Autumn 2021
CEO’s report
A
utumn 2021 has seen College Independent Directors, Mr Phillip complacency. Change around us
open some new chapters. Hyde and Ms Genevieve Dolan is constant. Our ability to foresee
The Board has undergone sought to have their term of 3 years and react quickly remains highly
changes with the retirement from the extended for a further 3 years, Philip important.
presidency of A/Prof David Francis last year and Genevieve this year. Ahead of us, and at the start of
and the leadership baton passed to The Nominations and Governance a new President’s term there is
Dr Clare Tait at the AGM. College Committee managed this process opportunity, building on the many
HQ has moved from Rhodes to and recommended re-appointment, matters now underway. Aside from
St Leonards. Our first virtual ASM which is not automatic. Both Philip maintaining our Training Program and
was held in April and as David and Genevieve have valued skills managing 2021 exams, the big focal
has mentioned, this was by many and strengths and now know our points are:
measures very successful. College well. Their extension enables • developing Member strategy
Going forward, we are well placed to continuity of strategy and issues • CPD and our Professional
ensure we continue to deliver against management and it provides an Performance Framework
our strategic plan by addressing the important stabilising effect. So, responses and CPD Home
issues brought about by changes to for 2021 only one change occurs • strengthen GP Education
our governance structure. to the personnel as Dr Catherine • re-invest our Funds
When the Constitution changed Drummond joins as Dean and A/Prof • continue to strengthen our College
in late 2015 we moved to a Board David Francis leaves. Dr Adriene Lee culture and government advocacy.
of seven. Six years on we have now now wears a new hat as President- Finally, we are confident that
experienced how this has served us. elect. The Board is mindful that we have the recipe to deliver a
A key issue with a smaller Board is governance continuity is important successful International Congress of
continuity. in turbulent times. As CEO I wish to Dermatology in November. A face-to-
Members would be aware that express my thanks to David for his face meeting is limited by the cost of
three positions are elected and four leadership through these challenging bringing experts onshore, but a virtual
are appointed. The Dean is elected times, and for the support provided conference and is not. The convenors
for 3 years, the President-elect for 2, to me and to all staff. of ICD2021 are assembling a
and the President serves for 2 years. College’s strategic plan endorsed worldwide cast of leading speakers
All other appointed Directors serve 3 in early 2020, with a budget to assist, for this virtual meeting. I encourage
year terms. If it happens that a Dean was disrupted by the pandemic, all members and trainees to register.
retires when a President does, as is but despite the disruption, notable This will be an outstanding learning
the case in 2021, the Board faces headway was made. Members can opportunity and there are special
a possible change of two Directors. read the Board Report number 4.4 deals for ACD members so please
Plus, if any of the two appointed from the May 2021 Board meeting to get involved.
directors reach their term’s end, get a feel for what was a remarkable
change could be larger. year. College is well positioned, but Tim Wills
It is therefore important that both this is no time for assumptions or Chief Executive Officer
We have moved! our new mailing address is PO Box
Following the end of the lease at 166 St Leonards 1590 so please
Rhodes, College HQ has moved update your records.
to a new premises at Level 6, 33 Thank you to the office relocation
Chandos Street St Leonards. The team who ensured a smooth
new space includes a training room transition to our new premises. We
and is only a three minute walk from have settled into our new space and
St Leonards train station. There are now focusing on the finer details
has been no change to telephone of interior design – keep an eye on
numbers or email addresses however this space for future updates.
THE MOLE | Autumn 2021 | 3
NEWS & INTRODUCTION
Introducing new College
President – Dr Clare Tait
I
am a Western Australian based activities. Supporting academics and their
dermatologist incredibly fortunate to research activities is vital to ensure optimal
have my dream job as visiting patient and community dermatological
dermatologist to the Kimberley health region outcomes in the future. We are committed to
of Western Australia. My public experience supporting our own journal.
includes 20 years at Royal Perth Hospital Our engagement and advocacy
and I part-own a private practice with two activities must align with the desire for
other Fellows. We are lucky enough to our patients to have access to the highest
have five other dermatologists working quality dermatology care and advice,
with us. Prior to becoming a dermatologist particularly where it is most needed in our
I undertook my general physician’s training outer metropolitan and rural and remote
in London and then worked as a rural communities. In addition, we must continue
and remote area general practitioner for 5 to develop our profile as the expert peak
years in the south eastern part of Western body in all matters relating to skin health
Australia, another exciting and sometimes and disease management and develop
nerve-racking professional endeavour. relationships with key organisations such as
My interest and participation in College federal and state governments, other health
activities started in the education portfolios care provider organisations, universities,
where I gained experience on a number of local communities and the media.
committees. This led to my appointment I wish to see a more evenly distributed
as Dean of Education in 2012, and it delivery of expert dermatology services
was during this time that an interest in across our country and this will be a key
governance began. In 2018 I was re-elected focus over the next few years. We must
to the Board and as President-elect since strive to protect and promote our high
2019 I have served on the Aboriginal and standards whilst generously sharing our
Torres Strait Islander Affairs Committee, expertise.
the Representatives Committee and the I am very sad to be saying farewell to
Nominations and Governance Committee A/Prof David Francis. He has been such
and I chair the Audit and Risk Committee. a calm and considerate leader who has
This latter appointment has been a particular rallied and supported us all from the relative
challenge, as anyone who knows me well discomfort of the Zoom meeting place
understands that finance and number during a year of unprecedented upheaval
crunching are not my natural territory. and change. Always available, a much
However, as with all my experiences with valued sounding board and always with his
College work, I have had great guidance sense of humour and sense of proportion
and support from other Fellows, our non intact, it has been such a pleasure to work
dermatologist Board members, and our alongside him. Thank you David, and to
much valued College executive and staff. Linda, for your commitment, service and
Education at undergraduate and friendship. North Stradbroke Island awaits
postgraduate levels, and for the wider you both!
medical profession and for our communities
must remain the foundation of College Dr Clare Tait
4 | THE MOLE | Autumn 2021
BEING THE REPRESENTATIVE VOICE IN SKIN HEALTH
Measuring the intangible:
our engagement
challenge
Several years ago it
was recognised that a
concerted effort was
needed to put College
at the front of mind
of decision makers
and the public, so that
we can truly be the
Representative Voice for
skin health.
This takes a multi-faceted approach – combining advocacy to government,
working closely across the various levels of bureaucracy, building relationships
with organisations with complementary goals, actively profiling to media, and
engaging meaningfully with patient groups and the community.
DR HALEY BENNETT, DEPUTY CEO
T
hroughout this process, both that supervise them, and moving the experience of patients and the
the fundamental challenge towards a less centralised training community and can translate that
and the core purpose of our and service model that is sustainable into informing good health policy.
advocacy efforts have become and robust. Many of these types of engagement
abundantly clear – that there are We are playing the long game and ‘wins’ are difficult to quantify but are
too few dermatologists to meet as a result we do not always see the no less valuable.
the skin health care demands of immediate fruits of our labour. With One recent example was our
the Australian population and not government we seem to take two joint efforts in response to the
enough in the places where people steps forward and one step back, Federal Government’s draft National
are most in need. All of our efforts and so the dance continues. The Preventive Health Strategy. We
are pointed towards addressing rewards are more apparent in our joined forces with a range of
this challenge with the simple end day-to-day policy and engagement organisations including Cancer
solution of increased funding for activities, all of which play a vital Council Australia, the Skin Hospital,
registrars, as well as the consultants part in ensuring we are reflecting the Skin Health Institute, Melanoma
THE MOLE | Autumn 2021 | 5
BEING THE REPRESENTATIVE VOICE IN SKIN HEALTH
Another key initiative that
continues to exercise us is the
soon-to-be released National
Medical Workforce Strategy.
Institute Australia, Victorian Melanoma the health system were looming large, it is
Service and the Peter MacCallum Cancer reassuring to see that the Federal Government
Centre. There has been a dwindling focus on has not skimped. Continued investment in
preventive health over the last decade, with the telehealth ($204.6 million to extend COVID-19
Australian National Preventive Health Agency telehealth measures until the end of this year)
winding up in 2014 as a result of government was expected, as were commitments to
rationalisation. It was excellent to see regional and rural health. This includes $65.8
preventive health back on the Government’s million over 4 years to increase bulk billing
agenda – but disheartening to see a complete payments for rural and remote doctors. For
absence of skin cancer from the draft strategy. College, we are particularly interested in the
Given that over 95% of skin cancers can announcement of $29.5 million reinvested
be attributed to UV exposure – and that the from the Specialist Training Program (STP) to
impact of modifiable sun protective behaviours a new funding pool for specialist training from
on risk reduction is well known – this oversight January 2022. What this means for us at this
was quite remarkable. However College’s joint point is not known, but it certainly presents
advocacy to Minister Hunt had a successful some excellent opportunities. Information
outcome, with skin cancer integrated into the provided thus far indicates that the pool will
subsequent draft. There also now appears to fund activities such as small-scale trials of
be some investment to support governance of networked training models; expanded setting
the Preventative Health Strategy and we are supervision; and support for junior specialists
pursuing upcoming opportunities. in training to transition to rural practice.
Another key initiative that continues to There are many examples where this type of
exercise us is the soon-to-be released funding scheme would be invaluable to many
National Medical Workforce Strategy. The Fellows working across different settings. We
strategy has had several consultations and eagerly await our upcoming meeting with the
iterations, with the medical colleges given Department to find out more and importantly,
the opportunity to provide a final submission if there are any implications on our existing
earlier in the year. The strategy covers the STP funding.
full breadth of issues facing the medical In the meantime, planning has begun for
workforce, including supply and demand 2021 World Skin Health Day (WSHD) to be
tensions, maldistribution of training and held in October. As in previous years, we
services, career pipelines and bottlenecks, use WSHD as an opportunity to bridge our
discohesive funding models, and the list goes community engagement activities with a
on. What is unclear at this stage is how the targeted government advocacy campaign,
strategy will be funded and implemented and working with patients and support groups to
the ramifications to existing arrangements. profile the issues that most matter to them. As
There were some hints to be gleaned always, we need as many Fellows and trainees
from the Federal Budget 2021-22 which as possible to get on board with our campaign.
was handed down on 11 May. With an If you are interested in this year’s World Skin
additional $5 billion, it was good news for Health Day or would like information about any
Health. Reflecting to this time last year, where of our policy or engagement activities, please
the potential implications of COVID-19 on contact haley@dermcoll.edu.au.
6 | THE MOLE | Autumn 2021
Townsville – Building a
workforce for the region
the pathology coming through the
Townsville... Remind me, where is it again? I ask door. Every day brought a patient
Ruth (my partner), as we scout across the map of with a case worthy of a clinical
meeting, and happily, I had a chance
Australia. “There it is.” she says, pointing to some to make life better for them. It was
of the larger letters up near the top right corner. precisely what I had come for.
Within three months we had
“Between Cairns and Mackay. I think it’s one of bought a house, five minutes’ drive
the bigger places up there”, she adds. from the hospital. With property
prices supremely affordable in
DR AARON BOYCE
Townsville, we were able to buy
a place for a third of the price of
W
e had never visited before, ready to take the plunge. “I think we our old place in Melbourne. We
and up until this moment should do it.” Ruth says. “You will were quite happy with our buy, and
around 2 years ago, our be able to help a lot of people and apparently so were a few of my
knowledge of Townsville was largely the medicine up there will be really patients. “You bought a house?
limited to crocodiles and jellyfish. We interesting. Plus, you will have a That’s a good sign. Perhaps you’ll
looked at the map again - it seemed chance to do all the other things that stick around for a while…” one
a long way from Melbourne’s coffee you enjoy, like teaching, research patient joked.
shops. and business. You will love it”. She A few weeks later, COVID-19 hit.
Curious about the place, we was right – it did sound good. We heard stories of our friends doing
searched the internet for interesting “It would be good for our girls, it tough down south, but for us, life
facts. We discover that the too…” I add, “… and a bit of an went on largely unchanged. We
population is around 200,000 and adventure – living in the tropics”. suffered the same shortage of toilet
Townsville University Hospital is the Not long after that, contracts were paper as everyone else, but mostly
only tertiary hospital in northern signed and by January 2020, we struggled to believe our good luck.
Australia, with a broader catchment had made the move. After a brief pause for COVID-19,
of 700,000. Ruth looks at me with Day one on the job, I found myself referrals flowed back into the service
eyebrows raised “Are you sure there in a busy clinic. Word of my arrival thick and fast. With the influx of
is only one dermatologist up there, had spread, and many patients new patients, we started to develop
and no one in the hospital?” had been eagerly awaiting their subspeciality clinics. First cab off the
A few months later we are almost appointment. I was taken aback by rank was a Severe Psoriasis Clinic,
aiming to cater for all our biologic
naïve severe psoriatic patients. Next,
Back row (left to right): Danielle a clinic for Paediatric Dermatology.
McGeachie (PHO), Frank Chiu (PHO), More subspeciality clinics are
Jacqueline Deen (Registrar). planned to start this year.
Front row: Voleak La Then came the “winter” months
(Dermatology nurse), (the term “winter” doesn’t seem
Aaron Boyce quite right up here, but we go
(Dermatologist). along with it). From May through
to September, the weather was
absolutely perfect, and we began to
explore the region. With no shortage
of weekend destinations to choose
from, the pace of the weekends fast
resembled the busy week before it.
Relaxing on Magnetic Island soon
became a household favourite,
second only to cassowary spotting
THE MOLE | Autumn 2021 | 7
BEING THE REPRESENTATIVE VOICE IN SKIN HEALTH
at Mission Beach. Airlie Beach, is another great spot for
a happy weekend away, a few hours’ drive south. Training in Townsville –
Following advocacy with College to Queensland Health,
we were successful in securing a registrar position for An Invaluable Experience
Townsville Hospital this year for the first time in several
years. Starting with a bang, our first registrar Dr Jacqui DR JACQUI DEENDR JACQUI DEEN
Deen, had an immediate, positive impact on our team.
With an awesome registrar, a couple of great PHOs, an I moved to Townsville as a newly accredited
RMO and a nurse, things were starting to take shape. It dermatology registrar for the first six months of
was starting to feel like a bona fide dermatology team. training this year. This has been a unique and
invaluable opportunity because Townsville Hospital
has not had an accredited dermatology registrar
Of course, there is an elephant for several years. I have enjoyed working with
dermatology consultant Dr Boyce and the expanding
in the room. We need more dermatology team, who have all been instrumental in
establishing a fantastic and essential service for not
consultants. Not just the only Townsville but the greater community of North
Queensland.
hospital, but the entire region. The experience I have had at Townsville Hospital
has been fantastic. I have had exposure to a broad
But who will come? Where will range of complex and extremely interesting medical
they come from and when? dermatologic cases, including paediatric and adult
patients, both in the inpatient and outpatient setting. A
large number of patients are on systemic therapy and
require regular monitoring, which has really helped
Recognising the uncertainty surrounding these to build my pharmacologic knowledge. I’ve also had
questions, the path forward became abundantly clear. experience managing conditions unique to North
We need to inspire, support and train the best local talent Queensland, including various tropical infections.
to become dermatologists. At the same time, we need to Townsville Hospital is the only regional tertiary
make the unit at Townsville Hospital an amazing place to centre in North Queensland and has a referral
work. If we can get these two things right, we can help catchment of almost 700 000 people, including
build a workforce for the region that will last many years patients from remote, very remote and Aboriginal
into the future. and Torres Strait Islander communities. I have
To have the best chance of success, we need the help enjoyed working with these patients and managing
of other Fellows to join the team now. Even a small fly-in- skin conditions more prevalent in this population, for
fly-out involvement from a motivated person can make a example cutaneous lupus.
big difference. We have scope to create special-interest I have thoroughly enjoyed living in Townsville. I
clinics and have a strong research agenda planned for have been fortunate to live near the Strand, which
the coming years. To any Fellows who might want to be is a nice place to relax on weekends. I have also
a part of developing a service for the future, please get in explored various local waterfalls and beaches.
touch with me through College. My trips to Magnetic Island and Airlie Beach have
Coming to Townsville may be a road less travelled, but definitely been highlights.
it has been a happy move for me. There is a lot here for I am very grateful for the opportunity to have
dermatologists, both public and private, and plenty of great worked and lived in Townsville this year and would
things to do outside of work. I certainly recommend it! highly recommend this to future trainees.
View of Magnetic Island
8 | THE MOLE | Autumn 2021ASM patient
support
groups
roundtable
On 10 April 2021, College hosted a virtual roundtable with
representatives from patient support groups, facilitated by Gayle Murphy,
Chair of the ACD Community Engagement Advisory Committee (CEAC).
MARIAM ZAHID, ENGAGEMENT OFFICER
T
he roundtable aimed to provide an to improve access to dermatology care and
opportunity for patient support groups outcomes for patients.
and ACD to come together to discuss This year’s roundtable discussion included
the practical ways support groups can not suggestions for continued awareness raising
only work individually with ACD, but together on the psychosocial impacts of skin conditions
as a community of stakeholders to build and overcoming barriers for patients in getting
our collective capacity, reach and impact a timely referral to a dermatologist. The insights
in supporting better outcomes for people provided by patient support groups were well
affected by skin, hair and nail conditions. aligned with ACD focus areas of 2021, which
This is the fourth year College has hosted include:
a roundtable with patient support groups. • Raising the profile of dermatology by
We have come a long way in building and highlighting the psychosocial impacts of skin
strengthening a bi-directional relationship that conditions and the role dermatologists play
focuses on collaboration. in improving quality of life for patients.
These roundtables are a valuable opportunity • Continued advocacy to federal, state
to share thoughts and ideas for working and territory governments to address the
together to increase understanding of patient dermatology workforce shortage especially
needs, experiences and perspectives; raise in regional and rural Australia by highlighting
community awareness of skin conditions the importance of access to timely
and their significant psychosocial impacts; dermatological care to patient outcomes
and influence policy and funding decisions and quality of life.
THE MOLE | Autumn 2021 | 9BEING THE REPRESENTATIVE VOICE IN SKIN HEALTH
College continues to work closely with representatives from
dermatological patient support groups. Building strong relationships
with these groups helps us gain a better understanding of patient
need, not only the clinical challenges of treating dermatological
conditions, but also their unique challenges in navigating the
healthcare system, health literacy issues and the psychosocial
impact of skin disease.
Some of the ways ACD and patient support groups work together:
PATIENT SUPPORT GROUPS NEWSLETTER
College’s dedicated monthly newsletter for patient support groups and their networks
keeps the communication channel active and patient support groups engaged. The
newsletter provides an opportunity to update patient support groups with what is
happening at College, and share other support group updates, new resources, research
and networking opportunities that may be useful.
SOCIAL MEDIA
The majority of patient support group engagement is achieved through social media
and email. ACD maintains an active online presence across four social media platforms
and we use it to promote patient support group awareness days, raise awareness about
particular skin conditions and celebrate other news and information pertaining to the
support groups.
CAMPAIGNS AND OTHER INITIATIVES
• College celebrates World Skin Health Day in collaboration with patient support
groups to showcase the diversity of skin conditions in Australia and highlight the
psychosocial impacts of living with skin, hair and nail conditions.
• Patient support groups connect us with patients and their stories which are invaluable
in supporting our media engagement and advocacy and keeping us focused on the
very real challenges people face.
• College connects patient support groups with Fellows as expert writers and reviewers
for articles and resources, as speakers for webinars and virtual events, and to support
their advocacy initiatives.
• College works with patient support groups to administer research grants on their
behalf.
Patient support groups are instrumental in skin, hair, and nail conditions. Many of these
providing practical and emotional support to support groups work very closely with Fellows
help people, their carers and families suffering who provide clinical input to resources and
from chronic skin conditions and GPs and communications and help advocate on behalf of
dermatologists have an important role to play in patients for the improvement of services.
connecting patients and their families to support If you work closely with any of the patient
groups. We have various patient support groups support groups, we would love to hear from
listed on our website https://www.dermcoll. you on what you and the support group(s) gain
edu.au/for-community/find-support-group/ from working together, and your ideas for ways
offering services like news, research updates, College can further support patient support
newsletters, and information sessions for groups.
10 | THE MOLE | Autumn 2021C
hoosing Wisely Australia® is an initiative
of NPS MedicineWise in partnership with
Australia’s health professional colleges,
societies and associations. The campaign aims
Choosing
to enable clinicians, consumers and healthcare
stakeholders to start important conversations
about tests, treatments and procedures where
evidence shows they provide no benefit, or in
wisely in
some cases, lead to harm.
Australia’s peak health professional colleges,
societies and associations have developed lists
of evidence-based recommendations of the
dermatology
tests, treatments, and procedures that healthcare
providers and consumers should question.
ACD launched its first five recommendations in
2016 - on leg cellulitis, epidermal cysts, urticaria,
distorted toenails and acne. Our three new
recommendations, on systemic non-sedating
antihistamines and topical corticosteroids for
In April 2021, ACD published skin conditions, were developed by College’s
three new Choosing Wisely Expert Advisory Committee and then subject to
review by the Choosing Wisely Representatives
recommendations – on systemic Committee comprising other Choosing Wisely
non-sedating antihistamines and topical members.
corticosteroids for skin conditions. PUTTING CHOOSING WISELY INTO
CAROLINE ZOERS, POLICY MANAGER PRACTICE
In 5 years, since its launch in 2015,
Choosing Wisely Australia has grown from just
6 health professional colleges publishing 26
recommendations to a network of 97 health
organisations with 207 recommendations and
a range of implementation activities to put
Encouraging recommendations into practice.
94% of Australian health professional colleges
are on board as members. The network of
better Champion Health Services, currently at 42
services continues to grow, driving reductions
conversations
in unnecessary care across Australia by putting
Choosing Wisely recommendations in practice.
Choosing Wisely Australia has a strong focus
about what on supporting implementation, and one way
they do this is by providing toolkits and relevant
resources.
care is truly Implementation resources include their Hospital
Implementation Toolkit, the Choosing Wisely in
General Practice Toolkit and Stewardship Toolkit
needed. for Clinical Educators, available here.
A number of member colleges, societies
and associations have developed clinical case
studies for use in clinical education programs.
To do the same for some of our dermatology
recommendations might be one means of
enhancing dermatology teaching in medical
schools. There is also an opportunity to integrate
our Choosing Wisely recommendations into our
education modules for GPs and other health
professionals.
THE MOLE | Autumn 2021 | 11BEING THE REPRESENTATIVE VOICE IN SKIN HEALTH
RESOURCES FOR YOUR PATIENTS
The Choosing Wisely ‘5 Questions to ask your doctor’ resource ACD’s Choosing Wisely
helps guide consumers and carers towards useful questions they can
ask their healthcare providers. This is available in multiple formats,
recommendations
including digital and printed formats, and as a downloadable poster
View the full descriptions, supporting
in English and 12 additional languages. ACD was able to promote
resources and evidence here:
these 5 questions as part of our Your dermatology telehealth
appointment – A five step guide launched in 2020. 1. Do not assume that bilateral redness
There are a number of consumer videos aimed at encouraging and swelling of both lower legs is due
people to ask questions and the types of questions to ask for use in to infection unless there is clinical
waiting rooms/clinics. You can access them through the Choosing
Principles into practice 19 evidence of sepsis such as malaise,
Wisely website. fever and neutrophilia, plus an
expanding area of redness or swelling
Consumers at the centre over a period of hours to days.
2. Do not routinely prescribe antibiotics
Your dermatology informing the community about dermatologists and
the conditions they treat. On World Skin Health Day
The new guide has been promoted via social
media by the ACD, Choosing Wisely Australia
for inflamed epidermoid cysts
telehealth in October 2020, the ACD launched a new guide
Your dermatology telehealth appointment – A five
and ACD’s broader network of stakeholders and
patient support groups. Social media activity for
(formerly called sebaceous cysts) of
appointment – step guide. The resource was designed to reassure World Skin Health Day saw a marked and positive
patients that dermatology appointments by video or increase of up to 60% across social media analytics the skin.
A five step guide phone are a safe way to receive convenient and (activity, reach and engagement) across ACD’s
3. Acute urticaria (i.e. of less than 6
th
ongoing care and to support patients ogy
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get the same level of care. Empowering health in the five step guide. Partnering with traditional media outreach with the
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right healthcare for them. to ask your doctor’. The 5 Questions
resource was included next to a section where
The Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) patients could write down their questions ahead of
seeks to empower Australians to access specialist
care when it is needed and is committed to
time as well as take notes during the consultation
and document next steps.
likely trigger, further testing may be
warranted. If individual lesions (weals)
persist for longer than 24 hours an
Choosing Wisely Australia Annual Report – Principles into Practice 2020
alternative diagnosis may need to be
considered.
“It was excellent to see [Choosing Wisely]
4. Do not prescribe topical or systemic
projects sustained throughout the pandemic, anti-fungal medication for patients
and particularly to see the strong consumer with thickened, distorted toenails
unless mycological confirmation of
focus of projects like the Australasian College a dermatophyte infection has been
of Dermatologists’ new Your dermatology obtained.
5. Monotherapy for acne with either
telehealth appointment – A five step guide…” topical or systemic antibiotics should
Adj/A Prof Steve Morris, CEO NPS MedicineWise be avoided.
6. Do not recommend that patients
PROMOTING CHOOSING WISELY FOR DERMATOLOGICAL take systemic non-sedating
CONDITIONS antihistamine for itchy rashes, i.e.
We are currently looking at how best to promote our new and eczema, psoriasis. Non-sedating
existing Recommendations to the key target audiences of GPs and antihistamines can be prescribed
pharmacists and updating College resources on these topics to for urticaria according to the ASCIA
support implementation. If you have any suggestions on how we guidelines. NEW
can help promote ACD’s recommendations, please email
carolinez@dermcoll.edu.au. 7. Do not routinely prescribe or
This is an excellent means of demonstrating our professional recommend topical steroids Class
leadership to advance evidence-based, safe and sustainable II and above on the face including
healthcare as it relates to dermatology. We encourage you periorbital areas, or flexural areas of
to consider how you could facilitate and contribute towards skin (axilla/groin and natal cleft). NEW
implementing these or similar initiatives into practice in your own 8. Review your diagnosis and/or
health setting or situation, and among your networks. treatment/adherence if patient has not
The Choosing Wisely digital network continues to grow. To find out responded to adequate prescribed
more subscribe to the electronic newsletter at www.choosingwisely. topical steroids after two weeks. NEW
org.au/register and follow on Facebook @ChoosingWiselyAustralia,
on Twitter @ChooseWiselyAU, on LinkedIn.
12 | THE MOLE | Autumn 2021LEADING SKIN HEALTH EDUCATION & TRAINING
Jonas Salk an
American virologist
and medical
researcher who
A farewell
developed one of the
first successful polio and welcome
within College
vaccines is quoted as
saying: “The reward
for work well done,
is the opportunity to
do more”. education
What a wonderfully true quote, and one that can often be seen applied to
many areas of our lives. Trainees will no doubt feel this and Fellows who
complete their training and then volunteer for more work at College are also
aware of it. It is with this quote that I’d like to farewell and welcome.
BRETT O’NEILL, DIRECTOR EDUCATION SERVICES
F
irstly, a farewell. Dr Adriene Committee Chair (amongst other successfully.
Lee has completed her time College activities). Her efforts in TRAINING PROGRAM
as College Dean of Education. ensuring that the Fellowship Exams SELECTION
Adriene has done a fantastic job ran successfully in 2020, while The selection process is underway
of steering the education direction maintaining rigour of assessment with College receiving over 100
of the College through the murky and process, highlights her ability applications for 2022 entry. The CV
waters of COVID-19, including a to work with many moving parts rubric has again undergone changes
curriculum review, the growth and and see beyond the immediate. We and this year we will be introducing
challenges of GP education as are excited to have Catherine as Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) as
well as the many challenges faced Dean and look forward to the ideas part of the selection process during
through the AMC process. Her she will bring to the table. A more the interview weekend. MMIs are
ability to understand the situation detailed Bio is included in this edition well researched and provide an
and remain calm and sagacious of The Mole. opportunity to delve more deeply
in all situations has enabled the Thank you also to the many into areas that the Selection
College to move forward. Thank chairs who comprise the Academic Committee deem appropriate for
you for your efforts as Dean and no Standards Committee and ensure incoming trainees.
doubt the opportunity to do more training and education continues.
as President-elect is a true reflection These include: Dr Brad Jones TRAINING PROGRAM
of the great work you have done (NTC), Dr Daniel Hewitt (NExC), CURRICULUM REVIEW
and commitment to the College and Dr Karyn Lun (NAccC), Professor The Curriculum review is complete
profession. Kiarash Khosrotehrani (ARC) and will be progressing through
Secondly, a welcome. Dr and Dr Anes Yang (RTC). Thank the ASC and Board for review and
Catherine Drummond enters the role you also to the DOTs, SOTs and approval.
of Dean of Education after having Supervisors who provide much of This review, led by Dr Cate
completed a stint as State Examiner their time in education to ensure the Scarff and supported by College’s
and then National Examinations Training Program continues to run Wellbeing and Engagement Officer
14 | THE MOLE | Autumn 2021Ashleigh Thomas, has included
many dermatologists who have TRAINING PROGRAM OTHER MATTERS
given their time to review and FELLOWSHIP EXAMS AMC accreditation: College will
update the content as task force Earlier this year a decision was made undergo its 4-year AMC review
members or otherwise. Many thanks to again run the Vivas using a State this year. Proposed dates are
to our Fellows Dr Adriene Lee, Dr based model. Given the ongoing risk 28-30 September. More on this
Russell Hills, Dr Genevieve Sadler, of outbreaks and border closure, in later editions.
Dr Matheen Mohamed, Dr Rowland the NExC believes this is the best
Mental Health First Aid
Noakes, Dr Lisa Byrom, Dr Elizabeth approach. Even though the 2020
(MHFA) course: Both College
Christou, Dr Anita Lasocki, Dr Sara exams were highly successful, College
Wellbeing and Engagement
Tritton, Dr Karyn Lun, Dr Dana will put into place learnings from
Officers Ashleigh Thomas and
Slape, Dr Anousha Yazdabadi, Dr 2020 and look to further improve the
Caterina De Meneghi have
Catherine Drummond, Dr Brad examination process in 2021.
recently completed the MHFA
Jones, Dr Francis Lai, A/Prof Gill The Written Examinations will take
course and are now certified to
Marshman, A/Prof Erin McMeniman, place on 22 and 23 of June. This year
deliver the course. The Mental
Prof Gayle Fischer, and Prof Kiarash candidates were given the option
Health First Aid is a global
Khosrotehrani. Thank you also to to type or write their essays. A large
innovative program that has
Prof Wendy Hu as a member of the majority chose to type, and College
been recognised with a number
ASC for her input. will be using a secure exam browser
of Australian and international
Opinions on both the current to enable this to occur. Vivas will occur
awards, including the THeMHS
curriculum and the future training on 14 August and 28/29 of August.
Medal. We intend to deliver the
needs of dermatologists were These will again be State based.
course to interested Fellows.
sought from a wide range of
Please contact Ashleigh or
stakeholders. These included GP TRAINING
Caterina via College to find out
external groups such as medical College has successfully launched
more.
education providers, other medical a Dermatology for General Practice
specialist colleges and medical certificate in 2021. This complements STP projects: College has
schools as well as departments of the Skin Cancer Medicine for General received approval for three STP
health and community, consumer Practice certificate. These certificates funded projects. These include:
groups, including patient support are being well received by General Supervisor Training, Improving
groups, in addition to the Trainee Practitioners as they provide relevant Dermatology Recruitment and
Representatives Committee, education material and assist in the Succession in Regional Areas
Community Engagement Advisory referral process to dermatologists. The and Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Committee and Aboriginal and Torres task force, chaired by Dr Margit Polcz Islander Induction and Support
Strait Islander Affairs Committee. 74 has done a great job in managing this Program.
responses were received. content. College is exploring ways to
Training room: College now
While the task force will continue to promote and market these courses
has a large training room
maintain the curriculum, work will also using various methods.
for tutorials and education
take place this year with the relevant
sessions. We are still finalising
committees to review assessment and If you have any education questions
the IT set up, but if you are
progress through the training program. or wish to be involved with education
interested in using the room,
Please contact Dr Cate Scarff at activities, you can contact me at
please let us know.
cate@dermcoll.edu.au if you are brett@dermcoll.edu.au or 02 8741
interested in being involved. 4199. I would love to hear from you.
Are you interested in mentoring Post-Training
Candidates and/or International Medical Graduates?
College is seeking prospective mentors for a new program to support Post
Training Candidates and/or International Medical Graduates. If you have
been practising as a dermatologist for at least 2 years and have an interest
in providing guidance and support to either of these groups, we want to
hear from you!
Please express your interest by using the QR code to access the contact
form. You will then receive an information pack about the program.
THE MOLE | Autumn 2021 | 15LEADING SKIN HEALTH EDUCATION & TRAINING
Introducing new Dean of Education
– Dr Catherine Drummond
C
ollege is pleased to welcome Dr and maintaining the high standards expected
Catherine Drummond to the role of Dean by dermatologists themselves, accreditation
of Education. Dr Drummond has been organisations and the general community”.
heavily involved with College since starting as Moving to a more collaborative approach is
NSW Faculty Secretary in 2007, a role she held at the heart of Dr Drummond’s plans.
until 2009. She served as the Supervisor of
Training at Canberra Hospital from 2012-2014
and has represented College on a number of “We should work
committees, most recently holding the position
of Chief Examiner and Chair of the National
collaboratively with our
Examination Committee from 2018 – 2020. trainees, who are our
Dr Drummond brings a wealth of clinical
experience to the role. She runs a solo private colleagues from the time
practice in Canberra, with an outreach clinic
on the NSW South Coast at Moruya. With
they are accepted on to
a special interest in paediatric and vulval the training program. The
dermatology, Dr Drummond is part of the
Vulval clinic at The Skin Hospital Darlinghurst, purpose of the training
a VMO at Canberra Hospital with clinics in
paediatric and vulval dermatology, and runs
program is not only to
clinics at Winnunga Nimmityah Aboriginal produce competent
Health Service and Companion House
(refugee health). She is also a Clinical Senior dermatologists, who are
Lecturer at the Australian National University.
Whatever spare time she has left is filled
safe for independent
with gardening and playing golf in Canberra, practice, but also to
exploring the bush and beach at Guerilla Bay,
supplemented with episodes of inner city produce graduates who
urban culture in Surry Hills.
Taking on the role of Dean in the wake of
have a commitment to
disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 ongoing learning, and who
pandemic means that Dr Drummond
has her sights set on learning from what want to make a worthwhile
the pandemic has taught us and the
opportunities it has identified for College:
contribution to College
“The move to competency-based activities.”
assessment and the disruption to traditional
methods of delivering examinations caused “I am looking forward to the appropriate
by the COVID-19 pandemic has given evolution of the training program and
College the opportunity to adapt our training Fellowship Examination so that College
and assessment methods so that they continues to graduate high calibre
are fit for purpose, and ‘best practice’ for dermatologists who make a worthwhile
dermatology in the contemporary world. We contribution to our society, and of whom we
can achieve this by using rigorous methods can all be proud”.
16 | THE MOLE | Autumn 2021A collaborative approach
– The benefits of being involved
with the GP education program
College’s GP education courses are proving to be incredibly valuable not only for the
GPs who participate, but also for Fellows who teach them. FACD Dr Jim Muir has
been involved with GP education since its inception and answers some questions on
his experiences:
1. What have you enjoyed most about teaching the different perspective and this leads to a better outcome
GP Courses? for the patient.
The participants are very engaged, interested in the There are various levels of involvement, from running
topics and ask lots of great questions. At our face-to-face workshops or online activities, preparing cases, marking,
workshops they come ready to learn making it a rewarding holding live webinars or even having GPs sit in with you
experience to teach. The online interaction also provides during some consults. Personally, I really enjoy having the
invaluable opportunities for GPs to ask questions of us GPs sit in as the patients like it, the GP gets to share the
directly and learn practical skills to benefit dermatologists, experience and it tests my knowledge and skills. It is also
doctors, and their patients. great PR for both you and your practice.
Our GPs advise us that what sets us apart is the
practical advice offered in our courses and the opportunity 4. Do you see this as a way of becoming more
to get a dermatologists’ perspective. From our students’ involved in the broader community?
feedback other courses rely heavily on textbooks and It is an important way of supporting the broader
guidelines whereas we can offer the opportunity to discuss community. By providing educational opportunities and
the variations that are seen in day-to-day practice. educational experiences in suburban and rural areas,
we can offer readily accessible, high level education
2. What benefits do you see for the dermatologists that participants can utilise straight away. As we offer
teaching the courses? online practical workshops and tutorials, we can provide
There are three major benefits to teaching our courses: training to those in rural practice without the GP having
• From a practice point of view, we often get improved to leave the community.
referrals from participants.
• From a professional point of view, participants ring 5. Has teaching the courses lead to further
to ask advice which is rewarding. They also regularly involvement with the College?
change their practices following our courses as the I have always been involved but if you have not, it is
approaches taught are both flexible and easy to a fantastic way to see how College operates. College
incorporate. abounds with many opportunities and GP education
• Teaching these courses helps cement our standing offers an easy way to work with colleagues from
as specialists in the field. Dermatologists are the interstate and develop relationships further afield. College
experts and if we do not continue to teach our staff handle all the logistics and administrative support so
colleagues, long term this could contribute to losing all I have to focus on is the actual teaching.
our standing as the authority in skin health across
Australia. 6. How do you think the GP’s have responded to the
courses?
3. Do you see this as a way of becoming more When we first started discussing these programs a
involved in College activities? decade ago, there was a perception that once GPs had
I recommend everyone with an interest in teaching done the course, they would be labelling themselves as
becomes involved. This is an easy and rewarding way dermatologists. This simply has not happened. What has
to help and it is not very time-consuming. Many hands happened is that relationships between dermatologists
make light work and the more dermatologists we have and GPs have become more collaborative and this has
involved in GP education the better as everyone brings a led to better outcomes for patients.
THE MOLE | Autumn 2021 | 17You can also read
