Dermatology

“Dermatology is the study, research and diagnosis of disorders, diseases, cancers, cosmetic, ageing and physiological conditions of the skin, fat, hair, nails and oral and genital membranes.” (NZMC website)

Dermatology offers an interesting and challenging medical and surgical career dealing with all ages and skin types. Dermatologists see a wide variety of conditions in daily practice and often have to rely on good diagnostic clinical skills and acumen as well as good understanding of the basic skin pathology and physiology to make the correct diagnosis and plan management.

How to train as a dermatologist

The New Zealand dermatology training programme is supervised by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). Trainees undergo a physician training programme and will need to complete the requirements of basic training and pass the Part 1 RACP examination. Dermatology advanced training is a four year programme with the first 2 years spent in New Zealand and then 2 years in approved posts overseas.  Both paediatric and adult medicine trainees may apply for the training programme. Dual training and flexible training is available proving the requirements of the RACP are met.

More information can be found here:-

http://www.racp.org.nz/trainees/advanced-training/advanced-training-programs/dermatology

Training overseas also offers the option of sub-speciality training in a number of dermatological fields including:

• Photobiology
• Dermatopathology
• Mohs Micrographic surgery
• Cosmetic dermatology
• Laser dermatology
• Paediatric dermatology
• Occupational dermatology
• Genital dermatology

For specifics of training requirements, visit the Royal Australasian College of Physicians website.

Training sites

There are currently five (5) training positions for advanced trainees in dermatology in New Zealand.

The current sites

- Auckland DHB (2 training positions)

- Counties Manukau DHB (1)

- Waikato DHB ( 2)

 Most trainees will spend the minimum of 1 year at a particular training site.

Contacts

Who can I talk to and where next?

Who can I talk to and where to next?

Doctors considering advanced training in Dermatology are advised to discuss their intentions with a member of the Dermatology Advanced Training Committee or a consultant in one of the departments. (see contact details below).

The Department of Dermatology Greenlane Clinical Centre offers 3 month SHO placement and this is good way getting an introduction to dermatology and understanding the speciality.

Please feel welcome to contact the following members of the Advanced Training Committee (ATC) as below.

Auckland District Health Board

Dr Steven Lamb - Consultant and Chair of Dermatology Advanced Training Committee

Greenlane Clinical centre

Stevenl@adhb.govt.nz

Dr Karen Agnew – Dermatology Lead Clinician and Senior Medical Officer

Greenlane Clinical Centre

kagnew@adhb.govt.nz

Waikato District Health Board

Dr Sarah Hill – Consultant

Sarah.hill@waikatodhb.health.nz