Specialists unite to strengthen regional dermatology care

The Skin Hospital hosted its first rural dermatology conference in Dubbo, followed by a free community skin check event.

The Skin Hospital has taken direct action to improve access to dermatology services in rural and regional NSW.

Earlier this month the hospital hosted its inaugural Rural Dermatology Conference at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.

Skin Hospital CEO Georgie Blundell said the conference brought together more than 80 delegates, including dermatologists, GPs, nurses, oncologists, medical students and podiatrists, to share specialist knowledge and strengthen healthcare networks across the region.

“Our Rural Dermatology Conference in Dubbo aimed to share expert dermatology knowledge with allied health professionals from the local community,” Ms Blundell said.

“We were thrilled with the response. The event created a vibrant platform to collaborate and inspire more practitioners to embrace rural dermatology.”

The conference covered a wide range of topics, from vulval dermatoses and skin cancer management to paediatrics, genetic skin disorders, hair conditions and Mohs surgery.

The day after the conference the Skin Hospital team provided 153 free skin checks to the local community at the NSW Rugby Union Club. The skin checks were delivered as part of the hospital’s Outreach Program, which addresses healthcare gaps in underserved communities.

“This initiative was a great relief for many in the Dubbo community, where accessing healthcare can often involve lengthy wait times,” Ms Blundell said.

“The gratitude we witnessed underscored the positive impact of bringing care directly to those who need it most.”

Rural and regional communities face unique and persistent challenges when trying to access dermatology services, largely due to the tyranny of distance and the shortage of rural and remote dermatologists.