Since moving to Australia, I’ve had a number of doctors ask how I became a Skin Cancer Doctor. It’s a rewarding area with strong demand and clear public health value — but getting started can be a little confusing, especially for those trained overseas. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way that might help others thinking about a similar path.
1. Build the Right Skin Cancer Skill Set
As fully qualified GPs, many of us look to extend our clinical capabilities, and skin cancer medicine is one of the most in-demand and meaningful areas to do that. But it’s important to choose your education pathways carefully.
In Australia, general practitioners (GPs) are permitted to perform skin cancer assessments and excisions based on their competence and experience, rather than holding a formal specialist qualification in dermatology or surgery. The Medical Board of Australia clearly states that doctors must work within the limits of their competence and scope of practice, ensuring they are appropriately trained and experienced for any procedure they undertake. While various skin cancer and surgical courses are available, including those offered by the Skin Cancer College Australasia, these are not mandatory. For many GPs, particularly those with prior surgical experience or hospital-based surgical training, such courses may be seen as costly and unnecessary, as their capability is already well established through practical experience. For example, doctors with prior surgical posts often have the necessary skills and would not be expected to complete a “minor surgery course” merely to tick a box.
The Australasian College of Dermatology – Certificate of Practical Dermoscopy is well respected and genuinely useful. It’s delivered by Australian-trained dermatologists, combines online and in-person learning, and gives you the hands-on skills needed to confidently manage skin cancer work in general practice.
If you’re still in the UK and planning to move to Australia, the Cardiff University “Introduction to Dermoscopy” is a great stepping stone. This 12-week online course is very practical and aligned with the type of skin assessments that are routine in Australia. It’s a good way to prepare before arriving.
2. Gain Experience in the Right Setting
Nothing beats real-world experience. I started in Werribee, where there was a high patient load and lots of opportunity to perform skin checks and minor procedures.
If you can join a clinic where another GP already has a strong skin focus, that’s ideal. Having a colleague who can support you, refer appropriate cases, or help with technique builds your skills faster and avoids the isolation of working it out solo.
That said, be selective. If the practice doesn’t have much skin work — or if others feel competitive or territorial — you may struggle to access patients. Look for supportive, collaborative environments.
3. Stay Sharp with Ongoing CPD
Continued learning is essential. Larger companies such as ForHealth provides a great range of accredited CPD resources, many of them free and available to doctors outside their network. These include interactive online modules, workshops, and webinars — all developed by doctors for doctors. The skin cancer education is led by Dr Jonny Levy, ForHealth’s National Medical Director for Skin Services, and is practical, evidence-based, and highly relevant for GPs.
4. Be Strategic About Location — But Stay Open-Minded
You might expect skin cancer work to be most lucrative in Queensland, and often it is. But sometimes the best opportunities are in less obvious places. For example, I’ve found Melbourne to offer stronger earning potential than Brisbane, which surprised me initially. But it reflects that income depends as much on the clinic setup, patient volume, and procedural support as it does on geography.
In general, outer metropolitan areas are great starting points. They tend to have high patient numbers and a strong need for skin cancer services. There’s also usually less internal competition, so you’re less likely to encounter resistance from colleagues worried about “sharing” patients. That makes it easier to build your caseload and confidence.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to build a career in skin cancer medicine in Australia, my advice is simple:
• Choose high-quality, practical training
• Find a supportive clinic with the right patient volume
• Keep learning and stay engaged with CPD
• Be patient — the momentum builds with time
There’s a strong need — and a growing opportunity — for GPs with well-developed skills in skin cancer medicine. With the right support, it’s a very rewarding area to work in.
By Dr Zack, Victoria
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