Skin Integrity

Skin Cancer Clinics

Some medical practitioners have expressed concern regarding the quality of care provided by some skin cancer clinics. The majority of doctors working in skin cancer clinics are general practitioners with no recognised post graduate qualifications. Recently the Cancer Council of New South Wales published the following information regarding skin cancer clinics: Many skin clinics operate in NSW and offer a variety of services and fee arrangements. Skin clinics are usually operated by GPs and some bulk-bill. If you decide to make an appointment with a skin clinic, it is important to ask:

• about the qualifications, skills and experience of the person who will examine you
• whether that person is a member or fellow of any professional association relevant to skin cancer (such as the Australasian College of Dermatologists)
• what costs may be involved, not just for the initial consultation, but for any follow-up treatment you may require.

Many clinics offer the latest digital technology to assist in examining skin spots. It is important to remember that these are just tools that help the person examining your skin to make a diagnosis. The quality of that diagnosis still depends on the experience and skills of that person. For more information visit http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/editorial.asp?pageid=1339

Qualifications

Dr Wassall has completed a Masters Degree in Primary Care Skin Cancer Medicine with the University of Queensland. This included study and training in skin cancer assessment and diagnosis, medical treatment options, skin anatomy and physiology, critical thinking, research principles and surgical management. The degree included workshops outlining advanced surgical techniques.

In 2006 Dr Wassall was one of only twenty doctors named as a Foundation Fellow of the Skin Cancer College of Australia. He has also completed a Certificate of Skin Cancer Medicine with the Skin Cancer College of Australia, passing with High Distinction.

Dr Wassall has attended an International Dermoscopy Masterclass and received tuition in melanoma diagnosis from some of the leading melanoma diagnosticians in the world. He is also a Member of the International Dermoscopy Society and a Memeber of the Australasian Society of Cosmetic Medicine.

Dr Wassall completed his Medical Degree in 1990, graduating with Honours from Sydney University. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. He has been practising Skin Cancer Medicine since1998 and was the first doctor on the New South Wales Central Coast to use a Molemax machine for photographing suspicious moles for future comparison.