Northern Territory Healthy Skin Program

For several years, members of the College have been involved in a project to undertake research, provide training and give service to remote Aboriginal communities in the Top End of the Northern Territory, to eliminate scabies.

Support Scheme for Rural Specialists (SSRS)

College has been supported by a grant from the Support Scheme for Rural Specialists for three years, which has enabled the production of CD Roms of clinical meetings held in metropolitan centres, for distribution to rural Fellows. This enables rural dermatologists who are disadvantaged by not being able to attend these meetings, to maintain their professional development.

Specialist Training Program

Under the Commonwealth Government's Specialist Training Program, the College has been able to extend its training positions to include new positions at the Skin and Cancer Foundations in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, and also positions associated with private practices. All these positions include rural secondments.

As well, in 2010 the Commonwealth has provided funding for support projects which will enhance training in STP positions. Projects being undertaken include: development of online modules in indigenous dermatology, as well as support for rural rotations of trainees involving contact with indigenous dermatology; additional training for supervisors of registrars in the training program; and the development of context-specific English language instruction for international medical graduates undertaking additional dermatological training in public hospitals.

Overseas Aid Projects

The College is a member of the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS). The current President of the ILDS is Professor Robin Marks, formerly Professor of Dermatology at the University of Melbourne and a Fellow of College.

The College supports an ILDS project, the Regional Dermatology Training Centre in Moshi, Tanzania, by providing a scholarship for a local medical practitioner to undertake the Centre’s training program.

College also provides funding for ad hoc overseas projects, including a program to bring dermatologists and trainees from Papua New Guinea to Australia for additional experience, as well as a trainee from Peru to undertake a short training program in Victoria.

A number of College Fellows have been involved as volunteers in overseas projects in Nairu, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.

Fellows of College visited the Regional Dermatology Training Centre in Moshi, Tanzania, in January 2006.

Government Relations

The College provides a source of expertise on skin conditions and treatment to both the Federal and State Governments. The College works closely with the Federal Department of Health and Ageing, not only in regard to the programs listed above, but also to advise the Government on a wide range of issues.

The College also works with a number of other Government agencies, including the Australian Medical Council, ACCC, ASIC, AHMAC, AHWOC, AMWAC, etc. Through its State Faculties, the College also advises State Departments of Health and Medical Boards.