The Demand for Skin Cancer Specialists in Australia

While the Australian sun is appealing, it also poses risks to your health and skin. Skin cancer rates in Australia are among the highest in the world, and the demand for treatment is rising. According to recent reports, over 2 million Australians are treated for skin cancers each year, yet there is a shortage of dermatologists and skin cancer specialists to meet this growing need. The workforce statistics show that by 2023, there will be only about 1,400 practicing dermatologists in Australia.

This means that many Australians may face long wait times for diagnosis and treatment. If you're concerned about a suspicious mole or spot on your skin, you may want to consider consulting a skin cancer specialist. Their specialized training and experience can provide the expert care you need.

Read through Medfuture’s guide for skin cancer specialists and the scope of work currently available in Australia.

Skin Cancer Rates Are Rising in Australia

The rates of skin cancer in Australia have been rising over the past 30 years. According to recent statistics, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. The majority of cases are basal and squamous cell carcinomas, but melanoma rates have also been increasing significantly, especially in younger age groups.

With over 750,000 treatments for non-melanoma skin cancers and over 13,000 new cases of melanoma diagnosed each year in Australia, the demand for skin cancer specialists is rising. However, the number of dermatologists and plastic surgeons in Australia is not keeping up with demand. Many regional and rural areas have a shortage of skin cancer doctors, requiring patients to travel long distances for diagnosis and treatment.

Becoming a skin cancer specialist requires extensive medical training and education. Dermatologists complete a minimum of 12 years of medical training, including a dermatology residency program. Plastic surgeons also undertake intensive surgical training and education over many years. The workforce statistics show slow growth in the numbers of dermatologists and plastic surgeons in Australia, estimating around 1,500 dermatologists and under 1,000 plastic surgeons practicing in Australia by 2023.

With rising skin cancer rates, increasing demand for specialists, and a shortage of dermatologists and plastic surgeons, there is an opportunity for those interested in skin cancer medicine. The job outlook for dermatologists and plastic surgeons in Australia is very positive. If you're looking for a rewarding career in healthcare, becoming a skin cancer specialist may be worth considering. The need for skin cancer doctors is urgent and provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

The Need for More Skin Cancer Specialists

The demand for skin cancer specialists in Australia far exceeds the current supply. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, over 2 million people are diagnosed and treated for skin cancers each year in Australia. The Need for More Skin Cancer Specialists

With the high rates of skin cancer in Australia due to the climate and amount of sun exposure, dermatologists and physicians specializing in skin cancers are in high demand. The workforce is not keeping up with the need, especially in rural and remote areas. Patients often have to travel long distances to access treatment, facing delays that can impact health outcomes.

Dermatology is a competitive specialty in Australia, with long wait times for both specialist appointments and procedures.

The average skin check or minor procedure has a wait time of 3-6 months in major cities, longer in other areas.

Complex surgeries like Mohs surgery can have 6-18 month wait times, during which the cancer may spread or become more serious.

To meet demand, Australia needs to train and hire more skin cancer specialists, especially in underserved communities. Possible solutions include:

Increasing the number of dermatology residency and fellowship positions. This could help offset expected specialist retirements and increase the total workforce.

Offering incentives for specialists to practice in rural or remote areas, such as loan repayment programs, relocation assistance, and higher compensation.

Expanding the role of nurses and general practitioners in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. With additional training, they can provide more basic care and refer complex cases to specialists.

Promoting careers in dermatology and skin cancer treatment to medical students and residents. Building awareness of the demand and importance of this specialty may encourage more practitioners to choose this career path.

With a coordinated effort across medical education and healthcare, Australia can work to fill the gap in skin cancer specialists and ensure all communities have access to timely, specialized treatment. The health of millions of Australians depends on it.

2023 Projections for Skin Cancer Specialist Demand

The demand for skin cancer specialists in Australia is expected to grow significantly in 2023 and beyond. According to workforce projections, the number of skin cancer specialists needed will increase by over 25% in the next 3-5 years. Several factors are driving this increased need.

First, the incidence of skin cancers continues to rise in Australia due to the susceptible fair-skinned population and high levels of sun exposure. Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) and melanomas are the most common forms of cancer in Australia. More than 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the age of 70. With an aging population, the number of skin cancer cases is expected to rise even further in coming years.

Second, general practitioners (GPs) currently treat the majority of skin cancers in Australia. However, the workload has become too great for most GPs to properly manage. An increasing number are referring patients to dermatologists and skin cancer specialists. Wait times to see these specialists can often exceed several months. Additional specialists are urgently needed to meet demand and reduce patient wait times.

Australia has a shortage of dermatologists and skin cancer physicians. Though interest in the field has grown, there are still too few trainees and residency positions available. Government funding for additional training and residency roles is required to help address this shortage. Rural and remote areas of Australia are particularly underserved, so incentives may be needed to attract specialists to these communities.

To simplify what has been stated, there is a significant rise in skin cancer cases, increasing GP referrals, and shortage of skin cancer specialists and dermatologists are all driving the demand for more physicians in this field. According to expert analysis, over 150 additional skin cancer specialists will be required in Australia by 2023 to adequately meet patient needs. Government support and funding for medical training and residency programs will be crucial to overcoming this workforce shortage. With additional specialists, wait times should decrease and more Australians will have access to potentially life-saving diagnosis and treatment.

Key Locations in Australia Needing More Specialists

Australia has a high demand for dermatologists and physicians specializing in skin cancer treatment, especially in certain geographic areas. As skin cancer rates continue to rise across the country due to high UV exposure, the need for skin cancer specialists is becoming increasingly urgent.

Rural and Regional Areas

Rural and regional areas of Australia have an acute shortage of dermatologists and skin cancer physicians. Residents in these locations have limited access to specialist care and often have to travel long distances for diagnosis and treatment. Attracting and retaining physicians in rural areas is challenging due to professional isolation, heavy workloads, and lack of infrastructure. Government incentives, scholarships, and loan repayment programs aim to recruit more specialists to country areas, but workforce shortages persist.

Coastal Queensland

The coastal areas of Queensland have the highest rates of skin cancer in the world due to intense sun exposure and an outdoor lifestyle. However, this region faces a shortage of dermatologists, especially in more remote parts of the coast. Patients frequently experience long wait times for specialist appointments and procedures. More dermatologists and physicians specializing in skin cancer are urgently needed to meet the demand for services.

Metropolitan Growth Corridors

The populations of major cities in Australia are expanding rapidly, with much of this growth occurring on the urban fringes. These growth corridors and surrounding suburbs often lack healthcare infrastructure and have difficulty attracting specialists. Patients have to travel into city centers to access dermatology and skin cancer care, facing traffic congestion, parking fees, and scheduling difficulties. Establishing specialist practices in growth corridors would provide more convenient care for patients in these areas.

Rural and regional areas of Australia, coastal Queensland, and metropolitan growth corridors are key locations needing more skin cancer specialists to address healthcare shortages. Attracting and recruiting physicians to practice in underserved communities will be crucial to meeting the rising demand for dermatology and skin cancer services across Australia.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities of a Skin Cancer Specialist

As a skin cancer specialist in Australia, your day-to-day duties typically involve diagnosing and treating skin cancers and other skin conditions. You will examine patients to determine the presence of skin cancer or precancerous lesions, perform biopsies to remove tissue samples for laboratory analysis, and surgically remove malignant lesions and tumors.

Patient Consultations

A large part of your time will be spent consulting with patients, reviewing their medical histories, and performing examinations of their skin. You will check patients for signs of skin cancer and other abnormalities, noting the location, size, shape, and color of any lesions or moles of concern. For suspected cancers, you will perform a biopsy to remove a tissue sample for examination under a microscope.

Surgical Procedures

Once a diagnosis of skin cancer has been confirmed, you will surgically remove the tumor or precancerous lesion. The specific procedure will depend on the size, depth, and location of the lesion. Options include excisional surgery to cut out the lesion, Mohs surgery using staged excisions, and laser therapy to vaporize lesions. You may also perform reconstructive surgery if needed to repair damage from the removal.

Follow-Up Care

An important part of your role is monitoring patients after their diagnosis and treatment. You will schedule follow-up visits to check that the surgical site is healing properly and to examine the patient for any new suspicious lesions. For high-risk patients, especially those with a history of melanoma, follow-up care may continue for many years to detect any recurrence or new cancers early.

Continuous Learning

Like all medical fields, skin cancer treatment is constantly evolving. You will need to stay up-to-date with advancements in diagnosis, surgical techniques, medications, and technologies through reading medical journals, attending conferences, and participating in continuing education courses. New treatment options emerge frequently, so ongoing learning is essential to provide the best care for your patients.

The specific duties of a skin cancer specialist can vary in different clinics and regions of Australia. However, at its core, this role involves properly diagnosing and effectively treating skin cancers to improve patient outcomes, reduce mortality rates, and promote better standards of care across the country. With skin cancer rates rising nationwide, the demand for specialists is growing, highlighting the importance of this work.

Education and Training to Become a Skin Cancer Specialist

To become a skin cancer specialist in Australia, several years of intensive education and training are required.

Medical school typically takes four years to complete and leads to a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. Following medical school, a one-year internship provides supervised experience in various medical disciplines, including dermatology.

To specialize in dermatology and skin cancer treatment, doctors then complete a dermatology residency. This involves three years of additional training to become proficient in diagnosing and treating skin conditions and skin cancers. Residencies provide hands-on experience through rotations in outpatient clinics, hospital wards, operating rooms, and research.

Many dermatologists pursue further subspecialty training in procedures like Mohs surgery, a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancers. A fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery and cutaneous oncology usually requires one to two additional years of training.

Board certification demonstrates a doctor’s competence and skill. In Australia, dermatologists can become certified through the Australasian College of Dermatologists. To maintain certification, members must complete regular continuing medical education.

Once board-certified, dermatologists and skin cancer specialists have a range of career options. Many works in private practice, while others work in hospitals, universities, and public health settings. Given Australia’s high rates of skin cancer, there is a growing demand for dermatologists and skin cancer specialists across the country, especially in regional and rural areas.

Becoming a skin cancer specialist in Australia requires a minimum of seven to nine years of medical training and education beyond undergraduate studies. While the path is long, the rewards of this career are the opportunity to help countless patients in a country where skin cancer treatment is in high demand. Ultra

Job Outlook and Salary Prospects for Skin Cancer Specialists

As the incidence of skin cancer continues to rise in Australia, the demand for skin cancer specialists is also increasing. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, over 2,000 Australians die from skin cancer each year, with melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers being the most common types of cancers in Australia.

Job Duties

Skin cancer specialists, also known as dermatologists, diagnose and treat skin cancers and other skin conditions. Their main job duties include:

Examining patients for signs of skin cancer and other skin diseases

Performing biopsies to determine if skin lesions are cancerous

Prescribing topical and oral medications to treat skin conditions

Performing surgeries such as Mohs surgery to remove skin cancers

Educating patients about skin care, sun protection and skin cancer prevention

Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for dermatologists in Australia is positive. According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, over the five years to 2023, employment of dermatologists is projected to grow very strongly. Demand for dermatologists is increasing due to Australia's aging population and increasing rates of skin cancer.

Dermatologists in Australia earn a median salary of over $350,000 per year. Exact pay depends on factors such as:

Years of experience

Geographic location - salaries are often higher in rural and remote areas

Type of employment - salaried hospital dermatologists typically earn less than private practice dermatologists

Additional qualifications and specializations - for example, dermatopathologists earn higher pay

To become a dermatologist in Australia requires many years of education and training. Candidates must complete medical school and a dermatology residency program. Dermatologists can also pursue fellowships in areas such as dermatopathology, immune-dermatology, pediatric dermatology, and surgical dermatology.

With skin cancer rates rising and an aging population, the demand for dermatologists and skin cancer specialists in Australia will continue to increase over the coming decades. Individuals interested in this career path can expect a challenging yet rewarding role helping to diagnose and treat skin cancers, with a high level of job security and competitive pay.

Telehealth Options for Skin Cancer Treatment

With the increasing rates of skin cancer in Australia, the demand for qualified skin cancer specialists is growing. According to the Cancer Council of Australia, over 2,000 Australians are diagnosed with melanoma each year, and over 950 die from the disease annually. Non-melanoma skin cancers also affect over 434,000 Australians per year. These statistics indicate the need for more dermatologists and physicians trained in early detection and treatment of skin cancers.

Telehealth Options for Diagnosis and Treatment

Telehealth refers to the use of telecommunications technology to provide health care services remotely. For skin cancer, telehealth options include virtual consultations and diagnoses. Patients can send high-quality images of suspicious skin lesions to dermatologists for review and recommendations on next steps for biopsy or treatment.

Telehealth has significant benefits for skin cancer care in Australia:

It provides access to dermatologists for rural and remote communities lacking nearby specialists. Patients do not have to travel long distances for an initial consultation and diagnosis.

It allows for faster review and diagnosis of potential skin cancers. Images can be assessed promptly by the next available dermatologist rather than waiting weeks or months for an in-person appointment.

It reduces costs for both patients and the healthcare system. Virtual consultations are less expensive than in-office visits. They also save patients travel and time off work expenses.

It eases the shortage of dermatologists in some areas. Each specialist can see more patients by conducting some initial consults virtually. Patients who need an in-person exam or procedure can then be prioritized.

While telehealth shows promise for improving access to skin cancer care, it does have some limitations. Not all skin lesions can be properly assessed remotely. Dermatologists may require an in-person evaluation for suspicious moles or other concerning skin changes. Close monitoring over months or years may also necessitate in-office visits to compare new and old images side by side. For these reasons, telehealth should be used to complement rather than replace in-person dermatology care.

With both telehealth options and recruitment of more skin cancer specialists, Australia can work to meet the increasing demand for diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers. Early detection and treatment are key to reducing mortality and controlling healthcare costs related to this disease.

FAQ on Pursuing a Career as a Skin Cancer Specialist in Australia

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a skin cancer specialist in Australia, here are some frequently asked questions to help determine if this path is right for you.

What does a skin cancer specialist do?

A skin cancer specialist, or dermatologist, diagnoses and treats skin cancers and other skin diseases. Their duties include:

Examining patients to detect any suspicious skin lesions or moles

Performing biopsies to determine if any growths are cancerous

Prescribing treatment plans which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or medication

Educating patients on skin cancer prevention and early detection

Staying up-to-date with advancements in skin cancer research and treatment options

How much training is required?

To become a dermatologist in Australia, you must complete medical school and a dermatology residency. This includes:

4 to 6 years of medical school resulting in a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery

2 to 3 years of general medical internship and residency

4 years of dermatology residency specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases

What is the job outlook?

The demand for skin cancer specialists in Australia is high and expected to grow over the next decade. According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with over 750,000 people treated for skin cancers annually. However, Australia only has about 600 dermatologists, with many areas facing shortages.

How much do skin cancer specialists earn?

Dermatologists in Australia earn a median salary of about $350,000 AUD per year. Salaries vary based on factors like:

Years of experience (entry-level vs. senior dermatologist)

Geographic location (capital cities vs. rural areas)

Type of work setting (private practice vs. hospital)

Subspecialties and certifications

Conclusion

As the demand for skin cancer treatment rises in Australia, the need for qualified specialists is crucial to provide the best patient care. While general practitioners currently fulfill most skin checks and minor procedures, the increasing complexity and volume of cases require dedicated dermatologists and skin cancer doctors. The good news is that medical students recognize this need and are pursuing careers as skin cancer specialists. However, it may take time to meet demand in more remote areas. Patients should feel empowered to ask their general practitioners for referrals to skin cancer specialists when needed and not settle for less. By working together, general practitioners, specialists, and patients can help ensure that skin cancer treatment in Australia continues to set the standard for effective, compassionate healthcare.

We at Medfuture will help you find the perfect placement suited to your qualifications and skills. All you need to do is to look through a comprehensive list of vacancies that Medfuture has to offer and apply for the job opportunity that entices you the most.