The Skin & Cancer Foundation Australia (the 'Foundation') is a private not-for-profit benevolent organisation dedicated to benefiting those who suffer from diseases of the skin. Its specialists undertake a full range of services for the diagnosis and management of skin conditions, including skin cancer. In addition, it provides an extensive range of cosmetic procedures and services under the supervision of dermatologists and dermatology nurses.
Since it opened over 30 years ago, the Foundation has gained a reputation as a centre of excellence in the clinical management of skin diseases and in dermatology research and education. The Foundation operates two clinics, situated in Darlinghurst and Westmead. The Westmead facility also runs a day surgery, which is the largest facility specialising in Mohs dermatological surgery in the southern Hemisphere. The Westmead facility is licensed with the NSW Department of Health as a day procedure centre and has quality certification with the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS). Darlinghurst plans to open a day surgery in 2012.
The Foundation has a world class laboratory based at Darlinghurst. The laboratory is a specialised dermatology pathology service and provides an exceptional standard of diagnostics for all types of skin conditions. The pathology laboratory at Darlinghurst is licensed with the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA).
The Skin & Cancer Foundation Australia is a registered educational institution and is committed to the training of dermatology registrars through its association with the Australasian College of Dermatologists. Most dermatologists admitted to Fellowship in New South Wales undertake part of their training at the Foundation. Importantly, the Westmead Day surgery is one of only two Mohs surgery training units in Australia.
The Foundation has a strong history of research across both dermatopathology and dermatology and is committed to continuing its vital work in this area. It has a dedicated research unit under the leadership of Associate Professor Pablo Fernandez-Peñas and an active group of researchers. The pathology laboratory, under the leadership of Associate Professor Steven Kossard, is recognised as a leading centre of dermatology research with many articles published in leading international journals.
Our facilities are affiliated with the Australasian College of Dermatologists, University of Sydney, the University of New South Wales, the University of Western Sydney, St Vincent's Hospital, Westmead Hospital and The Children's Hospital, Westmead.