This month's specialist case study

Dr. Tim Rutherford

Name: Dr. Tim Rutherford

Career stage: Consultant

Location: Perth, Western Australia

Position: Consultant at Private practice and Fellow

Medical Specialty: Dermatology

What are some of the things you enjoy most about being in your area/specialty?

I have recently completed my speciality training in dermatology and am currently undertaking a fellowship year in advanced cutaneous surgery, Mohs and laser surgery. I enjoy the variety of my work. A typical week would include consulting, performing a range of minor procedures, laser surgery and Mohs surgery as well as writing research papers, attending meetings and teaching other doctors/students. ...

What are some of the challenges of being in your specialty?

Maintaining the profile and high standards of dermatologists as experts in diseases of the skin, which requires considerable ongoing medical education given the plethora of rare skin diseases we come across in clinical practice. Also triaging and managing the high patient load given the Australia-wide shortage of dermatologists....

What are some of the things that you did to help you decide and plan your career for this specialty?

I developed an interest in dermatology early on in medical school for several reasons. First and foremost was the nature of the clinical work, particularly the visual subtleties of diseases of the skin. Dermatology drew together my skills and interests in various medical and surgical specialities, specifically in dealing with a broad patient demographic from neonates to the elderly, encompassing systemic diseases such as the connective tissue diseases as well as surgical dermatology that uti...

What advice do you have for students and junior doctors interested in your specialty?

The decision to consider pursuing a career in dermatology should follow careful consideration. The first step is to attend as many clinics as possible and speak with both dermatology registrars and consultants to gain an insight into the training program and final work. Do not be put off by the competitiveness of gaining a training position in dermatology. If you are genuinely motivated, then with preparation and commitment you should have no problems gaining a training place. Anything y... Read more »