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 utilises advanced reconstructive surgical skills and histopathology.

I found that all dermatologists I came across were a thoughtful, sensible and relaxed group of people with whom I got on well. Although demanding, the dermatology training program is family friendly as it involves no shift work and minimal after hours work.

During my medical student and resident years I attended several dermatology clinics and ward rounds, involved myself in research and performed additional private study in dermatology. I received the Herman Lawrence dermatology prize at Monash University and undertook hospital rotations so as to increase my exposure to dermatology and its related specialities such as rheumatology and plastic surgery.

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 you can do to increase your dermatological experience, both clinical and research will be seen as an asset.

What do you do outside of medicine to relax?

I keep active with cross-country running and mountain-biking and have a keen interest in music with an ever-expanding collection of vinyl LPs.

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