The Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) is the training body and peak membership organisation for dermatologists in Australia.
We are committed to working to ensure Australia has a skilled dermatology workforce of sufficient size to meet the skin health needs of all Australian patients and communities.
Training dermatologists
Dermatologists are specialist medical doctors who are the experts in conditions of the skin, hair, nails and skin cancer. With skills and expertise spanning medical, surgical and procedural dermatology, specialist dermatologists are at the forefront of skin health research and innovation.
To become a dermatologist in Australia, applicants must be a registered medical practitioner and be accepted onto the Australasian College of Dermatologists’ specialist training program where they will complete at least four years of specialist dermatology training.
This involves working alongside and under the supervision of experience dermatologists to complete thousands of hours treating patients, and passing final exams.
The College also assesses medical practitioners with dermatology qualifications about obtained outside Australia (International Medical Graduates) who may wish to practice dermatology in Australia.
Dermatologists in Australia
The Australasian College of Dermatologists represents 645 specialist dermatologists (Fellows) and 110 trainees nationally. Our Fellows work and train in public hospitals and private practice.
Outreach services
Many College Fellows also provide critical dermatology outreach services to regional, rural and remote areas of Australia.
Our Faculties
Fellows and our training program are organised across five state-based Faculties.
Snapshot of the workforce
View our snapshot of the Australian dermatologist workforce including age, gender and geographic distribution and trainee profile.
Addressing workforce challenges
Accessing a dermatologist can be challenging. There is a substantial workforce shortage which is particularly acute in regional, rural and remote Australia with only 6% living and practising in these areas.
2022 White Paper
The shortage is not due to a lack of doctors interested in becoming dermatologists but rather the limited number of training and supervisor positions in the public system.
As a College, we work collaboratively with federal, state and territory governments to increase the number of training and consultant positions in the public system, and to secure sustainable funding for outreach, is a key focus.
We also provide education for GPs and other health professionals to support them in providing the best possible care for their patients.
Locating a dermatologist
Our Find a Derm tool allows you to access our comprehensive database to search for dermatologists by geographic location or expertise.
