Never mind,
said Holmes, laughing; it is my business to know things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?
Sherlock Holmes, in A Case of Identity
from Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
To continue learning and developing new skills
To be a great teacher and lecturer
To achieve a balance between work and family
To treat my patients and colleagues as they would like to be treated
Attention to detail
Empathic
Holistic approach
Pragmatic when needed
I am privileged and proud to be a Dermatologist. It is a rewarding job. There are many challenges and at times there are similarities to the work of Sherlock Holmes whose attributes included:
Many quotes from Sherlock Holmes are relevant to the practise of medicine (perhaps especially Dermatology although I am biased). Even though he is a fictional character, I would confess that I regard him as an influential mentor and that is why I chose the name and the logo for my web-site
Dermatology is the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders. The nature of the problem varies widely and can be classified in different ways:
Common physical symptoms include itch, pain, tenderness and irritation. Rarely is a skin disorder life-threatening but a large life-affecting daily impact is not uncommon.
Having been in dermatology since 2001 I have gained considerable experience and so I am well placed to advise and help with any skin disorder or skin lesion. I will be honest and open and strive to achieve the best outcomes possible. I schedule 30 minute slots for new patients and 15 minutes appointments for follow-ups. I produce a written summary of every consultation and send this to the client and the GP aiming to turn this around within 3 days.
To get a thorough history takes time. Details such as occupation, hobbies, medicines taken (including over-the-counter preparations) should not be overlooked. A dermatologist should also pay attention to the psyche; body image concern, feelings of embarrassment, low mood and social anxiety are common. Dermatologists become skilful in the art of pattern recognition; often a skin disorder can be diagnosed by the clinical features apparent on visual inspection and palpation and so no further tests are needed.
Skin cancer is on the rise. It is important to make the correct diagnosis and choose the best treatment option. Did you know more than 20 per cent of potentially deadly melanomas are pale? Further information on the common skin cancers - basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma can be found at the British Association of Dermatologists public information section
The dermoscope could be considered a dermatologist's stethoscope. Use of this simple imaging device has proved an essential aid in diagnosing lesions especially in detecting early melanoma and distinguishing benign (non-cancerous) from malignant (cancerous) skin growths. One can recognise morphologic structures not visible by the naked eye, thus opening up a new submacroscopic morphological world
, Argenziano 2009
I can see patients for a private consultation at the request of a GP or, directly without the need to see a GP, as a self-referral. I am recognised with all the major health insurance companies.
I am currently consulting at the following locations and times: