Pacific Dermatology’s mission is to improve skin health in the Pacific by increasing the number of doctors with specialist level expertise in the prevention and management of skin disease. Currently there are only three dermatologists living and practising in the South Pacific.
We have provided funds to establish a suitably equipped training centre in Fiji at PJ Twomey Hospital, where qualified doctors can complete a Diploma of Dermatology or Master of Medicine in Dermatology accredited by Fiji National University. We have provided a range of support, such as enabling teachers to travel to Fiji or during the global pandemic, to provide lectures via videoconference. Teachers provide clinical and theory-based teaching. We are seeking donations, grants and other assistance to allow the program to continue, to provide scholarships to Pacific students wishing to undertake the one year Diploma in Dermatology or the four year Master of Medicine in Dermatology in Fiji and to buy specialised equipment.
Our vision is that everyone in the South Pacific should be able to access specialised medical advice on skin health and disease in their country of residence.
Meet our board
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Robyn Burley
DIRECTOR
Robyn's most recent roles have been Executive General Manager of Education and Assessment for Royal Australasian College of Physicians and Executive Director Workforce Planning and Development for NSW Health. This includes medical education policy at state and national level and Physician postgraduate education in Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand.
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Tim Wills
Chair
Tim was the CEO of the Australasian College of Dermatologists until February 2022. He was involved in the College’s bidding to the International League of Dermatology Societies to host the 2023 World Congress which brought Tim closer to the ILDS, to their International Fund which funds a dermatology training program in Moshi, Tanzania and their work with the WHO. Tim has a deep knowledge of dermatology training, education processes, Australian dermatologists who teach and supervise, and College directions on international dermatology. Skilled in governance, working with boards, strategic development, risk, financial, people and operational management.
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Sister Helen Maguire
Treasurer
Helen is a Loreto Sister with a background in education. Having completed a Primary Teaching Diploma and a Diploma in Educational Administration Helen taught in schools across Australia, was a Junior School Principal for 28 years and has spent time with the Loreto Sisters in Kolkata India and in Vietnam. Helen worked in both paediatric and adult hospitals for several years in the Pastoral Care of patients, families and staff. Since 2014 she has been involved in supporting the Fiji Albinism project begun by Dr Margot Whitfeld.
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Yvette Vignando
Director
Yvette is the CEO of Mary's House Services which runs a refuge for women and children and a case management service for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence. Her most recent role was CEO of Justice Support Centre. Her career has spanned law, executive coaching and leadership training with a specialisation in emotional intelligence, publishing and media, company secretarial and leadership in the non-profit and school sectors.
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Dr Margot Whitfeld
Director
Assoc. Prof Margot Whitfeld is a Sydney based dermatologist who has been conducting research and teaching in the Pacific since 1994 after completing her Fellowship in Dermatology in Australia and a Diploma in Tropical Health and Hygiene from the UK. She has worked at St Vincent’s Hospital since 1996, including 9 years as Head of Department. She has been a lecturer at UNSW since 2003, and lectures also at Notre Dame and University of Sydney. Her Pacific-based research includes three NHMRC grants and a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funded project.
