In 2017, when we registered Australian charity Pacific Dermatology, there were only three dermatologists living and practising in the Pacific. Since then, thanks to generous donations of time and funds, we have supported significant progress: educating more Pacific doctors to become skin specialists.

We established a doctor training centre in Suva in 2019 at Tamavua Twomey Hospital, and an academic qualification pathway via Fiji National University. Now, in 2024, we are delighted that the first Masters of Medicine in Dermatology students will graduate in December; once graduated they will be fully qualified Dermatologists.        

Our achievements include:

• Securing two significant donations in our first three years: seed funding for our vision
• Development of the Postgraduate Diploma of Dermatology and Master of Medicine in  Dermatology curricula and academic credentials from Fiji National University – visiting lecturers, online teaching and in-country examining by international dermatologists (mainly Australians)
• Opening of the Pacific Dermatology Training Centre at Tamavua Twomey Hospital, Suva, Fiji
• 11 Post Graduate Diploma of Dermatology students from Fiji, , Kiribati and Samoa graduated
• Seven Master of Medicine in Dermatology students from Fiji, Solomon Islands and Kiribati with three graduating in December 2024

Our ultimate goal is for Fiji National University to take over the academic program – we believe in developing locally-led and sustainable solutions. However, we expect that support from our Pacific Dermatology and its supporters here in Australia and around the world, will be required for at least another eight years, until more doctors are qualified and experienced, and other critical infrastructure is in place.