“We started this dedicated skin clinic because we are genuinely passionate about the specialty, and the region lacked a service of this kind, which was very much needed,” GV Skin and Specialist Centre principals Dr Matthew Wong and Dr Wil Chong said.
“Our vision is to reduce the mortality and the broader impact of skin cancer across the Goulburn Valley communities.”
The clinic has since drawn patients from well beyond the region.
“Patients travel to see us from as far afield as Finley, Deniliquin, Mansfield, Bendigo and Melbourne, and we have welcomed international patients from the UK and Sweden, among others,” the doctors said.
“We began with two doctors, and Dr Saif joined the team in 2022.
“This growth in our clinical team means shorter wait times and greater availability for consultations, skin checks and skin cancer treatments.”
Since earlier this year, the clinic has expanded to six doctors, four dermoscopists, four practice nurses and three receptionists.
The full-time doctors are Dr Matthew and Dr Wil, supported by part-time doctors Dr Saif, Dr Naga, Dr Ayo and Dr Sumitha.
Dermoscopists Olivia, Jennifer, Emily and Monique, practice nurses Julie, Lynda, Bailey and Stephanie, and receptionists Kellianne, Leah and Liz complete the team.
Services include full body skin checks, spot checks, mole mapping (total body photography), dermatology consultations and wound care.
The doctors said older Australians are at particular risk.
“Older generations, particularly those who grew up before the 1980s, did not have access to sunscreen or SunSmart education,” they said.
“As a result, many experienced significant sunburn over the years, and that cumulative sun damage has left them more likely to develop multiple skin cancers.”
An annual skin check is recommended for everyone, though higher-risk patients may need one every three to six months.
“If you notice any of these changes, please don’t wait: seek medical attention from a skin doctor like us as soon as you can,” the doctors said.
“Early attention genuinely makes a difference.
“Being SunSmart, Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide, remains the best primary prevention against skin cancer, and having a regular skin check is the essential second line of defence.”
GV Skin and Specialist Centre is a private clinic and an out-of-pocket fee applies to all consultations and procedures.
Concession card holders and pensioners are charged a reduced fee, and all patients with Australian residency or citizenship can claim a Medicare rebate.
“We would love to encourage everyone across the Goulburn Valley communities to give us a call and book in for their regular skin check,” the doctors said.
“It is a simple step, and it can be a life-saving one.”
You can find GV Skin and Specialist Centre at 20 Wyndham St, Shepparton.
To request a booking, phone 03 5820 0500 or visit gvskin.com.au
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