Dr Joseph Sangatu’s path to Dermatology was shaped by his extensive experience as a general practitioner. Coming from a small island close to Honiara, he pursued and in 2013 achieved his dream of becoming a graduate from the Fiji School of Medicine (FSM). After completing his medical degree, Dr Sangatu worked in various departments at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara. During the COVID-19 pandemic he served in the emergency department and initially considered specialising in Emergency Medicine.
Fate had other plans for Dr Sangatu. When the availability of an Emergency Medicine scholarship was uncertain, a Pacific Leprosy Foundation (PLF) scholarship for Dermatology opened a new opportunity – one that had never been explored before in the Solomon Islands.
In the Pacific, specialised Dermatology services are scarce. Unaware of what a dermatologist does or the specific dermatological needs of his country, Dr Sangatu took a leap of faith and enrolled in the degree developed by Pacific Dermatology Ltd: a Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology programme at Fiji National University (FNU). His studies began in quarantine in Fiji during the COVID19 pandemic.
As Dr Sangatu’s studies progressed, he realised that many of the conditions he had previously encountered in general practice could have been treated earlier, preventing complications and unnecessary suffering for the patients. His training provided insights into the depth of dermatological conditions and the crucial role they played in overall health. He learned about the skin diseases unique to the Pacific, many of which had been misdiagnosed or mistreated for years.
Bringing Dermatology home
Returning home with a one-year postgraduate diploma Dr Sangatu was eager to implement what he had learned. However, the challenges were immense – the resources including medications were limited – health practitioners, policy makers and public awareness about skin health was minimal. Instead of being discouraged, Dr Sangatu acted. He reached out to other established medical departments and professionals to learn from their advocacy efforts and started working towards gathering more resources for Dermatology services.
One patient case that remains close to Dr Sangatu’s heart is that of a 28-year-old male patient who had been living with Darier Disease for more than 10 years. Dr Sangatu had never encountered the condition before, so he sought knowledge beyond his formal training. He watched a YouTube lecture on the disease and reached out to the Canadian dermatologist who had delivered the presentation. With her guidance and medications sourced through his connections in Fiji, Dr Sangatu was able to successfully treat the patient. The young man’s condition improved remarkably, and he expressed how those weeks of relief had been the best days of his life. Moments like this reaffirmed Dr Sangatu’s decision to specialise in dermatology.
Looking ahead
Dr Sangatu knows there is still a long road ahead. Before enrolling in the Master of Medicine in Dermatology, he helped to identify another doctor to train in the postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology. Now, while he pursues his 2nd year of the Master’s programme, Dr Sangatu’s colleague is supported by two medical officers and two nurses in the Dermatology department at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara.
Dr Sangatu dreams of a future where Dermatology services are available in every Pacific nation, ensuring no patient is left untreated due to the lack of specialised care. He hopes to mentor and inspire young doctors, encouraging them to pursue Dermatology as a vital and rewarding career path.
When asked what keeps him going, Dr Sangatu smiles. “Every patient I help, every life I change, it is worth it. Skin health is not just about appearance, it is about dignity, confidence, and overall wellbeing. Everyone deserves access to that.”
Through his dedication and determination, Dr Sangatu is not just treating skin diseases- he is transforming lives.
