The first Masters of Medicine in Dermatology (Fiji National University) students at the Pacific Dermatology Training Centre graduated in December 2024 and a further 4 students are on track to complete the Masters in December 2026.
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. In 2024, we were delighted that the first Masters of Medicine in Dermatology students graduated in December; becoming 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 who graduated 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.
