Our History

1986-1990

OCTOBER 1986

A small group of dermatologists meet “to establish a further relationship between the Skin and Cancer Foundation in Sydney and the proposed Skin & Cancer Foundation in Melbourne, and to elect a working committee of the Skin and Cancer Foundation (Melbourne).”

OCTOBER 1986

JANUARY 1987

Business name of Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc registered. Foundation takes up residence at 12 St Andrews Place, East Melbourne, which was part of the old St Andrew’s Hospital.

JANUARY 1987

OCTOBER 1987

Dr Ken Paver is invited to officially open the Foundation. Dr Michael Rich becomes the inaugural President of the Foundation and Dr Greg Goodman, now Professor, is elected Vice-President.

OCTOBER 1987

1991-1993

JUNE 1991

Committee minutes record “Dr Rosemary Nixon to liaise with Rosemary Carter on the production of a new brochure concerning the Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc. This will be distributed Australia wide.”

JUNE 1991

SEPTEMBER 1993

The Board of St Vincent’s Hospital approves an Agreement with the Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc “for joint and cooperative activities to benefit dermatology in Victoria”.

SEPTEMBER 1993

1994-1997

DECEMBER 1994

Legislation allowed by the Governor-in-Council effecting the affiliation of the Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc with the University of Melbourne, coming into effect on 1 January 1995.

DECEMBER 1994

2000-2002

MARCH 2001

The Occupational Dermatology and Education Centre (ODREC) is established as a division of the Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc and the Occupational Dermatology Clinic relocates from Monash Medical Centre.

MARCH 2001

2002

The Foundation welcomes the Governor of Victoria, John Landy, as official Patron.
“We are honoured to have a man of Governor Landy’s stature as patron of our organisation.” This patronage has been generously continued by successive Governors Professor David de Kretser and, currently, the Honourable Linda Dessau, AC.

2002

FEBRUARY 2002

With great sadness and regret, the Foundation farewells its friend and colleague, Dr John Fewings.

The Foundation established an annual prize in 2003, known as the John Fewings Memorial Prize. The annual prize continues to this day, and is awarded at the Australasian College of Dermatologists’ Annual Scientific Meeting for the best paper in contact dermatitis.

FEBRUARY 2002

2005-2008

2005

Mr Peter Garamszegi resigns after 10 years as Chief Executive Officer and Mr Joe Mercuri is appointed General Manager, later Chief Executive Officer.

2005

The Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre enter a joint venture to establish the Skin Cancer Assessment Clinic.

2005

2008

The Governor of Victoria and Patron of the Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc, Professor David de Kretser AC, opens the new home of the Foundation at 80 Drummond Street, Carlton.

2008

The Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc establishes what is now the Australasian Psoriasis Registry, expanding on the rheumatology database developed with the support of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, Epiderm and the pharmaceutical industry.

The Australasian Psoriasis Register collects long-term information about patients’ psoriasis management, their health and quality of life, aiming to provide reliable and valid outcome data to Australian and New Zealand doctors.

2008

2009-2010

2009

Dr Tim Rutherford and Dr Edward Upjohn join Prof. Greg Goodman, Dr Vanessa Morgan and A/Prof Dr Philip Bekhor in providing Mohs’ surgery.

2009

MARCH 2010

The Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc becomes the first Australian centre to sign an agreement with Probity Medical Research, the international clinical trials consortium.

MARCH 2010

OCTOBER 2010

The Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc initiates a transition program for final-year registrars, to provide graduates with advice on career opportunities, practice management, work-life balance and financial planning. The program is well received, and now conducted annually at the Foundation.

OCTOBER 2010

DECEMBER 2010

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr Miklos Pohl OAM, commences Advanced Surgery Clinics at the Foundation.

DECEMBER 2010

2011-2012

2011

The Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc acquires a number of lasers to commence training and service provision in aesthetics. Injectables were also added. Associate Professor Greg Goodman, Dr Michael Rich as well as Plastic Surgeons Mr Phil Bekhor and Ms Belinda Welsh are major contributors to training in these clinics.

It is critical that registrars be properly trained, and for dermatologists to take a leadership role, in the provision of professionally delivered aesthetic services.

2011

The Governance Review results in constitutional change where external experts are appointed to the Board and dermatologists remain in majority.

2011

JULY 2012

Skin Gallery, a joint initiative with Arts Access Victoria, opens. The gallery supports local artists with an opportunity to exhibit their work, which is appreciated by our patients and staff. The Members & Staff Gallery is established along the corridor adjacent to the Level 1 Conference Room.

JULY 2012

AUGUST 2012

The Rotary Club of Melbourne supports the Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc to establish the Rotary Dermatology Research Centre.

The Rotary Dermatology Research Centre was opened by the Health Minister, the Hon David Davis MLC, allowing for consolidation of research and education activities in our ground floor area. In addition, the centre provides space and support for dermatology registrars during their four years of training.

AUGUST 2012

2013-2014

MARCH 2013

At the request of the Emily Tapp Foundation (organisers of the March Against Melanoma for the previous 7 years), the Foundation takes over the running of the March and holds it again along the famous St Kilda foreshore.

MARCH 2013

MAY 2013

The Foundation starts delivering training sessions to upskill GPs on the treatment and management of skin cancer, melanoma and inflammatory dermatoses. These workshops, fully accredited by the RACGP, prove to be enormously popular.

MAY 2013

JUNE 2013

The Foundation receives NSQHS certification for specialist dermatology clinical services, training, education, research and trials.

JUNE 2013

2014

The Foundation establishes the Australasian Society of Cosmetic Dermatology (ASCD) with the aim of extending education & training and to foster and develop professional standards.

2014

MARCH 2014

The Foundation leads industry submissions to House of Representatives’ Inquiry into Skin Cancer, and later appears before the Committee at its public hearings in Melbourne.

MARCH 2014

JULY 2014

The Foundation commences online education with webcasting of its professional education sessions. An initiative by the Foundation achieves 3-year grant funding from the Macquarie Foundation for national online professional dermatology education services. The Foundation garnered support from sister foundations in NSW and Qld to achieve this grant funding.

JULY 2014

AUGUST 2014

We Care Charitable Trust Royal Arch and Mark Freemasons provide a grant to support the work of the Foundation’s Medical Photography Unit.

AUGUST 2014

2015-2016

JUNE 2015

Expressions of interest sought for new joint venture with pathology service providers. Melbourne Pathology, part of the Sonic Group, is successful in developing a joint venture with Melbourne Skin Pathology.

JUNE 2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

The Foundation publishes first SHARC Report. The Skin Health Australia Report Card analyses results of national population survey on skin health, attitudes and behaviours.

SEPTEMBER 2015

OCTOBER 2015

World Psoriasis Day: Patient Information Evening conducted by the Foundation for patients, their families and carers. The Foundation runs a series of patient forums and provides other services and support for patient groups including Psoriasis Australia, the Australian Alopecia Areata Foundation (AAAF), the Eczema Association Australia, the Gorlin Syndrome group, Melanoma Patients Australia, Nevus Support Australia, the Vitiligo Association of Australia, and DEBRA, the support group for those with epidermolysis bullosa.

OCTOBER 2015

Corporate Skin Check services commence, providing in-house professional screening for private organisations as part of their staff wellbeing services. The service expands nationally as part of the Foundation’s public health education program.

OCTOBER 2015

On World Psoriasis Day, the Victorian Minister for Health tells the State Parliament about the work of the Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc in advancing the treatment and care of psoriasis in Australia and overseas.

OCTOBER 2015

MARCH 2016

The Foundation joins forces with the Melanoma Institute of Australia (MIA) for the Melanoma March Melbourne. The Foundation agrees with MIA for nationwide fundraising to be devoted to establishing Australia-wide melanoma database.

MARCH 2016

JUNE 2016

The Foundation commences Advanced Surgical training program for newly qualified dermatologists. The first graduate, Dr Johannes Kern, subsequently establishes the highly specialised Nail Surgical Clinic at the Foundation.

JUNE 2016

2017-2018

JUNE 2017

The Foundation expands research capabilities with funding for two melanoma projects, and the appointment of two research fellows.

JUNE 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017

The Australasian Society of Cosmetic Dermatology (ASCD) hosts its first standalone national Symposium in Melbourne. The Symposium sells out, with an intensive program over 3.5 days with extensive international guest speaker list and packed trade exhibition.

SEPTEMBER 2017

OCTOBER 2017

The Foundation celebrates its 30th Anniversary at a special event held at the Rialto in Melbourne. The event brings together many retired dermatologists and former staff to enjoy the evening’s presentations with business leaders, Foundation Ambassadors, colleagues and staff. The Federal Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, beams in to congratulate everyone.

OCTOBER 2017

Dr Michael Rich receives the Foundation’s Members Special Recognition Award, acknowledging the extensive service he has provided to the Foundation since its inception.

OCTOBER 2017

JANUARY 2018

The Foundation publishes the Sun Survey Data Report that, in part, reveals sun protection is not part of our daily routine, with three-quarters (76.1 per cent) of Australian parents saying their children only use sunscreen when they or their kids remember.
Even though Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer globally, the research shows around one in seven Aussie children (15.1 per cent) are not using sunscreen as a sun protection measure, with over half (54.7 per cent) forgetting to use or reapply.

JANUARY 2018

MARCH 2018

The Foundation publishes the Online Biologics Education Portal – an education resource for dermatologists, registrars, and nurses on the use of biologics therapies for the treatment and management of dermatology conditions.
The Portal now has more than half of the Australian dermatology profession using the resources made available.

MARCH 2018

The Melbourne Melanoma March is held at Princes Park, Carlton as a collaboration between the Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc and the Melanoma Institute of Australia. This year’s March raises$65K contributing to the $1.2 million raised for the national ‘Big Data’ project designated and the Australian MelCOR (Melanoma Clinical Outcomes Registry).

MARCH 2018

MAY 2018

Associate Professor Chris Baker, Foundation Board Member and former President, is honoured with the College’s highest award, the Silver Medal.

MAY 2018

2019-2020

2019

Junior Skin School is introduced, a program for first- and second-year registrars, tailoring sessions more closely to the practical needs of the junior trainees.
Clinical Trials reaches 1000 blood donors for CSL program.

Clinical Trials team exceeds recruitment for Sanofi Atopic Dermatitis study by 200%.

2019

SEPTEMBER 2019

Executive Director Chris Arnold resigns, and Dr Mei Tam steps down as President. New CEO Caroline Mulcahy is appointed, and A/Prof Ro Nixon is appointed President.

SEPTEMBER 2019

OCTOBER 2019

The Foundation’s new identity, the Skin Health Institute, is officially launched by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mr Anthony Carbines MP.

OCTOBER 2019

2020

The Board reviews and refreshes the 3-year Strategic Plan
Education pivots to delivering online Education program
Spot Diagnosis podcast is launched.

2020

JUNE 2020

The COVID-10 Medical Response Team is established.
The Institute receives a generous bequest from Dr Brian Entwistle.

JUNE 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020

The TGA determines the safety and effectiveness of bufexamac-containing products is unacceptable, after years of A/Prof Rosemary Nixon championing for the removal of this product from the Australian market.

SEPTEMBER 2020

2021-2022

JANUARY 2021

There is an amicable separation of the Institute and the Australasian Society of Cosmetic Dermatologists, led by Associate Professor Greg Goodman. The Legacy Series, a series of webinars featuring legends in the field of dermatology, is introduced.

JANUARY 2021

JUNE 2021

A/Prof Alvin Chong resigns as Director of Education and Dr Aaron Robinson is appointed as the new Director of Education.

JUNE 2021

SEPTEMBER 2021

The Vectra WB360 3D whole body imaging system is installed. The Research department then commenced recruitment into two national, multi-centre and collaborative skin cancer surveillance research projects, ACEMID and the IMAGE, using the state of the art Vectra WB360 3D imaging technology.

SEPTEMBER 2021

FEBRUARY 2022

The Advanced Therapeutics Education Portal (ATEP) launches – replacing the Online Biologics Education Portal (OBEP)

FEBRUARY 2022

OCTOBER 1986

JANUARY 1987

Business name of Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc registered. Foundation takes up residence at 12 St Andrews Place, East Melbourne, which was part of the old St Andrew’s Hospital.

JANUARY 1987

OCTOBER 1987

Dr Ken Paver is invited to officially open the Foundation. Dr Michael Rich becomes the inaugural President of the Foundation and Dr Greg Goodman, now Professor, is elected Vice-President.

OCTOBER 1987

JUNE 1991

SEPTEMBER 1993

The Board of St Vincent’s Hospital approves an Agreement with the Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc “for joint and cooperative activities to benefit dermatology in Victoria”.

SEPTEMBER 1993

DECEMBER 1994

Legislation allowed by the Governor-in-Council effecting the affiliation of the Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc with the University of Melbourne, coming into effect on 1 January 1995.

DECEMBER 1994

MARCH 2001

2002

FEBRUARY 2002

With great sadness and regret, the Foundation farewells its friend and colleague, Dr John Fewings.

FEBRUARY 2002

2005

Mr Peter Garamszegi resigns after 10 years as Chief Executive Officer and Mr Joe Mercuri is appointed General Manager, later Chief Executive Officer.

2005

The Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre enter a joint venture to establish the Skin Cancer Assessment Clinic.

2005

2008

The Governor of Victoria and Patron of the Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc, Professor David de Kretser AC, opens the new home of the Foundation at 80 Drummond Street, Carlton.

2008

2009

Dr Tim Rutherford and Dr Edward Upjohn join Prof. Greg Goodman, Dr Vanessa Morgan and A/Prof Dr Philip Bekhor in providing Mohs’ surgery.

2009

MARCH 2010

The Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc becomes the first Australian centre to sign an agreement with Probity Medical Research, the international clinical trials consortium.

MARCH 2010

OCTOBER 2010

DECEMBER 2010

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr Miklos Pohl OAM, commences Advanced Surgery Clinics at the Foundation.

DECEMBER 2010

2011

The Governance Review results in constitutional change where external experts are appointed to the Board and dermatologists remain in majority.

2011

JULY 2012

AUGUST 2012

The Rotary Club of Melbourne supports the Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc to establish the Rotary Dermatology Research Centre.

AUGUST 2012

MARCH 2013

MAY 2013

JUNE 2013

The Foundation receives NSQHS certification for specialist dermatology clinical services, training, education, research and trials.

JUNE 2013

2014

The Foundation establishes the Australasian Society of Cosmetic Dermatology (ASCD) with the aim of extending education & training and to foster and develop professional standards.

2014

MARCH 2014

The Foundation leads industry submissions to House of Representatives’ Inquiry into Skin Cancer, and later appears before the Committee at its public hearings in Melbourne.

MARCH 2014

JULY 2014

AUGUST 2014

We Care Charitable Trust Royal Arch and Mark Freemasons provide a grant to support the work of the Foundation’s Medical Photography Unit.

AUGUST 2014

JUNE 2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

The Foundation publishes first SHARC Report. The Skin Health Australia Report Card analyses results of national population survey on skin health, attitudes and behaviours.

SEPTEMBER 2015

OCTOBER 2015

MARCH 2016

JUNE 2016

JUNE 2017

The Foundation expands research capabilities with funding for two melanoma projects, and the appointment of two research fellows.

JUNE 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017

OCTOBER 2017

Dr Michael Rich receives the Foundation’s Members Special Recognition Award, acknowledging the extensive service he has provided to the Foundation since its inception.

OCTOBER 2017

JANUARY 2018

MARCH 2018

MAY 2018

Associate Professor Chris Baker, Foundation Board Member and former President, is honoured with the College’s highest award, the Silver Medal.

MAY 2018

2019

Clinical Trials team exceeds recruitment for Sanofi Atopic Dermatitis study by 200%.

2019

SEPTEMBER 2019

Executive Director Chris Arnold resigns, and Dr Mei Tam steps down as President. New CEO Caroline Mulcahy is appointed, and A/Prof Ro Nixon is appointed President.

SEPTEMBER 2019

OCTOBER 2019

The Foundation’s new identity, the Skin Health Institute, is officially launched by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mr Anthony Carbines MP.

OCTOBER 2019

2020

The Board reviews and refreshes the 3-year Strategic Plan
Education pivots to delivering online Education program
Spot Diagnosis podcast is launched.

2020

JUNE 2020

The COVID-10 Medical Response Team is established.
The Institute receives a generous bequest from Dr Brian Entwistle.

JUNE 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020

JANUARY 2021

JUNE 2021

A/Prof Alvin Chong resigns as Director of Education and Dr Aaron Robinson is appointed as the new Director of Education.

JUNE 2021

SEPTEMBER 2021

FEBRUARY 2022

The Advanced Therapeutics Education Portal (ATEP) launches – replacing the Online Biologics Education Portal (OBEP)

FEBRUARY 2022

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