The Skin Health Institute’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 15 November marked a significant transition in leadership. After four years at the helm, Associate Professor Rosemary Nixon AM handed over the reins, and Dr Edward Upjohn assumed the role of President.
Rosemary’s tenure has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her profound influence on the Institute spans a career characterised by innovation, dedication, and service, first stepping onto the Board in 1989 until 2001. Then again from 2009, serving as Vice-President for many of those years.
With qualifications in dermatology and occupational medicine, Ro’s service to the Institute has been marked by many milestones, including establishing the Occupational Dermatology Clinic in 1993. She’s been instrumental in leading the Occupational Dermatology Research and Education Centre at the Institute, contributing to significant progress in treatment and knowledge of allergens through her research.
Notably, her global influence has led to her membership in the prestigious International Contact Dermatitis Research Group and the publication of over 150 scientific papers. These are only some of the facets of her career that has seen her honoured with numerous awards and accolades, including the Order of Australia in 2017.
Throughout her tenure as President from 2019, Ro steered the Institute through the turbulent waters of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, the Institute continued to provide exceptional dermatological care while adapting to the challenges of the times.
Ro has now passed the baton on to Dr Edward Upjohn who has had a long-standing association with the Skin Health Institute and is a respected Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists and a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery.
With over ten years of experience as a Mohs specialist at the Institute, Edward has been a valuable mentor, sharing his knowledge and skills with dermatology registrars.
Edward’s involvement with the Skin Health Institute has seen him serve on the Board, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the Institute’s strategic direction. After a brief hiatus from the Board, he returned in 2022. Part of his role as President will see Edward chairing Board meetings, and serving as a member of several critical committees, including the Finance Audit and Risk Management Committee and the Governance Committee.
The transition in leadership marks a new chapter for the Skin Health Institute, one that builds upon the strong foundations laid by A/Prof Rosemary Nixon AM and introduces fresh perspectives and opportunities under the capable guidance of Dr Edward Upjohn. We look forward to the future and continued excellence in dermatological care under his leadership.
