Dr Graham Macdonald
MBChB, Dip Obs, BSc
Diploma: Professional Diploma in Dermoscopy 2022
Associate Member NZSCD - New Zealand Skin Cancer Doctors
A Bit About Me
In 2021 I retired from General Practice to pursue my subspeciality and passion - skin cancer detection and treatment. This has been a big part of my practice over the years.
About 25 years ago I trained at “Mole Check” working part time with Dr David Langford. This is where I learnt the skill of using a dermoscope. The dermoscope is a handheld instrument which uses polarized and non-polarized light and 10x magnification. With the use of a dermoscope the Skin Cancer Doctor examines the skin, seeing structures and “clues” which aid the diagnosis. If a Specialist or a GP examines your skin without a dermoscope no matter how experienced and qualified they are, they will miss 40% of skin cancers (mainly melanomas). The dermoscope combined with digital imaging, enables us to pick up over 90% of skin cancers. An experienced operator is more likely to be able to distinguish the normal from the abnormal.
In 2022 I completed my Professional Diploma of Dermoscopy. I also have become an Associate member of the New Zealand Skin Cancer Doctors (NZSCD). The NZSCD sets the standard, provides accountability, ongoing education and clinical audits for the specialty as a skin cancer doctor.
The Coast Skin clinic has been established working from the lovely seaside location at 184 Main Rd Redcliffs. I am working with Dr Sean Thomson, our very able nurse Tanya and great support staff.
At Coast Skin we use state of art software which enables storage and manipulation of high quality digital images, to aid the diagnosis and management of skin cancers.
I am passionate about getting outdoors and enjoying our amazing South Island. I love fly fishing, cycling and boating….. using good sun protection of course!
I also love hunting for melanomas and killing them!
Come in and see us.