CeraVe Australia, part of the L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty portfolio, has launched a new initiative in partnership with Dermatology Australasia to improve access to skin health care in rural and regional communities. Backed by a $120,000 investment, the program will fund 20 rural GPs to complete the Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology, helping to address the shortage of dermatologists and improve early diagnosis and management of common skin conditions. We spoke with Penelope Thornett, Managing Director of L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty AUNZ, to learn more about the importance of this initiative and how it supports L’Oréal’s global Act for Dermatology mission to make skin health more accessible for all.
How do you see this partnership between CeraVe and Dermatology Australasia transforming access to dermatological care in rural and remote Australian communities?
This partnership represents a crucial step forward in bridging the access gap in skin health services for Australians living in rural or remote areas. By funding training for rural GPs through Dermatology Australasia, we’re directly empowering those on the front line to better recognise, diagnose and manage common skin conditions. Ultimately, this initiative is about providing equitable access to
quality dermatological care regardless of where someone lives to ensure early intervention is possible.
What are some of the most common skin conditions rural GPs face, and how will the Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology help in better diagnosing and managing these cases?
Rural GPs frequently encounter skin conditions such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, rosacea and various types of skin infections, as well as identifying potentially serious concerns like skin cancers. The Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology equips GPs with specialised training to better manage these conditions confidently and effectively. This not only improves the standard of care locally, but also helps reduce unnecessary referrals and long wait times for patients who do need specialist care.
With Australia facing both a dermatologist and rural GP shortage, how significant is this training initiative in addressing that healthcare gap?
The shortage of dermatologists country-wide is a critical issue, with 1 dermatologist to every 40,000 Australians. When combining this with the already stretched rural GP workforce, the challenges are compounding quickly. This training initiative is a targeted approach at enhancing the dermatological expertise of rural GPs, building instant capacity in areas where it is needed most. This provides these
areas with not just a short-term fix, but an investment into the long-term resilience of the rural health system.
What impact do you anticipate this program will have on patient outcomes, particularly in terms of early diagnosis and reducing the need for specialist referrals?
We anticipate a measurable improvement in patient outcomes through earlier diagnosis and more proactive skin health management. When GPs are equipped with advanced dermatological knowledge, they can manage more cases locally, reducing the delays associated with accessing specialists. This allows patients to receive timely and effective care and diagnosis closer to home.
How does this local initiative reflect or support the broader goals of L’Oréal’s global Act for Dermatology program?
This initiative is a local expression of a global commitment. L’Oréal’s Act for Dermatology is about expanding access to skin health in communities where it is limited or lacking altogether. With one third of the world’s countries considered dermatological deserts, we see it as our responsibility to help close this gap. By supporting training for rural GPs here in Australia, we are working towards pursuing
these global values in a local and tangible way.
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