Skin specialist in Horsham

Wimmera residents will soon have access to comprehensive skin checks in Horsham through a visiting skin cancer doctor.

Dr David Lester will see patients at Australian Skin Face Body’s Horsham clinic from next month.

Clinic manager Gabriella Da Ros said Dr Lester’s appointment to the team was a huge win for the Wimmera community.

“We understand there is a shortage of doctors in Horsham and the surrounding area at the moment,” she said.

“Many people have needed to wait months for a skin-check appointment and the hope is to improve early detection.”

Ms Da Ros said Dr Lester had considerable experience and qualifications in skin cancer diagnosis and management.

“He spent six years gaining valuable skin cancer knowledge and surgical skills on the Sunshine Coast, and has diplomas from the Skin Cancer College of Australasia,” she said.

“After graduating from Monash University, Dr Lester spent many years in general practice. He now focuses solely on skin cancer, and is part way towards a fellowship – the highest skin cancer qualification for GPS – with the skin cancer college.”

Dr Lester said he looked forward to seeing Wimmera patients.

“Studies and statistics show skin cancer is preventable and over 95 percent of skin cancers can be successfully treated if found early,” he said.

“It’s simple – have a full body skin check every year so anything nasty can be detected early. A skin check is easy and takes about 20 minutes. It’s just one of those things you need to do.”

Dr Lester starts in Horsham on April 6 and 7.

Ms Da Ros said appointments for his April visit were almost booked out.

Dr Lester’s next block of Horsham appointments is from May 9 to 11.

“He will then be back every second week of each following month, for a week at a time,” Ms Da Ros said.

People can call Horsham’s Australian Skin Face Body clinic on 5382 0897 to make an appointment.