Doctors

A/Prof Paul Fishburn

Associate Professor Paul Fishburn is a leading Australian practitioner in skin cancer medicine and surgery and the founder of Norwest Skin Cancer Centre, which he established in 2009.

He began his academic career with a Bachelor of Pharmacy with First Class Honours before completing his medical degree at the University of Sydney. He subsequently undertook further postgraduate training, completing a Diploma in Practical Dermatology from the University of Wales and a Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) from the University of Queensland.

After five years working in general medicine, A/Prof Fishburn attained Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Since 2002 he has worked exclusively in the field of skin cancer medicine and surgery, developing extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of skin cancer.

He has played an important role in advancing education and standards in skin cancer medicine. From 2005 to 2010 he served as Censor of the Skin Cancer College of Australasia, where he designed the assessment program for Fellowship of the College. He was also an inaugural Fellow of the College by examination and was awarded the College Medal in the final Fellowship examination.

A/Prof Fishburn has also contributed to national clinical guidance. Since 2017 he has been a member of the Cancer Council Australia guidelines committee, contributing as a co-author to sections of the national guidelines for the management of melanoma and keratinocyte skin cancers (BCC and SCC).

He maintains a strong academic role with the University of Queensland, where he was appointed Senior Lecturer in the Skin Cancer Unit of the Faculty of Medicine in 2009. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Medicine, coordinates the Advanced Therapeutics and Advanced Clinical Cases in Skin Cancer Diagnosis and Management courses, and was appointed the Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) Program Convenor in 2024.

Through his clinical work, teaching and guideline development, A/Prof Fishburn remains committed to improving the detection and management of skin cancer and to training the next generation of skin cancer doctors.

A/Prof Fishburn holds the following qualifications and certificates:

Dr Stewart Precians

Dr Stewart Precians is one of the early pioneers of skin cancer medicine in Australia. In 1993 he established the Parramatta Skin Cancer Clinic, one of the first dedicated skin cancer clinics in the country. Since that time, he has worked exclusively in the field of skin cancer medicine and surgery, developing extensive expertise in the early detection and management of skin cancers.

Dr Precians graduated from the University of Sydney and later completed a Diploma in Practical Dermatology from the University of Wales. After several years working in general medicine, he developed a strong interest in skin cancer care and transitioned to dedicated skin cancer practice, where he has focused his career for more than three decades.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr Precians has been actively involved in the education and development of skin cancer doctors. For over 30 years he has assisted in the training and examination of doctors undertaking advanced education in skin cancer medicine.

He has also contributed to national clinical guidance as a member of the multidisciplinary expert working party for the NHMRC publication Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Cutaneous Melanoma (1999), representing the perspective of primary care skin cancer practitioners.

Dr Precians brings a wealth of experience to skin cancer diagnosis and treatment and remains deeply committed to the early detection and effective management of skin cancer.

Dr Precians holds the following qualifications and certificates:

Dr Christene Mikhail

Dr Christene Mikhail is a highly experienced doctor with advanced expertise in skin cancer medicine and surgery, dedicated exclusively to the early detection and management of skin cancer. She holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy and graduated with distinction in Medicine from the University of Newcastle.

Following hospital training at St George and Sutherland Hospitals, she completed specialist general practice training through the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Dr Mikhail has undertaken extensive advanced training in skin cancer medicine, culminating in a Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) from the University of Queensland in 2024.

She is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland, teaching dermatoscopy and skin cancer diagnostics, and contributes to the advancement of the field through academic research, including publication in the British Medical Journal.

Dr Mikhail is known for her meticulous, evidence-based approach and commitment to achieving the highest standards in skin cancer detection and treatment.

Dr Mikhail holds the following qualifications and certificates:

Dr Steven Ma

Dr Steven Ma is an experienced skin cancer doctor with advanced training in the diagnosis and surgical management of skin cancer. 

He completed his medical degree in Queensland before returning to Sydney, where he gained several years of hospital experience working at both St George and Sutherland Hospitals.

Dr Ma has undertaken extensive postgraduate training in skin cancer medicine and surgery, including completing a Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) from the University of Queensland, one of the most advanced academic qualifications in the field. He has also contributed to the medical literature, publishing in peer-reviewed journals on the surgical management of skin cancer.

Dr Ma is known for his careful clinical approach, precision in skin cancer surgery and dedication to providing high-quality, evidence-based care.

Dr Ma holds the following qualifications and certificates:

Dr Joanne Malek

Dr Joanne (Jo) Malek brings extensive surgical experience and a strong academic background to her work in skin cancer medicine.

She graduated from the University of Newcastle and completed her junior medical training at Westmead Hospital before undertaking nine years of advanced surgical training in head and neck surgery and otolaryngology across major hospitals in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. During this time, she developed significant expertise in the diagnosis and management of head and neck malignancies and has published widely in these fields.

Following her surgical training, Dr Malek completed her Fellowship in General Practice. Her background in head and neck oncology naturally led to a strong interest in skin cancer medicine, where her diagnostic skills and surgical training are highly applicable to the detection and management of skin cancers of the head, neck and body.

Dr Malek has also worked closely with several highly respected plastic surgeons in Sydney, further refining her procedural and reconstructive skills.

She is known for her meticulous surgical technique, careful attention to detail and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for her patients.

Dr Malek holds the following qualifications:

Dr Vy Huynh

Dr Vy Huynh is a dedicated skin cancer doctor with extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of skin cancer.

He holds advanced qualifications in skin cancer medicine and surgery and provides comprehensive care across all aspects of skin cancer management, including thorough skin cancer checks, dermatoscopic diagnosis, surgical treatment and topical therapies.

Dr Huynh takes a proactive approach to skin health, working closely with patients to develop personalised prevention strategies and treatment plans aimed at reducing their long-term risk of skin cancer. He places a strong emphasis on early detection and evidence-based treatment to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Known for his thorough and patient-centred approach, Dr Huynh is committed to both clinical excellence and patient education, ensuring that each patient leaves with a clear understanding of their skin health and how to protect their skin into the future.

Dr Huynh holds the following qualifications: