Spot Diagnosis
Spot Diagnosis
Skin Health Institute
Spot Diagnosis examines the common skin complaints that general medical practitioners are frequently presented with. It is tailored specifically for medical students, and GPs, but should also be useful for nurses and pharmacists. The series provides evidence-based, up-to-date medical education & information aimed at upskilling medical practitioners in treating skin complaints, in order to improve the skin health of our communities. The series is hosted by Associate Professor Alvin Chong, senior specialist Dermatologist, Director of Education at the Skin Health Institute in Melbourne and senior lecturer in dermatology at the University of Melbourne. A/Prof Chong discusses each issue with leading dermatologists who have sub-specialty expertise in those skin conditions being addressed. Transcripts and other education resources for medical students & GPs are available on our website - see www.spotdiagnosis.org.au. Listening to this podcast now incurs 9 RACGP CPD Activity points for Australian General Practitioners! Please visit our website for more details.
S8 E8 Nail Disorders
Dermatology is a visual specialty and nowhere is that more evident than on the nails. In this episode, Associate Professor Alvin Chong and Dr Jacqui Jiang sit down with leading nail expert, dermatologist Professor Johannes Kern. We dive into the world of fungal nail infections, nail tumours, nail psoriasis and subungual warts… Listen here for clues that can help you to ‘nail’ the diagnosis!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 30
1 hr 2 min
S8 E7 Creativity in Medicine
Is there room for creativity in a profession built on protocols and evidence? Associate Professor Alvin Chong and Dr Jacqui Jiang sit down with plastic surgeon and Australian Doctors Orchestra founder Mr Miklós Pohl OAM, dermatologist and comedian Dr Ahmed Kazmi, and resident doctor and comedian Dr Noah Szto to talk about creativity in medicine. Together they discuss how creativity feeds clinical practice, offers catharsis, and helps health professionals stay grounded and connected to their patients. A warm, funny and thought-provoking conversation on creativity in medicine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 31
57 min
S8 E6 Lupus and the Skin
Lupus is a condition dermatologists know as one of the great diagnostic mimics. In this episode, Dr Jacqueline Jiang and Associate Professor Alvin Chong sit down with rheumatologist Professor Alberta Hoi and dermatologist Associate Professor Laura Scardamaglia to demystify this complex autoimmune condition. We dive into the different classifications, how lupus presents and how it’s diagnosed. We also discuss where treatment is heading, from sun protection and hydroxychloroquine through to newer therapies such as anifrolumab and breakthroughs in CAR-T cell therapy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 11
53 min
S8 E5 Psychodermatology
Some of the most challenging and misunderstood conditions in dermatology are not defined by what we can see, but by what the patient experiences. Psychodermatology sits at this intersection where the skin and the brain are in constant dialogue. In this episode, Associate Professor Alvin Chong and Dr Jacqui Jiang sit down with specialist dermatologist Dr Josie Yeatman to talk about skin picking disorder, delusional parasitosis, dermatitis artefacta, trichotillomania and cutaneous dysaesthesias.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 30
57 min
S8 E4 Cosmetic Dermatology 101
The cosmetics industry is booming, and misinformation is keeping pace. In this episode, A/Prof Alvin Chong and Dr Jacqui Jiang sit down with leading cosmetic dermatologists, A/Prof Phil Bekhor and Dr Cara McDonald to cut through the noise. From botulinum toxin, dermal filler and lasers to body dysmorphia, social media trends and what skincare routine our experts recommend to their patients, we discuss all of this and more in ‘Cosmetic Dermatology 101’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 26
1 hr 17 min
S8 E3 Skin and the Eyes
A mildly itchy eyelid. A periocular rash. A drug that transforms lives for patients with eczema – but comes with a catch. In this episode, dermatologist Associated Professor Alvin Chong and new co-host Dr Jacqui Jiang are joined by ophthalmologist Dr Nathan Wong to explore the intersection of the skin and the eyes. From eyelid dermatitis and ocular rosacea to the side effects of drugs commonly used to treat skin conditions, this conversation is packed with practical clinical pearls. Plus – can a tattoo threaten your vision? The answer might surprise you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 28
1 hr 6 min
S8 E2 Oncology and the Skin
Over the past decades, oncologists have developed an armament of incredible new anti-cancer medications. Unfortunately, these impressive medications also have an impressive list of side effects, many of which affect the skin. In this episode, we explore these adverse effects alongside dermatologist A/Prof Michelle Goh and oncologist Dr Luke McLean.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 1
30 min
S8 E1 Pyoderma Gangrenosum
Few conditions cause as much uncertainty as pyoderma gangrenosum. When should you suspect an ulcer is pyoderma? How should you investigate it? What treatment options are available? We investigate these questions and more with Associate Professor Robert Kelly, an expert in ulceration and pyoderma gangrenosum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 24
34 min
S7 E9 Update on Atopic Eczema
In the five years since our initial episode on eczema, two new game-changing systemic therapies have been added to the PBS. Despite this progress, controversy in eczema remains, and issues such as topical steroid withdrawal are becoming increasingly discussed. In this episode, we address advances in eczema and tackle clinical cases alongside dermatologists Professor John Su and Associate Professor Gayle Ross. We would like to thank our Institute Partner, Melbourne Pathology, for their support of the Spot Diagnosis Podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 9, 2025
46 min
S7 E8 Menopause and the Skin
More than half of Australia's population will experience menopause. Yet, it remains a condition that many doctors, particularly male ones, feel underprepared to manage. What skin changes happen in menopause?  What treatments are available? Does topical oestrogen actually help with wrinkles in menopause? In this episode we answer these questions with dermatologists Dr Emma Veysey and Dr Anita Lasocki and endocrinologist Dr Rosie Worsley.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 17, 2025
46 min
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