What you need to know:
- Face-to-face bootcamp dates: 18-19 July 2026
- Open to all AHPRA-registered health professionals in the Cairns and Hinterland and Torres and Cape HHS regions with an interest in skin cancer detection and treatment
- Places are limited – max 50 participants
- Up to 50 registration bursaries available
- Travel bursaries available for eligible participants travelling from outside the Cairns City area
- Learn from leading skin cancer experts from Australasia
- Accessible training delivered locally in Cairns
- Opportunity to engage in interactive case discussions
- Practical, hands-on training in skin cancer surgery techniques
- Pending ACCRM CPD accreditation
DermEx Skin Cancer Surgical Bootcamp
Northern Queensland PHN, in partnership with CheckUP, Dr Vin Rajeswaran, and a team of skin specialists, invites clinicians to join the DermEX Skin Cancer Surgical Bootcamp for a two-day, hands-on training experience focused on practical skin cancer surgery techniques.
The face-to-face bootcamp will bring together leading experts from across Australasia to share knowledge, skills, and practical insights.
Over two days, participants will benefit from:
- learning how to choose the most appropriate treatment option for suspicious lesions
- practice common biopsy techniques including curettage, punch, and shave biopsies
- practice surgical procedures from basic excisions to advanced flaps and grafts
- participate in case discussions
- learn about the latest in melanoma treatments.
The DermEx Skin Cancer Surgical Bootcamp is being delivered under the NQ Cancer Prevention Program.
Meet the presenters
Dr Vin Rajeswaran
GP with special interest in Skin Cancer based in Cairns. Owner of FNQH clinics.
Dr Vin Rajeswaran is Director and past Vice President of the Skin Cancer College Australasia, recognised nationally and internationally for his commitment to improving skin cancer care in rural and remote Australia. With over a decade of experience, he champions better patient outcomes and is bringing together leading experts to enhance learning and advance care across the sector.
Professor Alexander Van Akkooi
Chair of Melanoma Surgery Melanoma Institute Australia.
Assoc. Prof. Dr Alexander van Akkooi is a globally recognised surgical oncologist and Chair of Melanoma Surgical Oncology at Melanoma Institute Australia, with extensive experience in melanoma research and treatment. He has published over 275 peer-reviewed papers and leads international research initiatives focused on advancing melanoma staging, treatment, and surgical approaches.
Dr Franz Strydom
GP with special interest in Skin Cancer from NZ. He pioneered high quality GP skin cancer work in NZ and is a Board Member of the Skin Cancer College Australasia.
Dr Strydom established Skinspots to meet growing demand for primary care skin cancer services and has contributed to the development of national skin cancer initiatives. With extensive qualifications and advanced training, he delivers comprehensive care and regularly presents skin cancer education both locally and internationally.
Dr Luke Bookallil
GP specialising in Skin Cancer Medicine, Medical Director of SunDoctors.
Dr Luke is a highly experienced GP specialising in skin cancer medicine, with a background in rural practice and advanced qualifications including a Fellowship with the Skin Cancer College Australasia. He is an internationally recognised educator and researcher, serving as Medical Director at Sundoctors and contributing to teaching, training, and published research in the field.
Curriculum
Registration and travel bursaries
Up to 50 registration bursaries are available to AHPRA-registered health professionals residing in the Cairns and Hinterland or Torres and Cape HHS regions.
Travel bursaries are also available for eligible participants within these regions who are travelling from outside the Cairns City area.
How to apply and register
- Click the button below to submit an application form to CheckUP
- CheckUP will confirm eligibility for registration and/or travel bursary
- Participants will then be directed to DermEX website for
registration and payment - Upon successful completion of the bootcamp, pre-approved
participants will be reimbursed upon presentation of their
Certificate of Completion
If you have any questions, please get in touch with:
Mary-Anne Quilter: maquilter@checkup.org.au
CheckUP Program Manager – Cancer Prevention