New model of dermatology care: GP-specialist collaboration in practice

What happens when a GP and dermatologist work side by side? The future of dermatology care may look less like a traditional referral pathway and more like collaboration — a model that could reshape how patients access care.

In this episode of Focused Practice Conversations, practice operations expert Matt Woollard speaks with consultant dermatologist Dr Leona Yip and Specialist GP Dr Lauren Ries about their experience working together within the same clinical setting at Skin Partners in Brisbane.

Together, they explore how a GP–dermatologist partnership can work in practice — from patient pathways and day-to-day collaboration, to the benefits for both patients and clinicians.

They discuss:

• How their collaboration first came about and what sparked the model
• What the patient journey looks like between GP and dermatologist
• How this approach influences access to care and continuity of treatment
• The professional impact of working in a derm-focused environment
• What other clinicians can learn from collaborative models of care

They also share the lessons they have learned from working side by side, what surprised them along the way, and their advice for GPs and specialists interested in developing similar approaches.

Whether you are interested in building a skin-focused practice, improving collaboration with specialists, or simply curious about how healthcare delivery models are evolving, this conversation offers insights into what is possible when clinicians work together.

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Podcast playlist

Listen to all episodes in the Focused Practice Conversations series.

Guest: Dr Leona Yip

Dr Leona Yip is founding partner and Director of Skin Partners. She is a Melbourne-trained dermatologist and a Fellow of The Australasian College of Dermatologists. Dr Yip previously worked in private and public practice in both Melbourne and Canberra, and is experienced in all aspects of general, surgical and laser dermatology for children and adults.

Dr Yip served as an Editorial Consultant for The British Journal of Dermatology from 2018-2021. Dr Yip is a member of the Dermatology Expert Group involved with the formulation of Dermatology Therapeutic Guidelines in Australia. She is currently the Lead Dermatologist for Queensland Cricket.

Guest: Dr Lauren Ries

Dr Lauren Ries is a Specialist General Practitioner. Originally from Canada, Dr Ries moved to Australia during her school years and has proudly called it home ever since. She completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Monash University, graduating with honours.

After working across a range of hospital departments at the Mater Hospital and Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, Dr Ries followed her passion for General Practice — a specialty she loves for its variety, continuity of care, and the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients.

Dr Ries enjoys all aspects of General Practice, with a special interest in Skin Cancer Medicine, Dermatology, and Women’s Health. She is passionate about helping patients feel confident in their skin and supported in their overall health, and she takes pride in providing thorough, thoughtful care. Dr Ries is delighted to be part of the team at Skin Partners, where she continues to refine and expand her dermatology skills.

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