A chance encounter in an Alpine ski chalet has led to the appointment of Dr Alice Walker as the Medical Specialist Group’s first consultant dermatologist, giving patients access to expert care for skin conditions.
Chair of the MSG Dr Steve Evans got talking to Dr Walker (pictured) while on holiday in the Alps. He says, ‘After learning about her extensive experience and her patient-focused approach, I asked if she’d ever considered a move to Guernsey. She hadn’t, but once I’d described our unique consultant-only service and the quality of life in Guernsey, she was keen to apply.
“I’m delighted that after a competitive recruitment process, Alice has joined as our first consultant dermatologist. I’ve no doubt she will provide a fantastic service to our patients and be a great asset to the MSG.”
The service, previously provided through Health and Social Care by long-standing consultant Dr Graham Reilly, will now run alongside the MSG’s range of more than 30 specialist services.
Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and skin cancers affect thousands of islanders each year and dermatologists play a vital role in the detection and management of these conditions. Like many areas of healthcare, dermatology is experiencing increasing demand, with around 100 new patients referred every month.
Dr Walker studied medicine at Imperial College London, graduating in 2010 with Honours before completing her postgraduate training in internal medicine and specialist dermatology training across the southwest and south of England.
She then worked as a consultant dermatologist at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, where she managed the full spectrum of dermatological disease with expertise in vulval dermatoses, skin surgery, and skin cancer. She was also the skin cancer lead and dermatology lead for her trust for the roll-out of Devon’s electronic patient record.
Alongside her NHS role, Dr Walker also taught at the University of Plymouth Medical School.
Now settling in Guernsey with her husband, young son and two dogs, Dr Walker said: “I’m excited to begin this new role and to work with my colleagues to provide a comprehensive and high-quality dermatology service for islanders.”
