We consider the specialist novelty approach to the establishment of clinical dermatology services throughout the first 12 months of a newly established dermatology service for urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. This clinic commenced in early 2021 as a monthly clinic, at the Southern Queensland Centre of Excellence in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care, at Inala, Brisbane, Queensland. The centre has a well-established primary care model, with increasing attendance of visiting specialist colleagues from a diverse array of fields. The engagement of dermatology within this de-centralised model, is a novel approach for the specialty in a local context.

The clinic has been well received and in its first year conducted 76 consultations, with increasing scope and attendance. This model of care highlights the value of adjusting service delivery to meet the needs of local patient cohorts and the success of an integrated dermatology service in a community based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health centre.