Dr Christopher Irwin is the founder of The Skin Doctor. He is a Melbourne GP with a Master of Medicine in Skin Cancer (University of Queensland), an Accredited Skin Cancer Doctor with the Skin Cancer College of Australia, and a Fellow of the American College of Aesthetic Medicine. He is one of the few skin physicians in Melbourne routinely using laser in the management of skin cancer.
- MBChB (University of Otago, 2006) — graduated top of medical school with the Marjorie McCallum Medal in Medicine and Stanley Wilson Prize in Surgery.
- FRACGP (2014) — Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
- Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer), University of Queensland (2018).
- Fellow of the American College of Aesthetic Medicine — trained in California.
- Published cancer researcher (Journal of Neuro-Oncology, Journal of Clinical Neuroscience).
- Practises at The Skin Doctor's Ivanhoe and Diamond Creek clinics in Melbourne.
Ivanhoe · Diamond Creek
Dr Christopher Irwin
Founder · Skin Cancer Doctor · Cosmetic Physician · General Skin Medicine
MBChB, FRACGP, MMed (Skin Cancer), FACAM, MSCCA
Dr Chris is the founder of The Skin Doctor. He graduated top in his medical school, winning first prize distinction awards in medicine and surgery. He then spent time as a resident in plastic surgery at the Royal Melbourne Hospital before gaining a Master’s degree in Skin Cancer from the University of Queensland.
He has internationally published research in cancer and is an Accredited Skin Cancer Doctor, as well as being a member of the Skin Cancer College of Australia. Dr Chris travels internationally many times a year to learn the latest techniques in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment from the world’s best skin cancer physicians, dermatologists and plastic surgeons.
He is also trained in California (USA) as a fellow of the American College of Aesthetic Medicine and is an expert in cosmetics. Dr Chris is one of the few skin physicians in Melbourne that routinely uses laser in the management of skin cancer.
Dr Chris understands first-hand the problems of sun-damage and pre-cancerous change, having been treated himself. He is passionate about trying to provide the world’s best care — in a setting that is relaxed and easygoing.
Qualifications
- MBChB — University of Otago, Dunedin, NZ (2006)
- FRACGP — Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (2014)
- Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) — University of Queensland (2018)
- Fellow, American College of Aesthetic Medicine
Certifications & training
- Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patient (CCrISP) (2007)
- Early Management of Severe Trauma (EMST) (2008)
- Advanced Life Support (ALS) (2011)
- Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) (2012)
- Advanced Ultrasound for Emergency Medicine (2013)
- Introductory Ultrasound for Emergency Medicine (2013)
Fellowships & memberships
- Accredited Skin Cancer Doctor (Skin Cancer College of Australia)
- Member, Skin Cancer College of Australia
- Fellow, American College of Aesthetic Medicine
Special interests
- Skin cancer diagnosis and treatment
- Laser in skin cancer management (one of few skin physicians in Melbourne routinely using laser in this context)
- Aesthetic medicine and medical-grade lasers
- International continuing professional development — travels internationally several times yearly for advanced training
Practises at
Selected publications
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Delay in radiotherapy shortens survival in patients with high grade glioma
Irwin C, Hunn M, Purdie G, Hamilton D. Journal of Neuro-Oncology. 2007 Dec;85(3):339-43.
First paper to conclusively show that wait to radiotherapy decreases survival in high grade glioma.
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Incidence and management of high grade glioma in Māori and non-Māori patients
Alexander H, Irwin C, Purdie G, Hunn M. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience. 2010 Sep;17(9):1144-7.
Awards
- 2006 · Marjorie McCallum Medal in Medicine — Highest result in medical distinction exams — top of class, Otago Medical School.
- 2006 · Stanley Wilson Prize in Surgery
- 2006 · JAD Iverach Prize in Clinical Medicine — Runner up.
- 2006 · Dean's Commendation — For clinical excellence during 4th and 5th years.
- 2003 · University of Otago Scholarship in Medicine — Awarded to top students at the School of Medicine.
Outside the clinic
Personal experience with sun-damage and pre-cancerous change — having been treated himself. This drives a passion for accessible, high-quality preventative skin cancer care in a relaxed and easygoing clinical setting.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-17 · AHPRA MED0001214561