Our Clinical Trials Team

Dr Frew is a dermatologist and dermatological researcher at The Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.

After graduating with honours from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), he obtained a Master of Medicine from the University of Sydney, a Master of Science from Rockefeller University in New York City and a PhD at Flinders University.

Following completion of dermatology specialist training in 2016, he undertook translational research at The Rockefeller University in New York City investigating the inflammatory mechanisms in Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Dr Frew has authored over 130 peer-reviewed articles and has a special interest in the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms of inflammatory dermatoses. He also supervises post graduate research students and is actively involved in medical education both in Australia and globally.

Associate Professor Deshan Sebaratnam completed his Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery at UNSW, graduating with Honours. While completing his residency at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, he also completed his Master of Medicine.

As part of his dermatology training with the Australasian College of Dermatologists, he was chosen to complete a Fellowship at St. John’s Institute for Dermatology in London.

He is a Staff Specialist at Liverpool Hospital. He has a strong interest research, having published his work in international medical journals and presented at conferences around the world. He is an academic at UNSW and USyd, regularly lecturing to medical students, doctors in training, GPs and other specialists.

Associate Professor Sebaratnam operates at The Skin Hospital, Westmead and Darlinghurst.

Dr Cindy Kok leads the team as Head of Research and Clinical Trials.

Cindy brings extensive experience to The Skin Hospital, with a strong background in clinical and health trials, gained over the past 15 years. Cindy has worked in aged care, cancer, chronic disease and spinal cord injury.

Cindy received her medical training in Amsterdam and was a registrar in the Netherlands. In 2001, she came to Australia and attended the University of Sydney, where she completed her PhD in Medicine in 2004 and her Master’s degree in Public Health in 2011.

Cindy and the research team continues The Skin Hospital’s mission to remain a leader in dermatology clinical trials and research, and to be a leading voice in the dermatology research community.

Dr Pooja Kadam MBBS MSc FACD is a specialist dermatologist and Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists.

Dr Kadam completed medicine at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). She then moved to New York to broaden her experience, subsequently returning to Sydney and obtained a Master of Science degree at UNSW.

Dr Kadam undertook dermatology training at St Vincent’s Hospital, Royal North Shore Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney Children’s Hospital and The Skin Hospital at Darlinghurst. She also spent time training at the National Skin Centre in Singapore.

Dr Kadam is highly trained in managing all skin conditions and is passionate about treating skin cancers, psoriasis and acne. She also has a keen interest in acne and skin rejuvenation related procedures.

Dr Tara Sholji completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy in New Zealand in 2016 and went on to achieve a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery through the University of London in 2021. Tara has joined our team as a Dermatology Research Fellow and works across our Westmead and Darlinghurst facilities.

Dr Claire Haigh completed her Bachelor of Advanced Science with Honours at the University of Sydney in 2019 and went on to complete her Doctor of Medicine at the University of Sydney in 2023. She has recently completed her Master of Medicine in Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Sydney and her residency at Royal North Shore Hospital in 2025

Sandra Lee-Brooks is the Clinical Trials Team Leader at The Skin Hospital, bringing over 15 years of experience in clinical research operations, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement. She is currently completing a Master of Public Health (Honours) at Western Sydney University and has a strong passion for dermatology research, clinical trial excellence, and advancing evidence-based patient care. Sandra is committed to supporting high-quality clinical research that contributes to improved patient outcomes and the advancement of dermatological treatments.

Madhura has completed a Masters in Biochemistry, and commenced work at The Skin Hospital as a Mohs Technician prior to transitioning across to our Clinical Trials team. She has a deep passion for scientific studies, advancing knowledge and Clinical Trial Research.

Chloe Jones completed her Bachelor of Biomedical Science in 2024 and is currently completing a Master of Public Health. She currently works as a Clinical Trials Coordinator at The Skin Hospital, supporting the delivery of dermatology clinical trials through participant recruitment, study coordination, and regulatory compliance.

Prior to this, Chloe gained clinical research experience in orthopaedic clinical trials and worked in diagnostic healthcare services, leading multidisciplinary teams and supporting diverse patient populations. Her interests include clinical research and improving patient outcomes through high-quality clinical trials.

Mattia Orru completed a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge. He currently works as a Clinical Trial Coordinator and has extensive experience in the delivery and management of clinical research studies.

Prior to his current role, Mattia worked as a Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator in Alzheimer’s disease research, where he was involved in studies investigating monoclonal antibody therapies and other disease-modifying treatments. His experience spans the coordination of complex clinical trials, with a particular interest in advancing innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Rhys has a background in Biochemistry, and brings experience with Clinical Trials in Cancer Research and as a Chemical Laboratory Technician to their role at The Skin Hospital.