Ethics and governance

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.

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.

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.

Dr Philip Tong is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists after completing his dermatology specialist training in NSW as the inaugural Dean’s Fellow in Dermatology, a joint initiative with The University of Sydney. He underwent world class-research and dermatology training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital, Liverpool and Westmead Hospitals. He also completed his PhD in advanced biomedical imaging and skin immunology at Centenary Institute during this time.

Prior to obtaining his specialist qualifications, he also received training in dermatology departments in Perth, Melbourne as well as in London at the world-renowned St John’s Institute of Dermatology at Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital. Currently he is the Clinical Lead of the Skin Imaging and Inflammation Group at Centenary Institute and holds a public appointment at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney where he is also involved in the training of dermatology registrars and medical students.”

Dr Marra Aghajani completed her Bachelor of Medical Research at Western Sydney University before earning both her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medicine and her Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). She subsequently completed her internship and residency at Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney.
With a strong passion for dermatology, research and education, Dr Aghajani serves as a sub-investigator on clinical trials at The Skin Hospital, contribution to advancements in patient care and dermatological research across a wide range of conditions.

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.