Specialty Doctor Dermatology - Fixed Term in Harlow

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Specialty Doctor in Dermatology to join our established, supportive, and forward‑thinking dermatology team. This role offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to the delivery of high‑quality outpatient dermatology care across West Essex and North & East Hertfordshire. The post holder will be primarily based at The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, with regular outpatient commitments at St Margaret’s Hospital and Herts & Essex Hospital in Bishop’s Stortford.

The successful candidate will play a key role in providing patient‑centred dermatology services across these sites. Working closely with a team of experienced dermatology consultants, the appointee will contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of dermatology services for the local population. The role will involve a broad range of outpatient dermatology care, with an emphasis on ensuring clinical excellence and a positive patient experience.

A key aspect of the position is effective collaboration with general practitioners and primary care colleagues to support a seamless interface between primary and secondary care. This includes participation in the development of joint clinical protocols, delivery of educational initiatives, and engagement in audit and quality improvement activities to continually enhance service delivery. The post holder will also maintain strong working relationships with general physicians and multidisciplinary teams within the Trust, contributing to integrated patient care and supporting wider clinical objectives.

This is an ideal opportunity for a committed clinician looking to develop their career within a dynamic and collaborative dermatology service while making a meaningful difference to patient care in the local community.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred outpatient dermatology care across Princess Alexandra Hospital, St Margaret’s Hospital, and Herts & Essex Hospital. This includes the assessment, diagnosis, and management of a broad range of dermatological conditions, alongside performing minor procedures where appropriate.

A key focus of the role is to support the ongoing development of the dermatology service by helping to reduce waiting times, improve access to care, and enhance patient choice, working closely with consultant colleagues and the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, effective, and timely treatment pathways.

The Specialty Doctor will also play an important role in service improvement and innovation, including supporting strategies to enhance outpatient access and contributing to the development and implementation of shared care protocols in collaboration with primary care and the Integrated Care Board (ICB).

The role includes active participation in teledermatology services, using macroscopic and dermoscopic imaging to enable rapid diagnosis—particularly for suspected skin cancer—helping to streamline referrals, avoid unnecessary hospital attendances, and deliver care closer to home.

In addition, the post holder will contribute to clinical audit, training, and education, maintain ongoing continuing professional development, and undertake administrative and governance responsibilities to support the effective delivery and continuous improvement of the dermatology service.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will be responsible for delivering a high‑quality, patient‑centred outpatient dermatology service across Princess Alexandra Hospital, St Margaret’s Hospital, and Herts & Essex Hospital. This involves the assessment, diagnosis, and management of a wide range of dermatological conditions, including inflammatory skin disease, skin cancer, and benign lesions. The role will also include undertaking minor dermatological procedures where appropriate and ensuring accurate clinical documentation.

A key element of the role is contributing to service delivery improvements, supporting initiatives to reduce waiting times, outpatient care, and increase patient choice, improve access to while maintaining high clinical standards and patient safety.

The Specialty Doctor will work collaboratively with consultant dermatologists, general practitioners, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective communication and continuity of care across primary and secondary services.

The post holder will support the development and implementation of shared care protocols in partnership with the Integrated Care Board (ICB), helping to strengthen the interface between community and hospital‑based services.

In addition, the role will involve active participation in teledermatology pathways, using macroscopic and dermoscopic imaging to support rapid assessment and early diagnosis of skin cancer, facilitate appropriate triaging, reduce unnecessary referrals into secondary care, and enable more patients to be managed closer to home.

The post holder will be expected to contribute to service development, clinical governance, and quality improvement, including participation in audit activity and the development of clinical guidelines and pathways.

There is a strong expectation to engage in education and training, both through personal professional development and by supporting the learning of junior doctors, medical students, and other healthcare professionals. The Trust actively supports continuing professional development (CPD), appraisal, revalidation, and access to study leave, with opportunities to participate in research through an established R&D department.

The role also carries responsibility for effective administration and service management, including maintaining clear communication with colleagues, managing clinical workload efficiently, and contributing to business planning and service delivery in collaboration with the Clinical Lead and Service Manager.

The post holder will ensure compliance with Trust policies and professional standards, while making full use of the provided IT systems and administrative support to deliver an efficient and responsive dermatology service.