Dr Joshua Dally, a Registrar based in Jamestown, South Australia, found his calling in helping others from a young age. Growing up, he was captivated by tales of medical missions, specifically Hudson Taylor's endeavours in the 1800s in China. Inspired by these stories, Joshua embarked on his own medical mission to Mongolia, with plans to return one day.
Joshua's father, a doctor who received immense satisfaction from helping his patients, also played a significant role in shaping Joshua's career path.
Tele-Derm for rural doctors
Tele-Derm has proven to be very useful for Dr Dally and many doctors across Australia. It provides access to practical dermatology advice and a wealth of educational resources, including real-life case studies, journal reports, live webinars, and an educational monthly quiz.
“We don't have anything similar at all at our disposal (Tele-Derm). Within a couple of days, you can have a result. A super contrast in that regard. You get the ability to diagnose and treat patients locally rather than refer them to a dermatologist,” Dr Dally says.
Memorable case
One particularly memorable case for Joshua involved an 84-year-old man with a rash that flared up in the heat.
The patient would experience some relief during winter, but the rash never completely disappeared. It appeared on both flanks and extended to his chest and clavicle area.
The itchiness and discomfort caused by the rash were significantly bothering him. Despite trying numerous lotions, potions, and tablets, nothing seemed to alleviate his symptoms.
Joshua was perplexed by the condition, as it neither spread nor improved. Concerned about the patient's persistent discomfort, Joshua sought guidance from Tele-Derm.
"I was at a bit of a loss. I think he had seen others as well and no diagnosis had been reached. I was looking for help with how to investigate it and what can be done in the interim until we come to a diagnosis."
Initially, Dr Dally received advice to conduct multiple biopsies to rule out uncommon diagnoses, and potentially reach a definitive diagnosis.
The multiple biopsies didn't provide him with a clear diagnosis. Subsequently, Tele-Derm specialist Dr Rachael Foster swiftly provided additional differential diagnoses and plans.
Eventually, the patient's condition improved.
For Dr Dally and countless other rural doctors, Tele-Derm has not only revolutionized dermatological care but has also become a cornerstone of their practice.
"I would encourage everyone to think of it as a why would I not want this resource, next day, within 48h response time from a dermatologist resource for my patients,” he says.