The Medical Specialist Group has credited a “chance encounter” in the alps, to the appointment of the MSG’s first Consultant Dermatologist. 

The MSG says this gives patients on-island access to expert care for skin conditions. 

Dr Alice Walker studied medicine at Imperial College London, graduating in 2010 with Honours. 

She then went on to complete her postgraduate training in internal medicine and specialist dermatology training across the southwest and south of England.  

She then worked as a consultant dermatologist at the NHS Foundation Trust. Dr Walker was also the skin cancer lead and dermatology lead for her trust for the roll-out of Devon’s electronic patient record.  

Alongside her NHS role, Dr Walker also taught at the University of Plymouth Medical School.  

With Dr Walker onboard, MSG says it will be providing a service, previously available through Health and Social Care by long-standing consultant Dr Graham Reilly, which will now run alongside the MSG’s range of more than 30 specialist services.

Now settling in Guernsey with her husband, young son and two dogs, Dr Walker said: “I’m excited to begin this new role and to work with my colleagues to provide a comprehensive and high-quality dermatology service for islanders.”

Thousands of people in Guernsey have, or are impacted by, skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and skin cancers. Dermatologists play a vital role in the detection and management of these conditions, and their services are experiencing ever increasing demand, with around 100 new patients referred every month. 

The Chair of the MSG Dr Steve Evans, says he got talking to Dr Walker while on holiday in the Alps, and is pleased she’s now part of his team.

“After learning about her extensive experience and her patient-focused approach, I asked if she’d ever considered a move to Guernsey. She hadn’t, but once I’d described our unique consultant-only service and the quality of life in Guernsey, she was keen to apply. 

“I’m delighted that after a competitive recruitment process, Alice has joined as our first consultant dermatologist. I’ve no doubt she will provide a fantastic service to our patients and be a great asset to the MSG.”