Interests & facilities:
- General Dermatology
- Paediatric and adolescent dermatology
- Acne
- Eczema
- Assessment of pigmented skin lesions/ skin cancer assessment and surgery
- General skin surgery
- Patch testing
- Psoriasis
- Biologic and Narrow band UVB light therapy for management of eczema and psoriasis
Dr Birchall is the principal dermatologist at Auckland Dermatology. This is New Zealands largest dermatology practice, with five specialist dermatologists covering all aspects of skin care from standard consulting dermatology to cosmetic and laser dermatology and skin cancer surgery including MOHS margin controlled surgery.
Dr Birchall first trained as a paediatrician before specialising in dermatology. He was New Zealands first specialist to hold dual specialist training in these fields. He set up the first paediatric dermatology clinics at Starship Childrens Hospital.
Dr Birchall, along with Dr Diana Purvis (the only other NZ specialist with dual training), provides a service pre-eminent in managing childrens skin problem including treatment of port wine stains for children in the northern part of New Zealand.
Lasers
At Auckland Dermatology we have three lasers that are considered the gold standard for management of their indications.
Candela V Beam Tunable Dye Laser - For treatment of blood vessels and other cosmetic vascular problems. Dr Birchall performs treatments on children with Port Wine Stains at Starship Childrens Hospital.
Alexandrite Laser - for hair removal.
Enlighten Laser - This is the state of the art pico/nano second laser to remove tattoos quicker and more efficiently than any other laser. It is also ideal for removal pigmented lesions.
Cosmetic procedures:
We have a cosmetic nurse available for comprehensive skin care advice, camouflage make up and photo ageing treatments, as well as the following procedures;
- Advice
- Botulinum Toxin injections
- Dermal Fillers
- New generation peels
- Derma Rolling/ Skin needling
Medical School:
- Bristol Year of graduation: 1978
General training:
- Christchurch 1978-1980
- Auckland 1980-1985 ( Paediatrics )
Advanced training:
Dermatology
- Auckland 1983-1985
- Yale University, USA 1985-1989
Other positions and memberships:
- NZDS President 2004 - 2006
- Fellow Royal Australasian College of Physicians
- Member of the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated.
- Member DermNet Development Group
- Medical advisor for DEBRA NZ
- Medical advisor for NZ Psoriasis Society
- Chaired several NZ Dermatology advisory boards
Research interests:
- Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, Skin cancer, Melanoma, Hair growth, Skin equivalents
Auckland Dermatology has conducted numerous clinical trials, both physician initiated and pharmaceutical company sponsored. Trials have been performed for acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, hair growth and skin equivalents.
Further information:
Clinical Research:
- Principal Investigator in numerous clinical trials
- Research in basic skin biology previously conducted at Yale University, Auckland University Department of molecular medicine and Genesis Research and Development Corporation. The research was focussed on the search for novel skin growth factors and stem cell isolation.
- Improving our understanding of psoriasis, skin and hair development.