CUCF 2024 Speakers

Dr. Ashish Bhatia is a Board-certified and fellowship trained dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon. Dr. Bhatia received his medical degree from Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honors society and earned awards for both achievement and service. He completed his residency in Dermatology at the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals where he served as Chief Resident. Subsequently, he completed an intensive fellowship in Mohs Surgery, Cutaneous Oncology, Reconstruction, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery at SkinCare Physicians in Boston, MA under the direction of the leaders in the field from Boston University, Harvard University, and Yale University School of Medicine.

Dr. Bhatia is an internationally recognized expert in dermatologic surgery and cosmetic surgery. His expertise includes facial and body aesthetic surgery, skin cancer therapy, Mohs and reconstructive surgery, laser surgery, and skin resurfacing procedures including scar reduction and revision. He has contributed to the advancement of techniques in facial reconstruction, scar revision, fat reduction, and the use of purified neurotoxins and fillers and published extensively in journals and textbooks, and is a sought after teacher, speaker, and instructor both nationally and internationally.

Professor Greg Goodman AM is an Australian dermatologist and holds academic appointments as Clinical Professor at Monash University, Melbourne and as an Associate Professor at the University College of London, is head of taskforce for the Australasian College of Dermatologists in higher education in Cosmetic Dermatology, president of the Australasian Society of Dermatologists (ASCD) and one of Heads of Faculty Allergan Medical Institute.

Professor Goodman holds a Doctorate of Medicine (MD) in post-acne scarring and a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology (GradDipClinEpi) from Monash University.

He was awarded an Order of Australia (AM) in the general division January 2021.

Professor Goodman lectures in Australia and internationally on skin ageing, skin care, cosmesis and complications of treatments. He has published widelyon acne, acne scarring, and cosmetic dermatology, Professor Goodman reviews for many local and overseas journals and is an International Contributing Editor of the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery.

A Specialist Dermatologist and Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, Dr Ryan De Cruz completed his medical degree at The University of Melbourne, undertaking his residency at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne and advanced training at St. George’s Hospital NHS, London.

With experience working in hospitals across Melbourne and the UK, Dr De Cruz has been appointed Consultant positions at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and The Skin Health Institute.

With a keen interest in the areas of eczema, acne and rosacea, psoriasis, skin cancer management, laser treatment and hair loss disorders, Dr De Cruz is passionate about providing holistic dermatological care and in sharing his knowledge with fellow industry professionals.

As Chief Technology Officer at Cutera, Michael Karavitis directs research and development activities ranging from early phase R&D all the way through product development. Previous to this role, Mr. Karavitis served as Vice President of Research and Development of Cutera from 2012 to 2015. Under his leadership, Cutera released multiple innovative platforms, as well as product line extensions including Enlighten (the world’s first dual-wavelength, dual-pulse duration picosecond aesthetic laser) and Excel HR.

Dr Andrew Freeman is a specialist Dermatologist who is accredited to perform Mohs Micrographic Surgery. As well as the surgical treatment of skin cancers, Dr Freeman has a special interest in acne, hair disorders, full face rejuvenation and laser treatments.

Dr Freeman was the first Dermatologist based on the Gold Coast to perform Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS), a specialised type of skin cancer surgery that has the highest cure rate and lowest recurrence rates of any skin cancer treatment.

As a visiting Dermatologist at Pindara Private Hospital, Pacific Private Hospital, and Gold Coast University Hospital, Dr Freeman is committed to outstanding patient care. He is also involved in several innovative clinical trials for the treatment of dermatological conditions.

Dr Cook graduated as a medical doctor and subsequently underwent rigorous training to become a board certified specialist dermatologist registered with the Australasian College of Dermatology. Dr Cook developed a keen interest in solving Australia’s unique dermatological challenges of premature ageing, sun damage, rosacea, acne + scarring, pigmentation and skin cancer.

Dr Cook has published clinical papers nationally and internationally, becoming a sought-after speaker on a range of topics like facial ageing, longevity, laser + cosmetic dermatology, cosmeceutical skin care and skin cancer. On top of all of this she is an entrepreneur with a keen interest in organisational psychology, wellness, equality and true meritocracy.

Dr Cook did her medical degree at the University of Sydney, graduating with honours (MBBS Hons). She then completed an additional 4-year training program to graduate as a specialist dermatologist (FACD).

Dr Allan Clarke qualified as an Orthopaedic Surgeon in 1991. He holds specialist certification in Orthopaedic Surgery from the College of Medicine of South Africa (FCS), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).

Dr Clarke commenced private practice in Canada in 1991. In 2001 he relocated to Australia and was appointed as Director of Orthopaedics for the Sunshine Coast Health Services District before commencing private practice at the Sunshine Coast Private Hospital in 2005, with his main interests being shoulder, knee and hip surgery.

Dr Clarke has also performed over 2000 hip, knee and shoulder replacements and over 10000 shoulder and knee arthroscopies.

He has been a speaker and surgical instructor at local and international Orthopaedic meetings.

As a strong patient advocate, Dr Clarke believes that patients should have a clear understanding of their orthopaedic problem and specific goals of treatment in order to be an active and effective participant in their rehabilitation program. He is currently using the truSculpt Flex to augment and accelerate the rehabilitation of his patients.

Crystal Patel is CEO and owner of Clinica Lase cosmetic skin & laser clinics, with locations in Carlton and Ballarat. A qualified nurse, and with almost two decades of experience, Crystal is a well-respected and renowned industry expert in clinical laser and treatments. Never satisfied with the status quo, Crystal is always keen to help push the industry forward utilising the latest technology, methods and equipment in her clinics. When not in the clinic, Crystal can often be spotted at other clinics and practices across Australia conducting training for Cutera Inc in the best practice use of their state of the art laser and aesthetic machines and equipment. Outside of work, Crystal will usually be found creating culinary delights in the kitchen, walking her two adorable human-size dogs or with her head buried in the books as she studies a Bachelor of Food and Nutrition.