Karen Shirley

Karen Shirley is the owner and principal clinician at The Skin Clinicians, boasting an impressive career in healthcare that spans over 35 years. For the past 15 years Karen has honed her techniques to provide precise and effective treatments for patients requiring therapeutic neuromodulation, dermatological and aesthetic medical treatments.

Her vast experience is complemented by leadership roles and advanced training, including master’s qualifications in Critical Care. As a former Clinical Nurse Consultant in a prominent Brisbane critical care unit, Karen brings a profound understanding and wealth of experience to her current practice, particularly in managing complex medical cases. Her expertise also extends to neuromodulation therapies and movement disorders.

Karen’s extensive neurological training has equipped her with advanced skills in treating a wide range of movement disorders and neurological conditions including hemifacial spasm, blepharospasm, focal spasticity, cervical dystonia, migraines, TMJ disorders and hyperhidrosis.

In addition to her expertise in neurological therapies, Karen conducts comprehensive cosmetic dermatological assessments, diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions and ageing concerns. Her approach to aesthetic medicine integrates both clinical and aesthetic perspectives, prioritising patient safety while achieving optimal, natural-looking results. Karen incorporates a distinctly French inspired philosophy, embracing the allure of effortless beauty while delivering tailored and effective treatments. This approach prioritises healthy skin as the foundation, to then utilise a carefully curated selection of advanced treatments. With a holistic approach to patient care, Karen leverages her extensive training and experience as an evidence-based practitioner to every patient interaction.

Karen continues to enhance her professional expertise by attending and participating in conferences and training workshops, both locally and internationally. She is currently pursuing further academic advancement through her PhD candidacy at Torrens University. She is currently researching how precise therapeutic and aesthetic dosing of chemical neuromodulators can restore natural facial dynamics and authentic facial form in people affected by craniofacial movement disorders.

Karen is recognised as a key opinion leader in the aesthetic industry, providing expert insights on advanced skin rejuvenation devices, products and skincare ranges. Her clinic has been prominently featured in esteemed publications such as Aesthetic Medical Practitioner and Spa & Clinic Magazine, further solidifying her reputation as a trusted authority in cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine.

Outside of her professional commitments, Karen balances her career with family life as a dedicated mother of four children.

Dr Christopher Shirley

Director, Medical Practitioner
M.B., B.S. QLD

Dr Chris has almost 40 years of experience as a medical practitioner. He completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at the University of Queensland and has developed extensive clinical knowledge across a broad range of surgical disciplines. His background includes operative experience in neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, plastic surgery, orthopaedic surgery and skin cancer surgery. He has also undertaken postgraduate training in general surgery, regenerative medicine and skin cancer. Dr Chris is committed to delivering safe, patient centered care that aligns with evidence based medical practice.

Dr. Chris has achieved notable milestones in his career, passing the Surgical Primary Examination with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) in 1993. He served as an Orthopaedic Principal House Officer for three years and as an advanced, accredited trainee in General Surgery for another three years. Additionally, he has worked in Accident and Emergency, as a surgical assistant in numerous speciality fields such as Plastic and Reconstructive, Bariatric, Neurosurgery, Cardiothoracic, Upper Limb, Orthopaedic and General Surgery for over 20 years.

Dr. Chris continues to provide comprehensive surgical primary care, with a special focus on managing skin cancer and aesthetic skin requirements. He conducts thorough routine skin checks, excises suspicious lesions and moles, treats skin cancers, even those requiring complex repair or grafting and addresses skin irregularities for aesthetic purposes. No referral is required for these services.

As a testament to his commitment to delivering high-quality patient care, Dr. Chris is a member of the Skin Cancer College of Australasia (SCCA), the leading body for primary practitioners in Australia and New Zealand. He has completed the Certificate of Skin Cancer Medicine and the Certificate of Dermatoscopy with this college.

In addition to his operative experience, Dr Chris is trained in medical weight loss treatments. He believes in a holistic approach emphasising lifestyle intervention.

Dr. Chris has also developed a keen interest in maintaining wellness as we age. He is a member of The Australasian Academy of Anti-Ageing Medicine, which focuses on helping individuals achieve functionality and wellbeing into older age. This aligns with the World Health Organisation’s initiative declaring 2021-2030 as the Decade of Healthy Ageing.

Dr. Chris is married with four children and enjoys a variety of hobbies that keep him active and fulfilled outside of work. He is passionate about cycling, kitesurfing, dirt bike riding, and swimming. Additionally, he is a qualified and active Rugby Union referee. Dr. Chris finds his work to be deeply satisfying and rewarding, particularly when helping patients achieve the health outcomes they deserve.

Meg

Meet Meg, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse that brings over three decades of exemplary nursing experience to her role. Her distinguished career spans medical institutions across London, Adelaide, and Brisbane, including specialised departments at St Vincent’s in Sydney and The Wesley Hospital in Brisbane. With a comprehensive background in critical care, plastic surgery, women’s health, and coronary care, Meg has developed a profound understanding of complex medical conditions, procedures and patient care.

Meg was involved in patient education for post-cardiac surgical patients, demonstrating her ability to communicate complex medical information. This experience has further enhanced her skills in providing comprehensive care and support to patients undergoing treatments.

Meg has been an integral part of our team for over five years, showcasing her dedication to the field of medical aesthetics and dermatology and vitality. Her commitment to excellence is evident through her advanced training from Allergan Medical Institute and previous tertiary studies.

Meg’s expertise encompasses a wide array of treatments including medical aesthetic treatments, Coolsculpting, Ultraformer MPT, Radio frequency needling, Skin Pen, and Clear and Brilliant laser therapies.

Additionally, Meg plays a crucial role in assisting Dr Shirley with surgical excisions and vitality treatments, while also managing post-operative care for surgical patients. Her multi-faceted skill set allows her to provide comprehensive care throughout a patient’s treatment journey.

Meg’s professional approach is distinguished by her keen aesthetic eye and calming confidence, which immediately instil trust and comfort in her patients. Her exceptional interpersonal skills, honed through extensive experience in patient care, enable her to create a welcoming and reassuring environment that puts patients at ease.

Patients can have complete confidence in Meg’s highly capable hands, knowing they are receiving care from a practitioner who seamlessly integrates extensive medical expertise with advanced aesthetic training. Her warm and personable demeanor, combined with her professional acumen, makes her an indispensable asset to The Skin Clinicians team.

Natalie

Meet Natalie, The Skin Clinicians dedicated Clinic Administrator. With a background that spans decades of delivering exceptional customer service, Natalie’s journey began as a Qantas flight attendant and later evolved into extensive work in the healthcare sector, including roles at medical clinics and more recently at St Vincent’s Hospital. Her extensive experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of the importance of personalised care and attention to detail.

Natalie is passionate about the skin and aesthetics industry, making her an invaluable first point of contact for our clinic. She is always happy to discuss treatment options and guide you through the process of navigating appointments and recommendations. Her bright demeanour and kind nature ensure that every client feels welcome and supported from the moment they arrive. Natalie’s client-focused approach is built on nurturing trusting relationships, sensitive to the unique needs of each individual.

As a proud mother of two, Natalie brings a warm and caring attitude to her work, which resonates with our clinic’s commitment to providing exceptional service. Whether you have questions about our treatments or need assistance with scheduling, Natalie is here to help, ensuring that your experience at The Skin Clinicians is seamless and enjoyable. Her comprehensive knowledge of all treatments available at The Skin Clinicians makes her an excellent resource for anyone seeking information or guidance.

Christine

Christine has been an outstanding leader in managing both our front office and online activities for over a decade. Her passion for the aesthetic industry is evident in her comprehensive knowledge of our treatments and products, including medical aesthetics, medical vitality treatments, advanced skin care, skin cancer treatments and therapeutic neuromodulation.

With a background spanning 20 years in Queensland Health IT, Christine’s experience in the healthcare sector is unparalleled. She is well versed in guiding clients through various skin treatments, including those related to dermatology and skin cancer prevention. Christine is often the first point of contact for our clients, warmly welcoming them to The Skin Clinicians and efficiently handling inquiries and bookings alongside our dedicated reception team. Her extensive knowledge ensures that she can provide informed guidance when scheduling appointments, ensuring that clients receive the most appropriate care for their needs.

We are fortunate to have Christine at the helm as our Practice Manager, guiding our clinic with professionalism and poise over the past 10 years. Under her leadership, our clinic has flourished, and we are grateful for her dedication and commitment to excellence.

Alex

Meet Alex, our senior beauty and dermal clinician at The Skin Clinicians. Originally from Wales, Alex is a highly respected and accomplished skin clinician and beauty therapist with a distinguished career spanning decades in the world’s most prestigious spas and clinics. She is multilingual, fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, bringing a uniquely global perspective to her work.

Alex is renowned for her exceptional dermal therapy skills, specialising in creating personalised skin treatment regimes that utilise a wide range of modalities to achieve optimal skin health and confidence. Her expertise includes advanced dermal therapies such as skin needling, chemical peels, and laser treatments, which she combines to address various skin concerns and achieve your skin goals.

As an advanced clinician, Alex is trained in cutting edge technologies like Scarlet radio frequency needling and Clear and Brilliant laser, allowing her to tailor treatments to each client’s specific needs. Her advanced training in Ultraformer MPT allows her to offer skin tightening, face lifting, and contouring treatments, further enhancing her ability to deliver comprehensive skin solutions.

Her ability to integrate these advanced treatments into a cohesive plan ensures that clients receive the most effective care. Additionally, Alex is a master brow and lash artist, providing lamination treatments, sculpting, and brow code tints, ensuring that every aspect of beauty and wellness is addressed.

Alex’s role extends beyond clinical practice; she is also an educator and course formulator at Australia’s premier beauty academy, contributing to the development of the next generation of beauty professionals.

With Alex, you can expect a tailored approach to achieving skin confidence. She works closely with clients to understand their goals and lifestyle, creating a customised treatment plan that incorporates the latest technologies and techniques.

Annie

Meet Annie, our Saturday receptionist at The Skin Clinicians. With her bright and caring nature, Annie is the first point of contact for many of our clients on Saturdays, ensuring everyone feels welcome and supported from the moment they arrive.

Annie brings a unique blend of medical knowledge and passion to her role. She has previously studied paramedicine and is currently pursuing a degree in counselling at University of the Sunshine Coast. Annie has been part of our reception team for three years, during which she has developed a comprehensive understanding of our services and is always happy to help navigate scheduling and answer any questions you may have.

Annie’s passion for skin treatments and skincare is evident in her enthusiasm for helping clients. Her bright and caring nature ensures that every interaction is both informative and enjoyable, making her a cherished member of The Skin Clinicians team.

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