“I really enjoy serving rural areas. I like the people here and the close community feel,” Dr Lester said.

Dr Lester joins plastic surgeon and founder of Australian Skin Face Body Clinics, Ian Holten. 

The team will focus on the prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer. 

Dr David Lester has considerable experience and qualifications in skin cancer diagnosis and management.

He spent six years gaining skin cancer knowledge and surgical skills on the Sunshine Coast, and holds diplomas from the Skin Cancer College of Australasia.

After graduating from Monash University, Dr Lester spent many years in general practice.

He now focuses solely on skin cancer, and is part way towards a high-level skin cancer fellowship qualification as a general practitioner with the Skin Cancer College. 

Clinic manager Gabriella Da Ros said Dr Lester’s arrival was a huge win for the Horsham community.

 “We understand there is a shortage of doctors in Horsham and the surrounding area at the moment,” she said.

“Many people have needed to wait months for a skin check appointment and the hope is to improve early detection.”

Horsham Rural City Council has sent a delegation to Canberra to raise the issue of doctor shortages with the federal government. 

Mr Holten, who has been servicing the Horsham community for some time, has been trying for a long time to bring another GP on board.

“It hasn’t been easy. Not only is it a matter of finding someone but it needs to be the right person and someone who is here for the long term,” he said.

“It is pleasing to have Dr Lester come on board delivering excellence in skin health to our region.” 

Dr Lester said he looked forward to seeing patients for skin checks.

“Skin cancer is preventable and over 95 per cent of skin cancers can be successfully treated if found early,” he said.

“It’s simple. Have a full body skin check every year so anything nasty can be detected early. A skin check is easy and takes around 20 minutes. It’s just one of those things you need to do.”