Elixir @ Hunter Skin Cancer Doctors

Dr. Ricky Karwal is a highly experienced General Practitioner with a special interest in skin cancer management and general skin disorders. With over 18 years of experience in General Practice and 13 years dedicated to skin cancer treatment, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his patients.

After gaining extensive experience as a GP across Australia, Dr. Karwal chose to make the beautiful Hunter Valley, NSW, his home. He earned his Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) in 2011. His passion for skin cancer medicine emerged during his years in practice, where he encountered the increasing prevalence and significant impact of skin cancers on Australians.

To deepen his knowledge and skills, Dr. Karwal undertook comprehensive training in skin cancer medicine and surgery at the Australian College of Cutaneous Oncology (ACCO). In 2016, he earned a Diploma in Advanced Skin Cancer Surgery and now holds the qualification of Associate Fellow of ACCO.

His prior role as an assistant doctor in plastic surgery further honed his surgical skills and provided him with a solid foundation in considering aesthetic outcomes during procedures. Dr. Karwal has also completed advanced training in energy-based technologies, including laser therapy and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), enabling him to perform skin rejuvenation treatments and offer both medical and cosmetic care.

Dr. Karwal is currently pursuing dermatology training with the Australian Institute of Dermatology, ensuring his knowledge remains up-to-date with the latest advancements in skin health.

A Personal Venture in Skin Cancer Care

Driven by his passion for skin cancer treatment, Dr. Karwal launched his own practice alongside his wife, Dr. Shalu Singh, who shares his dedication to skin health. Together, they provide compassionate, patient-centered care, tailoring treatments to meet the individual needs of every patient.

Background and Personal Life

Dr. Karwal migrated to Australia with his family in 2010. Before this, he earned his undergraduate medical degree from the prestigious Manipal University in India in 2002. His discipline and commitment to patient care stem from his early career in the Indian Army, where he served for five years and retired as a Major to pursue his dream of advancing his medical career in Australia.

Outside of work, Dr. Karwal is a devoted father to two young boys. In his free time, he enjoys playing cricket, exploring adventure activities, and nurturing his creative side by learning to play the guitar.

Dr. Shafiq Rahman is a highly skilled and internationally trained medical professional with extensive experience in both surgery and general practice. He completed his medical studies at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and Penang Medical College.

After completing his medical degree, Dr. Rahman pursued postgraduate training in General Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh (MRCS), further honing his surgical skills.

He then pursued advanced training in General Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery across Malaysia, Singapore, and New Zealand. He holds fellowships from the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (FRNZCGP) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP).

In addition to his extensive surgical background, Dr. Rahman has specialized training in dermatology, earning an Advanced Certificate in Dermatoscopy and a Certificate in the Surgical and Medical Management of Skin Cancer from New Zealand.

He also performs infant circumcisions, providing safe and compassionate care for young patients.

Dr. Rahman currently serves as an assistant surgeon in cardiothoracic surgery at Newcastle Private Hospital, further enhancing his skills in this high-demand field. He is committed to ongoing professional development to stay at the forefront of advancements in surgery and general practice, ensuring the best care for his patients.

Sara is our head Cosmetic nurse with over 10 years of nursing experience, bringing a wealth of clinical and cosmetic knowledge and professionalism to our clinic.

Sara has worked in skin specific surgeries for 5 years and has developed extensive knowledge of skin care. She has been with our team here at Elixir since we opened and her love and interest for becoming a cosmetic nurse has evolved from there.

Sara completed her Bachelor of Nursing at Newcastle and also completed her post graduate certificate in Cosmetic Nursing through Australian College of Nursing. Sara works closely with patients to understand their specific needs and beauty goals.

With more than two years of experience as a cosmetic nurse doing RF microneedling and IPL skin rejuvenation treatments, and a strong background in skin cancer management, wound cares, cosmetic surgical procedures and general practice nursing, Sara is thrilled to become a cosmetic injector.

Passionate about cosmetic injectables, positive skin outcomes and achieving quality patient results, Sara is committed to helping patients on their cosmetic journey.

She provides a variety of treatments including pigment removal using IPL, radio frequency microneedling, apillaries and vascular treatments using IPL, facials, chemicals peels, acne treatments, and more.

Sara is passionate in promoting good skin health as the foundation of beautiful glowing and youthful looking skin. She is experienced in doing lip fillers, cheek augmentation fillers and a range of non-surgical cosmetic aesthetic procedures.