The Australian team knows the importance of sun protection, and their resident dermatologist Dr Leona Yip hopes they’ll set an example.
Brisbane-based dermatologist and alopecia specialist Dr Leona Yip knew nothing about cricket when she started working for Queensland Cricket and Cricket Australia 18 months ago.
But being the lead dermatologist for the sunshine state’s cricket association and head dermatologist for Cricket Australia has given her the opportunity to fall in love with the game while working in an area she is passionate about: promoting skin health and sun-smart behaviours.
Dr Yip spoke with The Medical Republic ahead of another busy summer of cricket.
What was your path to becoming a doctor, and then going on to specialise in dermatology?
I was intrigued by the human body and driven by a genuine desire to help others. I thought I’d give it a go, and as I progressed, I found myself deeply drawn to the endless possibilities within the field.
After graduating and completing my rotations, I discovered I thrived in environments where I could problem-solve with fast turnarounds. I realised I’m someone who’s stimulated by the variety and the dynamic nature of medicine, especially because I’m an extrovert and love engaging with people.
Dermatology offered me all of that and more. Whether it was through diagnosing complex skin conditions or seeing the immediate impact of treatments, I found it to be the perfect balance of medical precision and human interaction.
Now, with 11 years of experience as a consultant dermatologist, I enjoy seeing patients regain their confidence through life changing treatments with a sense of fulfilment, but I can also use my voice and expertise to contribute to broader conversations about skin health through the media as well as my advocacy work with stakeholders and various organisations.
How did you come to be working with Queensland Cricket and Cricket Australia as a dermatologist?
My involvement with Cricket Australia began through an initial meeting with their chief medical officer, Dr John Orchard, where we discussed how this role would align with my passion for promoting skin health and sun-smart advocacy in media and the community.
Elite cricketers, due to the nature of their sport and the extensive time they spend outdoors, are at higher occupational risk for skin cancers. Addressing this is critical not only for their skin health but for setting an example to the broader public.
What does the work involve?
Under Dr Orchard’s leadership, Cricket Australia has been groundbreaking in its approach to athlete health. In 2023, they became the first professional sporting body in Australia to establish a national panel of dermatologists known as the MANCAD panel (Melanoma Assessment Network of Cricket Australia Dermatologists).
The panel’s mission is to implement a comprehensive national skin cancer surveillance program for athletes to conduct regular skin checks and provide rapid access for the assessment and treatment of suspicious lesions, as well as other dermatological conditions that may restrict full play capacity.
A core part of my role is also to help conduct a detailed skin cancer audit, to assess the incidence and relative risk of skin cancers among past and current elite cricketers compared to the general population.
We’re using the findings to develop tailored prevention strategies, ensuring athletes are equipped with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves effectively from sun damage.
MANCAD sounds too close to Mankading – where the non-striker leaves their crease before the bowler bowls and is run out – to be a coincidence …
The acronym was suggested by Dr Andrew Ming, a dermatologist in Sydney. He loves cricket, so it’s no surprise he came up with it.
How much discussion do you have with players regarding what they wear – long sleeves, brimmed hats etc.?
I have no input into their choice in uniform or head gear they wear on the field. I would, of course, like to see more sun-smart uniform options, and many of the players are mindful of this as much as possible during the game.
When I meet the players during skin checks, I discuss their position on field and what they wear, as well as how they can reduce personal risks with regular sunscreen reapplication, wearing long sleeves or seeking shade where possible.
You mentioned that elite cricketers can act as role models. How important is it that proper sun protection is used in outdoor sports from a young age?
Absolutely critical! Early exposure to harmful UV radiation from childhood without proper protection significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancers later in life, particularly melanomas.
Given that cricketers and other athletes spend extended periods outdoors during peak UV hours, the cumulative sun exposure over time is immense. This is why instilling sun-safe habits early on – wearing protective clothing including hats and sunglasses, applying broad spectrum sunscreen and using shade whenever possible – can make a world of difference.
When children learn these habits early, it not only reduces their immediate risk of sunburn but also sets them up with lifelong sun-safe practices to reduce their cancer risk in adulthood. We know that habits formed from young are more likely to stick.
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What has been the most interesting or rewarding thing about working with Cricket Australia?
The best part is that I knew absolutely nothing about cricket when I started! I’m learning the game as I go, which has been a fun journey in itself.
But beyond that, working with the athletes is incredibly rewarding. They’re dedicated, passionate and open to learning about the importance of skin health, which makes my work with them enjoyable and fulfilling.
Another highlight is that I also get to collaborate with Cricket Australia’s and Queensland Cricket’s team doctors, which is a great opportunity to exchange insights – whether that’s sharing knowledge about sports dermatology, learning more about sports medicine in general or hearing about their experiences travelling overseas with athletes.
And of course, getting to attend the games is a real highlight. The atmosphere at live games is electrifying, which adds to the thrill of being part of the team.
What advice do you have for other healthcare professionals who might be interested in getting involved in this space?
My advice to healthcare professionals interested in advocacy is to always try to be as relatable as possible to the public and media – our messaging and choice of words have to be practical, easy to follow and based on credibility of our expertise.
It’s always helpful to have a voice on your own social platforms as a medical influencer to promote credible health messages and debunk myths, and be open to opportunities to work with patient advocacy and community groups.
