About the Derm Doctor
Dr Ferina Ismail
Dr Ferina Ismail is a Consultant Dermatologist having qualified from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals Medical School, University of London (1998). During her medical school training she obtained a first class honours BSc degree in Genetics (1996). She became a member of the Royal College of Physicians (London) in 2001, following which she trained as a Dermatologist at Barts and The London, The Royal Free and King’s College Hospitals in London.
During the course of her dermatology training she was awarded a prestigious 3 year Medical Research Council (MRC) clinical fellowship for which she completed a PhD in the area of skin cancer at the Cancer Research UK and Centre for Cutaneous Research, Barts and The London School of Medicine (January 2009). She has presented her research at national and international skin cancer meetings and has several journal publications arising from her work (see publications).
Dr Ismail has taught and examined undergraduates at Barts and The London and University College London Medical Schools, as well examined for the Post Graduate Clinical Dermatology Diploma Course (Barts and The London).
Dr Ismail is a member of the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) as well as board member of a specialist sub group of the BAD, the British Society of Skin Care in Immunocompromised Individuals (BSSCII). Dr Ismail is listed on the Dermatology Specialist Register by the General Medical Council and currently works as a Consultant Dermatologist at The Royal Free Hospital, London.
Dr Ismail has particular expertise in the area of skin cancer and as such leads the dermatology skin cancer service at The Royal Free Hospital in London. She works in close collaboration with plastic surgeons, oncologists, psychologists and clinical nurse specialists. She specialises in the assessment of moles and skin lesions using dermoscopy, and has specific experience in dealing with skin problems in organ transplant patients, who tend to present with more challenging skin cancers and skin conditions.
Dr Ismail also has extensive experience in other areas of general dermatology including eczema, psoriasis and acne as well as dealing with acute and chronic inflammatory rashes, benign skin lesions, warts and skin tags.
Dr Ismail is registered with the following professional bodies:
General Medical Council (4535012)
Royal College of Physicians (London)
British Association of Dermatologists
Dr Ari Rafiq
Dr Ari Rafiq is an experienced Dermatologist with over a decade of NHS experience. As a specialist in Dermatology and a qualified general practitioner, Dr Rafiq brings a holistic approach to patient care, offering comprehensive treatments that address both skin health and overall well-being.
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Dr Rafiq obtained her primary medical qualification from University College London, during which she also obtained a First Class Honours Bachelors Degree in Physiology. She subsequently underwent her medical training within the London Deanery at Kingston Hospital, Princess Royal University Hospital and The Royal Free Hospital. She has presented her research nationally and was presented with an award for her dissertation research on stem cell transplantation.
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Dr Rafiq holds a substantive NHS post as a Specialty Doctor in Dermatology at the Royal Free Hospital, London. She has expertise across a range of NHS settings, treating skin conditions including general adult dermatology, acne, psoriasis and eczema, to more complex cases such as vulval dermatoses and patients requiring skin cancer checks and surveillance. This experience across both
primary and secondary care allows Dr Rafiq to understand the intricate connections between general health and skin conditions.​ Dr Rafiq is a member of the British Association of Dermatologists and the Royal College of General Practitioners, as well as the Primary Care Dermatology Society and the following sub-specialty groups of the BAD: the British Society of Skin Care in Immunocompromised Individuals (BSSCII), The British Hair and Nail Society (BHNS) and The British Cosmetic Dermatology Group (BCDG).
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As an Associate of the Derm Doctor at the new Harley Street clinic, Dr Rafiq offers personalized, patient-centered dermatology services, including diagnosis and treatment for acute and chronic skin conditions, skin cancer screening, benign skin lesions and mole assessments.
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Dr Rafiq is registered with the following professional bodies:
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General Medical Council (7169850)
Royal College of General Practitioners
British Association of Dermatologists