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Dr. Nella Grilo Profile Photo

About Me

I’m Dr. Nella Grilo, a certified dermatologist for over 20 years, with a passion for preventing sun damage, identifying and treating skin cancer.

My Mission

My mission is to help you protect and care for your skin, while raising awareness about the importance of early detection of skin conditions, particularly skin cancer.

While my focus is on sun safety and skin cancer prevention, my articles will cover all aspects of skin health—from managing acne and signs of aging to exploring the latest in skincare treatments and routines. You'll find scientifically-backed insights, practical tips, and professional guidance on how to achieve and maintain healthy, glowing skin.

Trust and Transparency

My opinion is entirely free from sponsorships or paid partnerships, ensuring that the information and recommendations provided are unbiased and purely based on my professional experience and evidence-based research. My goal is to offer clear, honest advice without any external influence, so you can feel confident in the guidance you receive.

My Gratitude

Thank you for joining me on this journey toward better skin. I look forward to being your go-to resource for trusted dermatological care and helping you navigate the complexities of skincare with confidence and ease.

Professional Profile

I am a passionate Doctor with extensive experience in Dermatology, predominantly in private practice for the last 20 years, cutaneous malignancies being the main focus. A fulfilling academic career and hospital experience for fifteen years prior to that, mostly at the world renowned, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Experience in Internal Medicine as a medical officer and registrar prior to specializing in Dermatology. Highly experienced in properly diagnosing and strategizing the best treatment plans for patients. An empathetic and professional attitude is the secret to a successful practice and commitment to providing patients with the best care possible. Experienced in counseling patients on preventative care and positive lifestyle changes, particularly in being sun smart and regular self checks for early detection of potential cutaneous malignancies.

Employment History

Dermatologist Private Practice at Self-employed, Johannesburg

June 2011 - Present

  • Treating adult and paediatric patients with dermatological conditions.
  • Living in a sunny country with many outdoor activities, adult conditions are predominantly sun-related with numerous precancerous and cancerous lesions being diagnosed and treated daily.
  • Molemax screening for melanoma skin cancer forms a large part of the practice, a scarce skill requiring years of experience and practice to master.
  • Treatment of responsive and clinically challenging paediatric conditions, predominantly eczema, as well as teenage acne.
  • Met and counseled patients regarding their questions and concerns.
  • Accurately diagnosed patients and offered them options for treatment.
  • Developed trusting relationships with patients and families.
  • Maintained accurate patient records and meticulous documentation.
  • Remained up-to-date on the latest and best medicines and practices.
  • Continually worked to improve my professional performance level.

Consultant Dermatologist at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg

July 2005 - June 2011

  • Academic and Clinical Head of Department, Dermatology, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Soweto.
  • Training of Dermatology Registrars.
  • Teaching and lecturing undergraduates at University of the Witwatersrand in the area of Dermatology.
  • Management of outpatient clinics for adult and paediatric clinics, delegating registrars and student duties.
  • Collaboration with Histopathology Department for difficult diagnosis and interdepartmental meetings for ongoing professional development.
  • Accurately interpreted laboratory results and made decisions accordingly.
  • Aimed to achieve the highest level of patient care at all times.

Dermatology Registrar at University of the Witwatersrand training circuit, Johannesburg

July 2001 - June 2005

  • Registrar in training on the Wits circuit.
  • Trained by Professors in the field in adult and paediatric cutaneous conditions.
  • Extensive inpatient and outpatient experience obtained by working at academic hospitals: Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg General/Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, Helen Joseph Hospital, and Coronation Hospital.
  • These are referral centers and tertiary level care facilities, all renowned nationally and internationally for the plethora of disease, academic training, and support with high levels of patient care.
  • Registrar training is a four-year post-graduate degree, with the final written and oral exam conducted by Professors from all provinces and their respective universities and academic centers.

Internal Medicine Registrar at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg

July 1999 - June 2001

  • Registrar on the Wits training circuit in Internal Medicine.

Medical Officer (MO) at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg

January 1998 - June 1999

  • MO six months in Endocrinology and Rheumatology Department.
  • MO six months in Pulmonology Department.
  • MO six months in Intensive Care Unit, adult and paediatric.

Intern at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg

January 1997 - December 1997

  • Internship rotation in Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Education

Fellow of the College of Medicine-Dermatology

College of Medicine of South Africa, Johannesburg

July 2001 - June 2005

  • FC Derm (SA)

Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery

University of Witwatersrand, South Africa - Medical School, Johannesburg

January 1990 - December 1996

  • MBBCh - Medical Doctor

High School Education

Jeppe High School for Girls, Johannesburg

January 1986 - December 1990

Internships

Registrar Dermatology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand training circuit at multiple academic hospitals, Johannesburg

July 2001 - June 2005

  • Assessment and treatment of in-hospital and outpatient dermatological conditions, working independently and under supervision of senior registrars and consultants in a training and teaching environment.

Internal Medicine Registrar at University of the Witwatersrand training circuit, Johannesburg

July 1999 - June 2001

  • Initial assessment of general Internal Medicine patients in emergency room and supervision of medical interns.
  • Stabilizing of patient and referral to specialist unit if necessary.
  • Outpatient care of general Internal Medicine patients.

Intern at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, Soweto

January 1997 - December 1997

  • Working as an intern in the various departments mentioned, under supervision and guidance of registrars and consultants.

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