Tristan completed his initial Bachelor degree in Biomedical Science in 2002, before continuing on to attain his Bachelor of Medicine in 2007, both through the University of Newcastle. He completed internship and residency training with the Hunter New England Area Health Service, before undertaking specialist general practice training in the Hunter Valley. Dr Hicks received his Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2012. After extensive post-graduate study in the field of skin cancer and completing all requirements he was awarded Fellowship with the Skin Cancer College Australasia in 2019, achieving the highest mark in the final OSCE exam. He has also worked as a surgical assistant in the operating theatre for 5 years at Newcastle Private Hospital.

Whilst initially working across the full spectrum of general practice, Tristan has always had a strong interest in skin cancer diagnosis and management, which has now been his exclusive focus since 2015 when he and his family moved to the Northern Rivers region. He has completed multiple post-graduate qualifications in the field of skin cancer, including:

  • Advanced Clinical Certificate of Skin Cancer Medicine and Surgery (Skin Cancer College Australasia) 2012
  • Advanced Clinical Certificate of Dermoscopy (Skin Cancer College Australasia) 2014
  • Certificate of Dermatology (Australian Institute of Dermatology) 2015
  • Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) (University of Queensland) 2019

He has also attended surgical masterclasses to hone his surgical skills in areas of complexity or cosmetic importance, such as the lips, nose, ears and digits.

Tristan has been an accredited member of the Skin Cancer College Australasia since 2016.

Academically, Dr Hicks has published a professional journal article on dermatoscopy in 2016, and has also worked as a clinical tutor for the Skin Cancer College Australasia, teaching other doctors how to diagnose and manage skin cancers at an advanced level. For 5 years he worked as a Blog Author for the Skin Cancer College Australasia.

Outside of skin cancer, Tristan’s other passions are classical music (he plays viola with the Lismore Symphony Orchestra), gardening (especially roses and orchids) and travel (anywhere with snow…!), and spending time with his family.

Tristan is currently working 4 days per week at Summerland Skin Cancer Clinic. He is committed to providing his rural community with access to expert, timely and affordable skin cancer care. As a specialist GP, no referral is needed to see Dr Hicks.