“I’m a GP with over 10 years’ experience and a specialist focus on skin cancer. I’ve spent the past decade diagnosing and treating skin cancer in primary care, combining the breadth of general practice with advanced surgical and diagnostic skills. For patients looking for a skin check or surgical opinion in the BoP / Tauranga area, patients can feel confident knowing their skin is in experienced hands”
Dr Paul offers a wide range of services tailored to early detection and effective management of skin cancer in the Bay of Plenty and Tauranga region, including:
Full body mole and lesion checks
Skin biopsies
Surgical excisions
Advanced surgical techniques including flaps and grafts
Topical field treatments (Efudix, Calcipotriol)
Timely and professional referrals to secondary care when appropriate
His approach combines technical precision with a calm, clear communication style that supports informed decision-making and patient comfort.
“Skin cancer care doesn’t need to feel intimidating or impersonal. I bring the precision of a specialist with the personal care of a GP. Whether it’s your first mole check or a second opinion on a treatment plan, I ensure every patient feels seen, heard, and confident in their care.”
Qualifications
BSC (Hons) Biomedical Science
(2001 - University of Northumbria) - An honours degree in Biomedical Science , with a specialist study in Histology - the study of human tissue (biopsies) under the microscope.
Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)
(2008 University of Newcastle upon Tyne) - A degree that allows Dr Paul to Practice as a doctor in both the UK and New Zealand (it is the equivalent to the New Zealand MBChB).
Advanced Certificate in Skin Cancer Medicine and Surgery
(2020 - Skin Cancer College Australasia). This qualification allows Dr Paul to manage more advanced level skin cancers, and perform more complex surgery to repair defects, such as skin flaps and skin grafts.
Advanced Certificate in Dermoscopy (with Distinction)
(2009 - Skin Cancer College Australasia). Dermoscopy is the specialist study of the skin with a device called a ‘Dermatoscope’ allowing Dr Alsop to see a magnified view of skin lesions and assess for clues to skin cancer.
Professional Affiliations
FRNZCGP - Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners
Vocational training in general practice is undertaken through the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP). Once RNZCGP training is completed, the doctor is awarded the Fellowship of the RNZCGP (FRNZCGP).
Southern Cross
Southern Cross Health Insurance affiliation means the healthcare provider has a contract with Southern Cross Health Society to provide certain healthcare services to their members at agreed prices. Essentially, it's a partnership between Southern Cross and a provider to manage healthcare costs and ensure affordability for members.
Skin Cancer College Australasia (SCCA)
An Accredited Skin Cancer Doctor (ASCD) with the SCCA is a General Practitioner (GP) who has completed specialised training and passed rigorous assessments in diagnosing, treating, and managing skin cancer. This accreditation demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills in skin cancer care).
Dr Alsop has also been a tutor for other doctors undertaking Advanced Certification in Dermoscopy.
Western Bay of Plenty PHO Provider
The WBoP PHO has an agreement with the BoP District Health Board to deliver the Skin Surgery Service to the community. A WBOP PHO GPwSI (provider) has met the criteria to provide these services to patients that would have otherwise ended up in the hospital (DHB) system. Usually a WBOP PHO GPwSI is able to provide a high standard of care in a timeframe quicker than their hospital colleagues.
