Stephanie McLean Shade Skin Cancer Medicine Redefines Preventative Care in WA
In the heart of Western Australia’s healthcare landscape, Shade Skin Cancer Medicine is quietly reshaping how skin checks are experienced and delivered. Co-founded by Dr Emily Alfonsi in collaboration with Dr Kate Jameson and Jon Ogden of Youth Lab, the clinic offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional, clinical-feeling skin cancer practice.
Shade Skin is the result of Dr Alfonsi’s long-standing passion for skin cancer medicine and a clear gap she observed in patient care across WA. “Many patients faced long wait times or struggled to find thorough and compassionate care,” she says. “We created Shade Skin to not only offer clinical expertise but to do so in a space that is calm, welcoming, and truly puts the patient first.”
That philosophy, where clinical excellence meets calm, is central to Shade Skin’s identity. Unlike typical skin cancer clinics that can feel sterile or transactional, Shade Skin prioritises patient comfort and proactive care. “We wanted to challenge the norm,” Dr Alfonsi explains. “By blending high-quality medical care with a thoughtfully designed, warm environment, we support both the physical and emotional aspects of skin health. When people feel at ease, they’re more likely to keep up with regular skin checks, which leads to better outcomes through earlier detection.”
Dr Alfonsi’s own journey has shaped every aspect of the clinic’s direction. From her clinical experience in skin cancer detection to her time at Youth Lab as a cosmetic injector, she’s had a front-row seat to what happens when healthcare is delivered with attention to detail and patient experience in mind. “The environments Kate and Jon created at Youth Lab showed me what was possible. That same standard is now part of Shade Skin, with a focus purely on skin cancer medicine.”
The clinic offers a comprehensive range of services, including expert-led skin checks, dermoscopy, and minor procedures, all performed in a space that’s been intentionally designed to feel modern and tranquil. This calming environment, paired with a medically rigorous approach, reflects a new era in skin cancer prevention, one that invites patients back without anxiety or discomfort.
Beyond the services, Shade Skin’s identity is carefully considered, from its clean, modern branding to the language used across its communications. “We’re committed to being professional, but also approachable,” says Dr Alfonsi. “From the moment someone walks in, we want them to feel respected and supported. Communication, empathy, and personalised care are part of everything we do.”
Even the clinic’s name is rich with meaning. “‘Shade’ symbolises protection and comfort, which aligns perfectly with our mission,” she explains. “It evokes a peaceful escape from the harsh Australian sun and represents our focus on prevention and early intervention. We want patients to feel like they’ve found a safe space, somewhere they’re genuinely cared for.”
As skin cancer rates continue to rise across Australia, Shade Skin’s approach is not just welcome, it’s essential. By creating a space where people feel calm, informed, and empowered, the clinic is removing barriers to routine checks and encouraging a new mindset around preventative care.
In a field where urgency often overshadows experience, Shade Skin offers something different: a place where precision meets compassion, and where prevention feels personal.
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