Dr James Halpern

Please note: virtual appointments are only available on Friday after 4pm.

I have been working in Dermatology for over 15 years and am currently the Clinical Director and Senior Consultant Dermatologist at Walsall Manor Hospital and The Royal Wolverhampton Hospital (New Cross).

I am a General Dermatologist with a special interest and expertise in paediatric dermatology (children with skin problems). I have been widely published in academic journals and have authored two award-winning internationally published dermatology books.

I undertake both general and specialist clinics looking after adults with dermatological problems such as psoriasis, acne and eczema. I am immediate past skin cancer lead for Walsall and am fully accredited in the diagnosis and management of skin cancers including mole checks. I am a trained skin surgeon and operate on skin cancers, moles, skin tags, cysts and warts. I have a particular interest in children with skin problems and I see patients from across North Birmingham, the Black Country and South Staffordshire in my NHS paediatric dermatology clinic. Most of my patients are children with eczema, acne, vitiligo, infections and birthmarks as well as those with rarer conditions.

I perform skin surgery on a weekly basis in both my NHS and private practice in both children and adults. In 15 years of undertaking regular surgery, I have yet to suffer a significant complication from my operating practice. My surgical work is audited every year and my complete excision rate for skin cancers is over 99%.

I have been the Clinical Lead for Dermatology at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust since 2012 both modernising and expanding the department to meet the needs of our population. My work has been recognised by the hospital through awards for clinical excellence. In 2020 I was appointed Clinical Director across both Walsall Hospital and The Royal Wolverhampton Hospital.

In addition to my clinical work, I am active in research and teaching and have previously worked as the research director at Walsall Hospital. This allows me to be at the cutting edge of the latest research and offer my patients the most up-to-date treatments.

I pride myself on my communication skills and aim that every patient leaving a consultation has a clear understanding of what their problem is, what treatment options are available and why I have recommended a particular treatment. Having worked in dermatology for several years I understand how distressing skin disease can be and am sympathetic and understanding to this.