Curriculum
Overview
The Advanced Certificate of Dermoscopy is the second course in the three-part HealthCert Certificate and Diploma program in Dermoscopy. The course has been designed to meet the needs of medical practitioners who already use dermoscopy and are interested in taking their skill-set to a more advanced level. The course will provide the participants with a range of knowledge in the management of nail lesions, mucosal lesions, difficult benign lesions and melanomas, pink tumours, rare skin tumours, and the broad spectrum of BCC and keratinocyte skin cancer. Recognized and developed by members of the International Dermoscopy Society, no other program brings together such a diverse and accomplished team of globally renowned dermatologists and dermoscopy experts from Italy, Austria, Greece, USA, Japan, and Australia.
This course is the second part of the three-part Professional Diploma of Dermoscopy. The education pathway is Professional Certificate of Dermoscopy, Advanced Certificate of Dermoscopy and Professional Diploma of Dermoscopy.
Entry Requirements and Course Requisites
The Advanced Certificate of Dermoscopy will meet the needs of medical professionals who already use dermoscopy in their practice and are interested in taking their skillset to a more advanced level. Participants will acquire in-depth knowledge in lesion management, including difficult and rare lesions, with teachings by an accomplished team of dermatologists and dermoscopy experts. The course is suitable for medical doctors and the degree-qualified nurses who work under their supervision, other degree-qualified health professionals with an interest in skin, as well as for International Medical Graduates.
Participants must have successfully completed the HealthCert Professional Certificate of Dermoscopy course (or a qualification deemed equivalent) and HealthCert also highly recommends successful completion of at least 25 cases of dermoscopy prior to enrolment. Equivalent alternatives include: practical experience, other qualifications or successful completion of the Professional Certificate examination.
Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing English is assumed.
Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Professionally accredited qualifications and prior studies may be recognized for entry into this course. Please send an email to [email protected] for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience. This email should contain information about your educational history and work experience that specifically pertain to the content and procedures covered in the Professional Certificate of Dermoscopy. Please include any applicable certificates and course outlines from previous education. The relevant Course Chair will make a determination on your application within two to three weeks.
Doctors who have completed the UQ Certificate of Advanced Dermatoscopy and Histopathology or other formal dermoscopy training can receive academic credit towards the Professional Diploma (the final course in the three-part program) if they achieve a pass mark in the exams of the first two certificate courses Professional Certificate of Dermoscopy and Advanced Certificate of Dermoscopy. Upon successful exam completion doctors can directly progress to and will only need to pay for the Professional Diploma of Dermoscopy course.
NOTE: While the Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Medicine course covers Dermoscopy, it does not qualify for recognition of prior learning in the Certificate and Professional Diploma of Dermoscopy program which quickly moves on to more advanced dermoscopy techniques, including the Chaos and Clues method and the assessment of lesions on the face and acral sites. Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Medicine alumni should begin with the Professional Certificate of Dermoscopy course.
Course Contents
- The Advanced Certificate course will provide the participants with a range of knowledge including:
- Pink tumours
- Mucosal lesions
- Difficult benign lesions
- Nail lesions
- Rare skin tumours
- BCC and keratinocyte skin cancer
- Difficult melanomas
- Dermoscopy in general dermatology
Course Participants Will:
- Utilize Interactive Atlas international dermoscopy program
- Utilize Your Dermoscopy application (app)
- Participate in webinars with experts and professional colleagues
- Observe professional clinic/patient interactions via video
- Evaluate dermoscopy cases in an online discussion board
- Receive unlimited and ongoing access to free alumni learning resources, video lectures, and discussion forums, as well as invite-only events and special offers after completion of the course
Course Outline
Module 1: Pink Tumours
This module focuses on the general aspects of the dermoscopic examination of pink tumours. It explains the patterns associated with melanocytic and non-melanocytic skins tumours in detail. This module also explains the contact and non-contact dermoscopy methods used when examining skin tumours. Dermoscopic images are used throughout the presentation to identify if the pink tumours are benign or suspicious based on vascular structures, arrangements, and clues. The module concludes with management rules to follow in order not to miss amelanotic melanoma.
Module 2: Mucosal Lesions
This module introduces the basics of mucosal areas including tissue structure and then discusses a variety of mucosal lesions. It explains the clues to use during the clinical and dermoscopic examination together with supporting images. The module then focuses on dermoscopic features of malignant mucosal lesions that are best to be diagnosed in the early stages. It also explains the dermoscopic features of a benign mucosal lesion to avoid any unnecessary excisions. Dermoscopic images are used to evaluate the dermoscopic patterns of mucosal lesions and to identify if a lesion is benign or malignant.
Module 3: Difficult Benign Lesions Including Nevi with Special Features
This module discusses the use of dermoscopic clues and features in diagnosing benign lesions that are often challenging to recognise. The module explains these clues and features in detail including imaging, to improve the recognition of melanocytic and non-melanocytic benign tumours that might stimulate melanoma. The module also outlines the four main simulator scenarios; melanoma-like nevi, melanoma-like seborrheic keratosis, spitzoid-looking lesions, and nevi with special features.
Module 4: Nail Lesions
This module focuses on the diagnosis of nail pigmentation with dermoscopy. Dermoscopic images of nail pigmentation are used throughout the presentation to establish differential diagnoses between melanoma and other conditions. The module explains the use of dermoscopic clues, patterns and clinical algorithms to diagnose melanonychia striata longitudinal and to determine if a biopsy is needed. The module also discusses the importance of diagnosing the conditions in the early stages and providing conservative treatment to reduce the likelihood of disability.
Module 5: Rare Skin Tumours
This module focuses on dermatoscopic clues whilst diagnosing and managing rare, complex syndrome skin tumours. A multidisciplinary approach is the key to managing, diagnosing and treating a rare skin tumour. The module discussed the various types of rare skin tumours such as tumours of fibrous tissue, Merkel cell carcinoma, angiosarcoma, adnexal tumours and sebaceous tumours with the help of dermoscopic images. The module also explains in detail, the dermoscopic clues, patterns, and management of each of these rare skin tumours.
Module 6: The Broad Spectrum of BCC and Keratinocyte Skin Cancer
This module discusses the broad spectrum of BCC and keratinocyte skin cancer such as actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease, intraepithelial carcinoma as well as keratoacanthoma and invasive SCC. The module explains the dermoscopic clues, clichés and common pitfalls whilst diagnosing a BCC. It also talks about the rare and important subtypes of BCC. Extensive images and examples are provided to identify the different types of skin cancer.
Module 7: Difficult melanomas
This module talks about the dermoscopic clues used to identify melanomas that are difficult to diagnose clinically because of their morphology. It highlights the use of dermoscopy to improve the pattern recognition of various types of melanomas including nodular, desmoplastic, amelanotic, epidermotropic metastatic, nevoid, verrucous and melanomas on sun-damaged skin. The dermoscopic images, features and methods to safely deal with these melanomas are discussed in detail throughout this module.
Module 8: Dermoscopy in General Dermatology
This module focuses on the significance of integrating dermoscopy in the basic practice of general dermatology. In this module, common dermatological conditions including psoriasis, dermatitis, lichen planus, pityriasis rosacea, acne, dermatitis or fungoides are discussed in detail. It also explains using clinical examinations, laboratory investigations and imaging examinations to achieve an accurate diagnosis. There are parameters and criteria such as vessels morphology, vessel distribution, scale colour, scale distribution, follicular disturbances and specific clues that need to be evaluated before reaching a diagnosis. Dermoscopic images are used throughout the presentation to discuss these parameters and to assist in differentiating between inflammatory and infectious skin diseases.
Course Delivery
The Advanced Certificate of Dermoscopy is designed as a fully online course. We offer a ‘start anytime online’ course structure, which gives flexible start and completion times for studies, as well as exam extensions, to fit in with busy schedules. Participants can enjoy the flexibility to study at their own pace, in their own time, within their home or office, and on their favourite mobile device. The modules are set up in such a way that participants are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay the video lectures at their convenience. The webinars offer the opportunity to join and interact with the presenters online in real-time but can also be viewed later. There are no face-to-face requirements for exams which can be conveniently completed online within six months of the course start date. With no travel, accommodation or out-of-office expenses incurred, participants can build critical skills and tailor their career while working in a busy practice or raising a family.
There are eight units in a HealthCert Advanced Certificate program. The course is delivered over 15 weeks with 12 weeks of online teaching (video lectures, case discussion boards, webinars) and three weeks of revision and examination.
The Course Includes:
- All presentation slides available for download.
- Access to additional learning resources, reference materials and video lectures.
- Reading list with references to peer-reviewed journal articles to keep up-to-date with developments in the field.
- 12-month web-based support with the opportunity to ask the instructors questions while you implement your learning.
Assessment Requirements
In order for you to pass the assessment and progress to the next course, you must complete the exams within the allocated period. Exam extensions are available on a case by case basis. In order to meet the requirements of professional and academic learning, the course assessment includes professional requirements and two online examinations.
- Develop a one-page report/explanation of how you will use the learning from this course in your professional work.
- Compile a report listing the resource materials that you have collected to advance and apply your knowledge.
Online Assessment
- 104 knowledge questions based on a scenario of a medical practitioner undertaking special interest training.
- 13 per module, Example: The medical practitioner believes that 10% of the population … Is he correct? Yes/No
- 104 authentic questions based on patient case scenarios at a clinic.
- 13 per module, Example: A patient arrives at your clinic with this problem … What should you do? Multiple choice images based on patient cases.
The knowledge-based examination is worth 50 per cent and the application-based examination is worth 50 per cent. The overall pass mark is 80 per cent. It is therefore not possible to pass this course on knowledge alone. Knowledge must be successfully applied to patient cases in order to pass the course.
HealthCert recommends completion of the assessment at your convenience within six months of the course start date.
Note this e-course is not hosted on Nexlec and users can click the "Select" button to be directed to the course page.
Providers Terms
Course Transfers
Face to Face Courses
Course transfers for Face to Face practical workshops are available, subject to requests being received, in writing, a minimum of 10 business days prior to workshop commencement. Transfer requests received after 10 business days prior to workshop commencement will incur an Administration Fee of $250.
Transfers will be subject to availability in the future workshops. If the future workshop has a cost differential, that price will apply, and any additional charges will be payable at the time of the transfer request.
One workshop transfer, per course is allowed. Further transfers will be considered upon application and may be charged at 25% of a full new workshop booking rate.
Online Courses
Transfers for Online courses are available subject to requests being received, in writing, within 7 days of enrolment. Transfer requests received after the 7 days post enrolment will incur an Administration Fee of $200. One course transfer request, per course is allowed.
If the future course being transferred to, has a cost differential, that price will apply, and any additional charges will be payable at the time of the course transfer request.
Online Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellation and a full refund of the course fees will be provided if a request is received, in writing, a maximum of 7 days after course enrolment. Refund requests received later than 7 days after course enrolment will incur an Administration Fee of $250. Upon cancellation and full refund of the course enrolment, you will not receive a certificate or accreditation points.
Bundle Courses
Courses purchased as part of a bundle attract a discount. This discount is apportioned to the final course in the bundle in the cases of cancellations and refunds. Therefore, cancellation and refund requests of a course that have been purchased as part of a bundle are refunded based on the first and/or second course being charged at the full price rate. Any courses remaining in the bundle can be refunded provided the request is received, in writing, a maximum of 7 days after course enrolment. Refund requests received later than 7 days after course enrolment will incur an Administration Fee of $250.
Tickets:
Course FeeClosed| Contact Hours: | 12.0 hrs |
| Format: | Online Lectures |
| Duration: | 8 Online Modules |
| Lecture Videos | |
| Compatability: | All Devices |
| Language: | English |
| Subtitles: | None |
| Provider: | HealthCert Education |
| Contact: |
Speaker(s):
 | Prof Ashfaq A. MarghoobMD Attending Physician, Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Skin Cancer Center, New York, USA |
Professor Ashfaq A. Marghoob is a board-certified dermatologist specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the skin. He is the director of Memorial Sloan Kettering’s regional skin cancer clinic in Long Island and consults and treats patients in the centre’s outpatient facility in Manhattan.
Although providing the best care possible for his patients remains his primary goal, Ashfaq also remains committed to education and clinical research, with the hope of educating physicians and the public about the importance of early skin cancer detection to save lives.
He is active in clinical research and has published numerous papers on topics related to skin cancer with an emphasis on melanoma, atypical/dysplastic nevi, and congenital melanocytic nevi. Ashfaq’s research interests are focused on the use of imaging instruments such as photography, dermoscopy, and confocal laser microscopy to recognise skin cancer early in its development.
 | Prof Luc ThomasMD, PhD Professor and Chairman Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Lyon, France |
Professor Luc Thomas was board-certified in dermatology in 1989 at Lyon 1 University. He was trained as a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School in 1990 and 1991, and obtained his PhD degree at Lyon 1 University in 1993. He became full professor of dermatology in 1996, first class professor in dermatology in 2009, and Chairman of the Department of Dermatology of Lyon 1 University - Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud in 2003. He obtained his Board certification in Clinical Oncology in 2013.
Luc’s main research fields include skin oncology, early diagnosis of melanoma, dermoscopy, skin surgery and nail diseases. He has published more than 400 peer-reviewed scientific articles in international journals, is the co-editor of four books published in several languages and co-author of more than 25 books. He has lectured at many international meetings, is an associate editor of Dermatology, a member of the board of the International Dermoscopy Society, a past member of the board and treasurer of the French Society of Dermatology from 2000 to 2003, and treasurer of the World Congress of Dermatology in Paris in 2002.
 | A/Prof Andreas BlumMD PhD MSc (DermPrevOncol) Public, Private and Teaching Practice, Konstanz, Germany Associate Professor at the University of Tübingen, Germany |
Associate Professor Andreas Blum studied medicine in Germany and France and received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1993. From 1993 until 2004, he worked in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Tübingen in Germany. In 1998 he finished the specialisation in Dermatology and Venereology. Since 2002 he has been a senior lecture and assistant professor and, since 2006, has been an associate professor at the University of Tübingen. Since 2004 he has worked in his private and teaching practice in Konstanz, Germany.
Andreas is an expert in the diagnosis, surgical treatment, prevention and follow-up of skin cancers. In addition to his clinical research mainly in the field of dermoscopy, he gives regular lectures for national and international dermatological societies.
 | A/Prof Caterina LongoMD PhD Scientific Coordinator, Skin Cancer Unit, ASMN-IRCCS, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy |
Associate Professor Caterina Longo is a board-certified dermatologist specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers. Although providing the best care possible for patients remains her primary goal, she also committed to education and clinical research. She is actively involved in clinical research and has published numerous papers on topics related to skin cancer with an emphasis on melanoma, atypical nevi, Spitz/Reed nevi and non-melanoma skin cancer.
Caterina’s research interests are focused on the use of imaging instruments such as dermoscopy and confocal laser microscopy to recognise skin cancer early in its development. She pioneered the use of ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy for micrographic Mohs surgery applied for basal cell carcinoma and other visceral tumours. Caterina lectures on these topics both nationally and internationally.
 | Dr Aimilios LallasMD PhD MSc Dermatologist-Venereologist, First Department Of Dermatology, Aristotle University, Greece |
Dr Aimilios Lallas is a Board-Certified Dermatologist-Venereologist. He is currently occupied at the First Department of Dermatology of the Faculty of Medicine of Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece. Aimilios specialises in skin cancer diagnosis with non-invasive techniques, as well as in the management of skin cancer patients. He possesses a PhD diploma on skin cancer prevention.
Aimilios’ main fields of research interests are in the dermoscopy of skin tumours, the application of the method in general dermatology, and the improvement of the management of oncologic patients. He is co-author of approximately 190 scientific papers, editor of four books and author of several chapters on dermoscopy.
Aimilios is currently the General Secretary of the International Dermoscopy Society and the General Secretary of the 5th World Congress of Dermoscopy, which will be held in Thessaloniki, Greece on 14-16 June 2018.
 | Dr Elvira MoscarellaMD Dermatologist, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, Reggio Emilia, Italy |
Dr Elvira Moscarella is a dermatologist at the Santa Maria Nuova Hospital in Reggio Emilia, Italy. She acquired her medical degree in 2005 at the Second University of Naples before completing her residency in dermatology and venereology at the University’s Department of Dermatology. In 2008, Elvira undertook further education in dermoscopy and confocal microscopy. She is a member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and the International Dermoscopy Society, and is Editor in Chief of the latter’s newsletter and case of the month. Elvira’s main interests are in dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy, and their use in skin cancer medicine.
 | Prof Harald KittlerMD Professor at the Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria |
Professor Harald Kittler has a special clinical interest in dermoscopy of pigmented skin lesions. His main research interest is digital dermoscopy, follow-up of pigmented skin lesions, and computer assisted digital dermoscopy. Harald has been working for 10 years in the field of dermoscopy and has published a number of scientific articles especially in the field of digital dermoscopy and dermoscopic follow-up of melanocytic nevi.
 | A/Prof Iris ZalaudekMD PhD Head of the Dermatology Clinic of the University of Trieste, Italy |
Associate Professor Iris Zalaudek is a board-certified dermatologist and Head of the Dermatology Clinic of the University of Trieste, Italy. Since 2016, she has been President of the International Dermoscopy Society, and was previously the Research Director of the Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Unit at the Medical University of Graz, Austria.
Her main research fields are related to dermato-oncology and include non-invasive skin imaging techniques, as well as topical and systemic treatment of skin cancer. Moreover, she is engaged in the development of modern teaching methods such as online distant courses and tele-dermatologic services. She is Director of the Master of Science program entitled "Dermoscopy and Preventive Dermato-Oncology" of the Medical University of Graz, Austria.
Iris has published more than 450 articles, of which 358 (267 full papers) have been cited in PubMed. Her combined publications have received an impact factor of 1003 and a h-index value of 36 (by April 2017). In 2003 her work was awarded by the Hans-Weitgasser Price from the Styrian Association of Dermatologists and in 2008 she was awarded the Best Researcher of the Medical University of Graz, Austria.
Course Information: Dermoscopy.pdf
