Curriculum
Overview
GPs are confronted with common skin, nail and hair conditions on a regular basis as patients have limited access to dermatologists. In fact, the largest organ of the human body makes up 15 percent of general practice consultations on a day-to-day
basis. Undergraduate dermatology training is minimal in many medical schools and without additional education in general dermatology, GPs are often underequipped to handle common presentations.
Presented by noted dermatologists, the Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology will increase your clinical knowledge, teach you how to assess more complex and rare cases and make differential diagnoses for various dermatological conditions.
This course is the second part of the three-part Professional Diploma of General Dermatology. The education pathway is Professional Certificate of General Dermatology, Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology and Professional Diploma of General Dermatology.
Entry Requirements and Course Requisites
The Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology is ideal for medical professionals who wish to increase their clinical skills, assess more complex and rare cases, and make differential diagnoses for various dermatological conditions. Participants will be equipped with knowledge that is often lacking from undergraduate medical studies and can expect to confidently address their patients’ skin concerns on a day-to-day basis. The course is suitable for medical doctors, International Medical Graduates, degree-qualified nurses and dermal therapists who work under the supervision of a general practitioner, and other degree-qualified health professionals with an interest in skin.
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.
The prerequisite for this course is the successful completion of the Professional Certificate of General Dermatology (or qualification deemed equivalent). HealthCert also recommends successful completion of at least 25 cases of general dermatology prior to enrolment.
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 General Dermatology. 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.
Course Contents
The certificate course offers richly illustrated clinical examples and opportunities for interactive discussions on the cases provided and covers various dermatology conditions.
The Theory Sessions Cover:
- Dermatological emergencies
- Vitiligo
- Skin infestations
- Dermatomyositis
- Sarcoidosis
- Psoriasis
- Lichen planus
- Atopic dermatitis
- Patch testing
- Acne
- Contact dermatitis
- Cutaneous lymphomas
- Cicatricial alopecia
- Rare nail disorders
- Hidradenitis suppurativa
- Bullous pemphigoid
Course Participants Will:
- Have the opportunity to replay video lectures from medical experts.
- Participate in discussions of patient cases, evaluate and make decisions.
- Receive a comprehensive course folder and research/readings in the field.
- All presentation slides available for download.
- Participate in course webinars prior to the examinations and ask questions.
- 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.
- Receive ongoing support post-course through webinars and case review
- Have the opportunity to participate in optional clinical attachments at dedicated dermatology clinics.
Course Outline
Module 1 – Dermatological Emergencies, Vitiligo Treatments and Infestations
The first section of this module focuses on identifying the different categories of dermatological emergencies including erythroderma, DRESS syndrome, necrotizing fasciitis, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, meningococcal infection and SJS/TEN. Clinical features, differential diagnosis, pathology, investigations, complications and management of these conditions are outlined. The second section focuses on vitiligo and the management and emerging therapeutic modalities in treating this autoimmune condition. The third section focuses on identifying skin infestations including candidiasis, scabies, strongyloidiasis, cutaneous larva migrans, schistosomiasis and leishmaniasis. Management and recommended treatment for these conditions are also covered in this section. Clinical and dermoscopic images are used throughout the module.
Module 2 – Treatment of Dermatomyositis and Treatment of Sarcoidosis
This module focuses on describing and managing the different types of systemic treatment for dermatomyositis and sarcoidosis. These multisystem diseases are challenging and treatment options are discussed. The module outlines the long-term risk of using prednisone and includes ways to minimize osteoporosis. The use of steroid-sparing medications including methotrexate, azathioprine, hydroxychloroquine, mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporin along with associated side effects are discussed. The module concludes with the management and treatment options of sarcoidosis. Images are used throughout the module to assist with learning.
Module 3 – Systemic Treatment Options for Psoriasis and Systemic Treatment of Lichen Planus
This module focuses on describing the different types of systemic treatments for psoriasis and lichen planus including collecting clues from patients to determine the best treatment options. The first section focuses on oral therapies and biologic injectable treatments of psoriasis including methotrexate, oral retinoids, cyclosporine, apremilast, adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, ustekinumab, secukinumab and ixekizumab. The second section briefly introduces the six Ps of lichen planus including planar, purple, polygonal, pruritic, papule and plaque. It then outlines the type of systemic treatment including prednisone, acitretin, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine and azathioprine based on the case presentations. The treatment options for psoriasis and lichen planus including their benefits and risk are also discussed in the module.
Module 4 – Systematic Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis and Differential Diagnosis of Acne and Treatments
The first section focuses on improving the ability to accurately diagnose and manage 90 per cent of atopic dermatitis cases including recognizing the differences in presentation and distribution characteristics from infancy to adulthood. The associated features, findings, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of atopic dermatitis are outlined. Treatment options including reducing contact with irritants and exposure to allergens, emollients, topical steroids, antihistamines, antibiotics, steroid-sparing and systemic therapies are discussed in detail. The second section explores the differential diagnosis of acne including keratosis pilaris, perioral dermatitis, angiofibroma, pseudofolliculitis barbae, acne keloidalis nuchae, folliculitis and hidradentis suppurativa. The treatment options of acne such as topical keratolytic agents, topical antibiotics and systemic treatments are discussed. Clinical images and evidence-based guidelines for acne treatment are included.
Module 5 – Patch Testing and Contact Dermatitis and Cutaneous Lymphomas
This first section focuses on patch testing including when and how to conduct these tests. It outlines possible complications and how to interpret test results. The module then focuses on the differences between allergic and irritant contact dermatitis the causes and the clinical management of these conditions. Common allergens discussed include nickel, cobalt, chromate, fragrance, medicaments, preservatives, rubber and plants allergies. Predisposing factors of irritant contact dermatitis are outlined. The second section focuses on identifying and distinguishing features of cutaneous lymphoma including common primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, mycosis fungoides, Sézary syndrome, lymphomatoid papulosis, primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma and leukaemia cutis. The appropriate investigations and management of these conditions are discussed in detail. Clinical and dermoscopic images are used through the module.
Module 6 – Rare Nail Disorders and Cicatricial Alopecia
The first section focuses on identifying various nail diseases including Beau’s lines, onychomadesis, nail pitting, onychorrhexis, pterygium, trachyonychia, true leukonychia, koilonychia, onycholysis, onychauxis, splinter haemorrhages, nail discolouration, longitudinal melanonychia, clubbing, onychogryphosis, median canaliform dystrophy, ingrown toenail, paronychia, subungual hematoma, pincer nails and tumours of the nail bed. The causes associated with these nail changes are discussed. The next section focuses on cicatricial and non-cicatricial alopecia conditions. Primary cicatricial alopecia conditions that are either lymphocytic (chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, lichen planopillaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, brocq pseudopelade), and neutrophilic (folliculitis decalvans, dissecting cellulitis of the scalp) are discussed. Non-cicatricial conditions including androgenetic alopecia, telogen and anagen effluvium, alopecia areata, tinea capitis and traumatic alovecia are included. The symptoms, management and treatment for these conditions are covered in detail. Clinical and dermoscopic images are used throughout the module.
Module 7 – Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Bullous Pemphigoid
The first section focuses on identifying treatment plans for various severities of hidradenitis suppurativa and safely monitor the combination of antibiotic therapy and biologic therapy. Discussion includes clinical findings, risk factors, associated disorders and syndromes, treatment ladder, Hurley staging and Sartorius scale. Five case studies focusing on the management of this condition are discussed. The following section focuses on identifying the correct steps to differentiate blistering disorders and making the right treatment decisions for these conditions. Three cases studies focusing on investigations, diagnosis and treatments of bullous pemphigoid are outlined. Clinical images are used through the case studies to assist with learning.
Module 8 – More Challenging General Dermatology Cases
This module reviews nine challenging dermatology case studies focusing on the learning in the course. The cases are supported by clinical images and outlines how to approach each case. Differential diagnoses, history taking, investigations, management strategies and treatment options are included. In several of these cases, biopsy/surgical options and adjuvant therapies are discussed.
Course Delivery and Assessment
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 online 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.
This is course is delivered online in eight modules over 15 weeks, with 12 weeks of teaching followed by three weeks for revision and final examinations. The course includes online presentations from experts in the field followed by patient case discussions and decision-making. There is a final webinar prior to examinations.
The Course Includes:
- Digital workbook including all presentation slides.
- 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 months' web-based support with the opportunity to ask the instructors questions while you implement your learning.
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
- 88 knowledge questions based on a scenario of a medical practitioner undertaking special interest training.
- 11 per module, Example: The medical practitioner believes that 10% of the population … Is he correct? Yes/No
- 88 authentic scenario based questions based on cases of patient care at a clinic
- 11 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.
Certification and Accreditation
Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology certificate and below points. To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas.
Education Pathways
Professional Diploma Pathway
This course is the second stage of the professional diploma pathway. The full pathway is: Professional Certificate of General Dermatology, Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology, Professional Diploma of General Dermatology.
Postgraduate Pathway
This pathway is suitable for doctors who are mainly interested in clinical academic study.
Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology studied through the Rila Institute of Health Sciences and awarded by the University of Plymouth (UK).
There are three modules in the Postgraduate Diploma. Medical professionals who successfully complete the HealthCert Professional Certificate of General Dermatology, Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology and Professional Diploma of General Dermatology will be eligible to apply for Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) for module 3 of the Rila Institute/Plymouth University Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology.
The Postgraduate Diploma is mainly delivered online. No practical workshops will be required due to the APCL from the HealthCert qualifications. Overall there will be a time saving of 40 per cent of the postgraduate program due to the APCL. Exams will be held in Perth, Western Australia.
When the Postgraduate Diploma has been successfully completed, medical professionals can apply for credit from the Postgraduate Diploma to the Master of Science in the specialism awarded by the University of Plymouth
Certified Clinical Attachments Pathway
Clinical Attachments in Dermatology are optional and available on a 1:1 or small group basis. These provide the opportunity to observe skin cancer medicine treatments and ask questions of the expert performing the treatments. In addition to clinical attachments in Australia, university teaching hospitals at the University of Vienna is available for clinical attachment.
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
Condition of Sale
- Enrolments in HealthCert Education courses are sold subject to these and any other additional conditions of admission as provided in the course information detailed on our website/s.
- Should you be unable to participate in the course, please inform us at [email protected].
- The following conditions will apply to any changes to enrolments and clinical attachments that have been paid and confirmed.
Course Transfer
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.
Differed Payment Terms
Courses purchased as part of a bundle with a deferred payment will be eligible for release of certificate in stages based on the payment schedule. For the release of the final certificate the bundle must be paid in full.
Certificate and CPD points can be released as follows:
- Course 1 - Upon 33% payment of total deferred payments received and course completed, certificate to be released and CPD points uploaded
- Course 2 - Upon 66% payment of total deferred payments received and course completed, certificate to be released and CPD points uploaded
- Course 3 - Upon 100% payment of total deferred payments received and course completed, certificate to be released and CPD points uploaded
Clinical Attachments
- The clinical attachment program is aimed at qualified general practitioners who have completed the relevant HealthCert courses (or equivalent). Places are subject to availability and clinic schedules.
- Cancellation and a full refund of the fees will be provided if a request is received, in writing, a minimum of 10 business days prior to commencement. Refund requests received after 10 business days prior to commencement will incur an Administration Fee of $250. Cancellation requests post commencement will not result in a refund.
- If the Workshops or Clinical Attachments are cancelled for reasons outside the reasonable control of HealthCert Education Pte Ltd, the booking fee will not be refunded however an alternate place may be arranged with a future Workshop at the sole discretion of HealthCert Education Pte Ltd.
Other Conditions
HealthCert Education Pte Ltd reserves the right to:
- deny entry; and
- to vary the Workshop presenters, format, booking fee, venue and seating arrangements at the venue.
- Any variation to the advertised venue will be notified by HealthCert Education Pte Ltd as soon as reasonably practical after the change.
- Late arrivals may result in non-admittance until a suitable break in the Workshop.
- Cameras, audio and video recorders may not be used within the venue Workshop presentations may not be photographed or recorded in any format. Breach of this requirement may lead to confiscation of equipment and recording medium. Mobile communication devices must be switched off during the Workshops.
- Any information provided at the Workshops is not to be regarded as a substitute to any professional medical advice.
- Printed certificates are delivered in Australia and New Zealand. If you reside internationally, you will receive an electronic copy of your certificate.
Tickets:
Course FeeClosed| Contact Hours: | 12.0 hrs |
| Format: | Lecture |
| Duration: | 8 Modules |
| Lecture Videos | |
| Compatability: | All Devices |
| Language: | English |
| Subtitles: | None |
| Provider: | HealthCert |
| Contact: |
Speaker(s):
 | 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 frequently lectures on these topics both nationally and internationally.
 | Dr. Jonathan B. KarnesMD |
Dr Jonathan B. Karnes is a family medicine physician with special fellowship training in dermatology. He is employed by MDFMR Dermatology Services and is a member of Maine General Medical Center's active staff. He is also a faculty member in the Maine Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency program.
Jonathan’s special interest areas include:
- Advancement flaps
- Burn therapy (excluding burns requiring grafting)
- Cryotherapy of skin lesions
- Destruction of malignant skin lesions by electrosurgery or cryosurgery
- Excision/biopsy of skin lesions without grafting
- Fricke graft for small skin defects
- Incision and drainage of superficial abscesses and haematomas
- Intermediate and complex facial repairs
- Local infiltration anaesthesia with minor nerve blocks
- Patch tests for allergy diagnosis
- Phototherapy
 | Prof. Richard P. UsatineMD PhD Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Texas, USA Founder and medical director of the University Health System Skin Clinic in San Antonio, USA |
Professor Richard Usatine is the Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Texas. He is the author of nine books and over 120 papers, founder of the Interactive Dermatology Atlas on the web, and is the most recognised skin cancer presenter in the USA. Since 2000, he has been chosen yearly by his peers to be included in The Best Doctors in America. He is also the national chair of the yearly Skin Course put on by the American Academy of Family Physicians, and is the founder and medical director of the University Health System Skin Clinic in San Antonio.
Richard has been involved in Global Health through his work in Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Haiti and Ethiopia. In 2000, Richard Usatine was recognised as the national recipient of the Humanism in Medicine Award, by the Association of American Medical Colleges.
 | Dr. Christopher M RossBSc(BiomedSc)(Hons) BMBS FACD |
Dr Christopher Ross is an Adelaide-based Dermatologist who completed a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science with Honours at Adelaide University in 2004, before completing his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at Flinders University in 2008.
Dermatology specialist training was conducted at Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Flinders Medical Centre and Royal Adelaide Hospital; he was awarded Fellowship of the Australasian College of Dermatologists (FACD) in 2016. Dr Ross has published multiple articles in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology and has written and presented several courses in General Dermatology with HealthCert for teaching purposes.
Dr Ross has a keen interest in rural dermatology, providing outreach services to Darwin and rural South Australia. He also holds the position of Visiting Medical Specialist at Flinders Medical Centre, providing care and teaching to Dermatology registrars. Dr Ross has an interest in all general dermatology including acne, eczema, psoriasis and hair loss.
Dr Ross become a founding member of DermoDirect, which is an online teledermatology service that provides a valuable specialist service to rural areas of Australia. He also is a founder of Diagnode, the telehealth platform behind Dermodirect.
 | Dr. Zoe ApallaMD PhD Consultant Dermatologist at State Hospital for Skin and Venereal Diseases, Thessaloniki, Greece |
Dr Zoe Apalla was board certified in dermatology in 2008 at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. She was trained in dermatopathology at the St John’s Institute of Dermatology in London in 2010 and obtained her PhD degree at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2013.
Zoe has worked as a consultant in the First Dermatology Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki since 2010. She oversees the Supportive Oncology Outpatient Clinic and the Skin Cancer Outpatient Clinic, and the department’s dermatopathology laboratory. She also holds General Dermatology and Inflammatory Dermatoses Outpatient Clinics.
Zoe’s main research fields include skin oncology, melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, topical treatments, photodynamic therapy and dermatoscopy. She has published more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles in international journals and has lectured at many international and national congresses and meetings.
Course Information: General-Dermatology__1_.pdf
