Curriculum
Overview
Surgery is still considered the most effective and definitive skin cancer treatment. The Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery is ideal for learning how to surgically remove skin cancers from anatomically complex and cosmetically sensitive areas with optimal scarring results. The program covers a variety of flaps, grafts and wedges for closure of defects on the head, neck, face, and upper and lower limbs.
This course is the second part of the three-part Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery. The education pathway is Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery, Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery (online course components + practical workshop) or Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery Principles (online course components only), and Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery.
Course Contents
The course provides advanced training in skin cancer surgery and teaches various techniques allowing GPs to treat more complex cases in the primary care setting. Course participants can choose to complete the course entirely online or with an optional practical workshop.
- Anatomy of the head, neck, face, and limbs
- Advancement flaps and rhomboid flaps on the face, upper lip and lateral nose*
- Rotational flaps in closure of scalp, cheek and distal limb defects*
- Full-thickness and split-thickness grafts on the face and lower limb defects*
- Closure of ear defects with flaps, grafts and wedges*
- Closure techniques to minimize scarring*
All topics are covered online and during the web live tutorials. *These topics are also covered during the hands-on practical sessions in the optional skills workshop. Course graduates also receive ongoing post-course support through regular alumni webinars.
Choose Your Delivery Format
The course is delivered fully online with the option to attend an eight-hour practical workshop. The modules are set up in such a way that you are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience. The suggested timeline is weekly learning over 15 weeks, with 12 weeks of teaching followed by the submission of required activities. There are no face-to-face requirements for exams which can be conveniently completed online.
Fully Online
- Commence your course anytime online, access all course content instantly and study at your own pace.
- Reinforce your learning, participate in case discussions, follow along procedure demonstrations, and ask any questions in webinars with presenters.
- Complete your assessment online and receive your CPD points and certificate.
Online + Workshop
- Complete your course fully online and receive all of the benefits of online study.
- Receive your CPD points and certificate.
- Cement your knowledge in the accompanying workshop with hands-on training, demonstrations and expert guidance in a small group setting on a date and location of your choice.
Entry Requirements and Course Requisites
The Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery is ideal for Medical Doctors and International Medical Graduates with a special interest in skin cancer medicine and who wish to treat more complex skin cancer cases. Participants can expect to reduce their referral rates as they gain invaluable experience that enables them to do more skin-related surgery in day-to-day work.
The course is suitable for Medical Doctors and International Medical Graduates. Participants must have completed the Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery (or a qualification deemed equivalent). It is recommended that 100 cases of skin cancer surgery have been completed before enrolling in the Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery.
Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing in 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 Skin Cancer Surgery. 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.
Recognition of Prior Learning is granted for those who have completed the RACGP Certificate of Primary Care Dermatology DermCert4 and face-to-face workshop.
Course Outline
Module 1: Ellipses and Suture Techniques Revisited
This module builds on the knowledge from the professional certificate and goes into further detail about defects, resting skin tension lines (RSTL) and excision, then looks at the closure and cosmetic considerations. Guides are included with the mathematical ratios. Detailed information including schematics are provided for ellipses and variants of the standard ellipse. An overview of the vessels and nerves is presented in addition to the clinical considerations of RSTL. Knot tying and suture techniques are reinforced and selecting the appropriate technique for closure are outlined. Detailed images of the different suture techniques are provided and then demonstrated on pork belly.
Module 2: Advancement Flaps
This module focusses on advancement flaps. Flaps require loose surrounding tissue to be successful. The principles, classification and types of skin flap surgery are outlined. Advancement flaps included are the ellipse, S-plasty, A-L, A-T, single and double advancement, modified H-flap and A-A-Z flap. Each of these flaps is covered in detail including detailed schematics to assist with understanding the concepts. Each version of the advancement flap includes guides for RSTL and clinical images showing surgical planning for advancement flaps on the face. Recordings of planning and performing advancement flaps in both the clinical setting and on pork parts are included.
Module 3: Rotation Flaps
This module revises and builds on the rotation flaps introduction in the professional certificate. It commences with an overview of scalp defect closures and planning rotation flaps including images that describe the mathematic planning of rotation flaps including the size of the flap arc. Clinical case examples are presented with planning and after surgery pictures to demonstrate best practice with the surgery and aesthetic outcomes. The traditional rotation and the O-Z flaps are described in detail. Anatomical positions suitable for the rotation flap including the scalp, medial and lateral cheek, pre-auricular, temple and chin are included in this module. Recordings of planning and performing rotation flaps in both the clinical setting and on pork parts concludes this module.
Module 4: Grafts
Again, this module builds on the learning from the professional certificate. It begins with detail about defects, resting skin tension lines (RSTL) and excision, then summarizes the full thickness (FTSG) and split skin (SSG) grafts and the considerations to using these grafts for skin cancer surgery. Graft revasculation is covered. Graft recipient and donor sites are outlined including visual images to demonstrate suitable areas. Selection of sites is critical to maximizing successful outcomes. The module teaches techniques and wound care of both the donor and recipient sites and describes how and why grafts can go wrong. Clinical images of surgical planning for grafts are included. The halo variant of the split skin graft is featured including the technique, advantages, graphics and clinical images. Recordings of defatting and the planning and performing advancement flaps in both the clinical setting and on pork parts are included.
Module 5: The Rhomboid Flap
This module focusses on rhomboid flaps and opens with the Limburg flap, the easiest of the rhombic flaps. It describes identifying the defect then planning the surgery from the defect. There are only four flap variants of the rhomboid flap however choices of design are apparent when planning is based from the donor site to maximize the success of the surgery. Images of planning and designing a flap and the mathematics that support various rhomboid flaps are featured. Clinical images are featured to support the teaching and recordings in both the clinical setting and on pork parts are included.
Module 6: The banner Flap
Banner flaps are a form of transposition flap or rhomboid flap. It rotates about a pivot point however differs in its design from the rhomboid flap. Images of planning and designing a flap and the mathematics that support various rhomboid flaps are featured. Associated problems and tips to successfully complete a banner flap are discussed. Clinical images are featured to support the teaching and a clinical recording of the banner flap to the ear is included.
Module 7: Wedges of the Ear
Wedges on the ear are the focus of this module. Ear subunits are detailed as an awareness of these is essential for successful surgery. Practical information and techniques are included when planning an ear wedge together with suggested sutures. Clinical images are featured to support the teaching and a clinical recording of the wedge procedure to the ear is included.
Module 8: Tips and Tricks
This module summarizes the tips and tricks linked to the procedures taught in this course to maximize skin cancer surgery outcomes. These tips and tricks offer helpful information when planning skin cancer surgery. The module commences with images of the cosmetic subunits, as where possible, skin cancer surgery procedures should remain in the same or adjacent subunits to maximize the best cosmetic healing. Clinical and graphical images are featured to support the teaching. Options for ear repairs are listed. The module stresses the importance of patient history and how some patient conditions may impact skin cancer surgery procedures. Tips include how to set the ambience to relax both the doctor and patient and the importance of keeping comprehensive patient records including photos. Local anaesthetic, syringes/needle size and scar care are mentioned. Sutures are covered including what sutures to use for what wounds. Planning skin cancer surgery on dual lesions, rhomboid, flaps and grafts are also summarized. Points of skin cancer surgery wisdom are listed along with anticoagulation issues.
Course Inclusions
For your one-off investment, you will receive unlimited access to all course content, additional learning materials, ongoing post-course support and more.
- Online pre-course activity to be completed in your own time.
- Eight online video modules to be viewed, replayed and completed at your convenience.
- All presentation slides and further learning materials available for permanent access and download.
- Instruments and consumables for practical sessions in the optional practical workshop.
- Post-course online assessment to be completed in your own time within six months of the course start date.
- Ongoing post-course support in monthly webinars with the opportunity to discuss cases with course presenters.
- Access to the HealthCert Community with additional free learning opportunities, special offers and other benefits.
Assessment
In order to meet the requirements of professional and academic learning, the course assessment includes professional requirements and two online examinations. There are no face-to-face requirements for exams which can be conveniently completed online within six months of the course start date.
- 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 scenario based questions based on cases of patient care 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.
If you choose to attend the optional practical workshop and there is cause for postponement or you cannot travel due to Covid-19 restrictions, full workshop refund, transfer or alternative learning opportunities will be available for you. View full refunds and cancellation policy.
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 on 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 email [email protected].
- The following conditions will apply to any changes to enrolments and clinical attachments that have been paid and confirmed.
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.
Deferred 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.
Please contact the Provider directly or follow the ticket selection button to the Course Provider Website for full terms and conditions.
Tickets:
Course FeeClosed| Contact Hours: | 12.0 hrs |
| Format: | Lecture and Assessment |
| Duration: | 12 Hours Lecture |
| Lecture Videos | |
| Compatability: | All Devices |
| Language: | English |
| Subtitles: | None |
| Provider: | HealthCert |
| Contact: |
Speaker(s):
 | Dr. Alister LilleymanMBBS, MMed (Skin Cancer), FSCCA Senior Lecturer, The University of Queensland Skin Cancer Doctor at Newcastle Skin Check, Charlestown NSW |
Dr Alister Lilleyman graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1994 and spent the next six years working in the public hospital system. After moving to Newcastle in 2003, he began working in private practice as a Skin Cancer Doctor, Assistant Surgeon, and Vein and Laser Physician. He completed a Master of Medicine degree in Skin Cancer Medicine from The University of Queensland, where he is now a Senior Lecturer. He is a proud member of the AMA (Australian Medical Association), College of Phlebology, and Fellow of the Skin Cancer College Australasia.
 | Dr. Anthony AzziMBBS, MMed (Skin Cancer) Senior Lecturer, The University of Queensland Director at Newcastle Skin Check, Charlestown NSW |
Dr Anthony Azzi graduated from the University of Sydney in 1989 and moved to Newcastle, where he spent the next 13 years working in the public hospital system. He now works in private practice as a Skin Cancer Doctor and Assistant Surgeon. He completed a Master of Medicine in Skin Cancer from The University of Queensland, where he is now a Senior Lecturer. He is a member of the Australian Medical Association, Skin Cancer College Australasia, and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.
 | Dr. Victor HarlingMBBS Skin Cancer Doctor, National Skin Cancer Centres, Redcliffe |
Dr Victor Harling obtained his medical degrees from The University of Queensland in 1983. He worked for Queensland Health and the Wesley Emergency Centre for many years before pursuing his interest in Skin Cancer Medicine. Victor undertakes regular professional development courses and has obtained a Diploma of Skin Cancer from the Skin Cancer College Australasia. He is passionate about skin cancer medicine and surgery, and shares his vast expertise with fellow GPs in HealthCert certificate course and Clinical Attachments at the Redcliffe Skin Cancer Centre.
Course Information: Advanced-Certificate-of-Skin-Cancer-Surgery.pdf
