Curriculum
Overview
The Professional Certificate of Dermoscopy is the first course in the three-part HealthCert Certificate and Diploma program in Dermoscopy. The certificate is designed to meet the needs of medical practitioners who are interested in primary care dermoscopy and assumes no prior knowledge or specific training in the diagnosis and management of skin cancer in primary care. Participants will acquire a range of knowledge in the management of benign and malignant non-melanocytic lesions commonly seen in the practice, melanocytic nevi, melanoma, facial lesions and acral lesions. 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 first 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 Professional Certificate of Dermoscopy is suitable for medical professionals who are interested in primary care dermoscopy for the management of skin conditions commonly seen in day-to-day general practice. With teachings from the world’s most influential dermoscopy experts, participants can expect to learn how to independently and competently diagnose many benign and malignant lesions, facial and acral lesions, and melanomas. The course is suitable for medical doctors and the degree-qualified nurses and dermal therapists who work under their supervision, other degree-qualified health professionals with an interest in skin, as well as for International Medical Graduates. There are no prerequisites for this course. 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.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Professionally recognized qualifications and prior studies may be recognized for entry into this course if the learning outcomes match exactly. Please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience.
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 Professional Certificate course will provide the participants with a range of knowledge including:
- Three Point Checklist and The Elephant Method
- The Chaos & Clues method
- Benign non-melanocytic lesions
- Malignant non-melanocytic lesions
- Melanocytic nevi
- Facial lesions
- Acral lesions
- Melanoma
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: Algorithms and the Elephant Approach
This module introduces the history of algorithms for determining whether a skin lesion is benign or suspicious. It explains the evolution of pattern analysis and then focusses on the 3 Point Checklist and the Elephant Approach algorithms. Dermoscopic images are used throughout the presentation and the interpretation of the images using these algorithms is discussed in detail. The module finishes with a self-assessment quiz on dermoscopic lesions to reinforce learning.
Module 2: The Chaos & Clues Method
This module introduces the Chaos and Clues diagnostic method for identifying whether a skin lesion is benign or suspicious. This algorithm is based on revising pattern analysis to identify chaos, clues and exceptions, to assist with the diagnosis and management of skin lesions. Extensive images and examples are provided. In this module, the Chaos and Clues method is used to assess pigmented skin lesions such as melanomas, pigmented basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and pigmented squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs). The module also considers the four exceptions when considering a biopsy.
Module 3: Benign Non-Melanocytic Lesions Commonly Seen in the Practice
This module identifies the four most common types of benign non-melanocytic skin lesions commonly seen in daily practice. It explains in detail the use of dermoscopy in diagnosing seborrheic keratosis, dermatofibroma, vascular tumours and sebaceous hyperplasia including numerous dermoscopic images. The module explains the factors influencing the prevalence and morphology of these benign lesions. The module concludes with three management rules to follow in order not to miss melanoma that mimics a benign non-melanocytic tumour.
Module 4: Malignant Non-Melanocytic Lesions Commonly Seen in the Practice
This module focuses on malignant non-melanocytic skill lesions commonly seen in daily practice. It explains in detail the use of dermoscopy in diagnosing keratinocyte carcinomas, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Dermoscopic images and pattern analysis are used throughout the presentation to differentiate between benign and malignant skin lesions.
Module 5: Melanocytic Nevi
This module focusses on the classification of melanocytic nevi based on dermoscopy pattern, morphology, colour, and pigmentation distribution. The module outlines dermoscopic features of congenital nevi and acquired nevi. Dermoscopic images are used throughout the presentation to discuss the different classifications of congenital nevus and appropriate action to manage them.
Module 6: Facial Lesions
This module focuses on the dermoscopy of facial lesions. The topic is divided into four categories; pigmented flat facial lesions, pigmented mucosal lesions, non-pigmented neoplastic lesions, and non-pigmented non-neoplastic lesions. Each category is discussed in detail, and dermoscopic images are used throughout the presentation in identifying the differential diagnoses of skin lesions. The pattern analysis method is also outlined in this module and is used to identify different lesions on the face.
Module 7: Acral Lesions
This module explains the basic variations of acral melanocytic lesions which includes acral nevus and acral lentiginous melanoma. It briefly outlines the differential diagnoses of some melanosis such as Peutz Jeghers syndrome, Laugier Hunziker Baran syndrome, and drug-induced melanosis. The module then focusses on the dermoscopy of acral lesions which is divided into four criteria: parallel-furrow pattern regular or irregular and parallel-ridge pattern regular or irregular. The parallel patterns are discussed in this module and are used to identify whether a skin lesion is melanoma, haematoma, or a pigmented wart.
Module 8: Management Rules to Detect Melanoma
This module describes the dermoscopic features that are commonly seen in melanoma. It focusses on the patterns and structures encountered in melanoma. Most melanomas will reveal at least one of ten melanoma- specific structures. Throughout this module, each of these ten melanoma-specific structures are discussed in detail including numerous dermoscopic images to demonstrate learning. Various dermoscopic tools are discussed. Eight management rules to assist with the detection of melanoma are outlined.
Course Delivery
The Professional 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 modules in a HealthCert Professional 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.
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.
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 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.
 | 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 Cliff RosendahlMBBS PhD Professor and Course Coordinator MMed (Skin Cancer) Program School of Medicine, The University of Queensland |
Professor Cliff Rosendahl currently works in Brisbane as a primary care practitioner with a special interest in skin cancer. He also has an interest in research as the clinical developer and Director of the Skin Cancer Audit Research Database (SCARD). His other main area of research has been in evaluating dermatoscopic clues for the diagnosis of both pigmented and non-pigmented skin malignancy in collaboration with colleagues at The University of Queensland, Australia and the Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
 | Prof Giuseppe ArgenzianoMD PhD Professor and Head of the Dermatology Unit, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy |
Professor Giuseppe Argenziano is Professor of Dermatology at the Department of Dermatology, Second University of Naples; Coordinator of the Skin Cancer Unit Research Hospital Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy; President of the International Dermoscopy Society; and member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Giuseppe has developed early diagnosis techniques for melanoma, authored over 300 scientific works and has been invited as speaker and/or chairman in more than 400 national and international conferences in the field of dermatology. He has authored more than 450 scientific articles and more than 30 books, and his publications have received a total of 6200 citations with an h-index value of 40 (Scopus 02/2015).
 | Prof Masaru TanakaMD PhD Professor of Dermatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Medical Center East, Japan |
Professor Masaru Tanaka graduated in 1984 at the Keio University School of Medicine, in Tokyo, Japan. He became a board-certified dermatologist in 1989 and obtained a degree in Medical Science in 1992. He studied image analysis at the Department of Dermatology, University of Wales College of Medicine, in the UK for two years. Masaru was the Congress Secretary of the 100th Japanese Dermatological Association in Tokyo in April 2001. He is now a Professor of Dermatology at the Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Medical Center East, Japan. His main research fields include the bullous disorders, contact dermatitis, dermatopathology, image analysis and dermoscopy.
 | Prof Rainer Hofmann-WellenhofMD Professor of Dermatology, Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Head of Research Unit, Medical University of Graz, Austria |
Professor Rainer Hofmann-Wellenhof is Professor of Dermatology in the Department of Dermatology at the Medical University of Graz, Austria. He has been a dermato-oncologist for 10 years and has a special interest in pigmented skin lesions, dermoscopy and skin culturing. Rainer is also Director of the Pigmented Skin Lesion Clinic at the Department of Dermatology in Graz.
 | 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
