Curriculum
Overview
Presented by noted dermatologists, this comprehensive course teaches how to manage common skin, hair and nail conditions in primary care. You will learn about modes of presentation, relevant investigations and management of all of the common skin conditions from acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis through to drug rashes, hair loss and common cosmetic complaints.
The course is delivered online in eight modules which can be viewed and replayed at any time. Participants will receive valuable 12 months web-based support from the speakers and participate in regular online learning sessions with the opportunity to ask any questions you might have as you implement your learning.
This course is the first 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 Professional Certificate of General Dermatology is tailored for medical professionals seeking comprehensive knowledge on the diagnosis of various dermatological conditions in the early presentation stage. Participants will learn how to choose appropriate treatments for skin, hair and nail problems that commonly present in the primary care setting, with integrable knowledge that is immediately applicable in general practice. The course is suitable for medical doctors and the 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. The course assumes no prior knowledge or training in the field.
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.
Professionally recognised qualifications and prior studies may be recognised 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.
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:
- Common benign lesions
- Pigmentary conditions
- Skin infections
- Facial rashes
- Systemic diseases
- Fungal skin infections
- Psoriasis
- Lichen planus
- Pityriasis rosea
- Acne
- Dermatopathology
- Pruritus
- Contact dermatitis
- Nail diseases
- Hair loss
- Paediatric dermatology
- Follicular disorders
- Blistering disorders
Course Participants Will:
- Have the opportunity to replay video lectures from medical experts
- Participate in discussion 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 webinar 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 – Common Benign Conditions, Pigmentary Conditions and Cutaneous Infections
The first section of this module focuses on common benign conditions including epidermal, melanocytic, vascular lesions, soft tissue and neural lesions, cysts, chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis and sebaceous hyperplasia. The module then focuses on pigmentary conditions. It outlines the diagnosis, investigations and management of pityriasis alba, pityriasis versicolor, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, vitiligo and melasma. The third section discusses cutaneous infections including staphylococcal and streptococcal, malassezia and corynebacterium, and then viral warts and scabies. Each category is discussed in detail and clinical images are used to identify differential diagnosis and management of these lesions.
Module 2 – Facial Rashes, Systemic Diseases and Fungal Infections
The first section of the module focuses on identifying the different types and causes of facial rashes, including seborrhea, rosacea, atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. It also explains the four subtypes of rosacea and outlines treatment options. The next topic focuses on detecting cutaneous clues for the diagnosis of systemic diseases including recognizing skin findings to distinguish between different types of neurocutaneous diseases. The eight most common systemic diseases are discussed including dermatomyositis, lupus, sarcoidosis, scleroderma, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma and pyoderma gangrenosum. The module concludes with separating cutaneous fungal infections from other skin diseases and infections. It explains the use of KOH preparation with fungal stain and microscopy to identify fungal infections and when to use oral antifungal medications rather than topical preparations. Clinical images are featured throughout the module.
Module 3 – Papulosquamous Disorders
The first section of the module focuses on identifying the different types of psoriasis and their distinguishing features. It also explains the nine categories of psoriasis, steps taken to make a diagnosis and outlines treatment options. The next topic focuses on recognizing the different variations of lichen planus and pityriasis rosea. It explains the six Ps and skin variants of lichen planus, including selecting appropriate treatment options. The diagnosis, including when to biopsy, and management of pityriasis rosea is outlined including treatment options. Clinical images are featured throughout the module.
Module 4 – Atopic Dermatitis and Acne
This module begins with an overview of atopic dermatitis and discusses the diagnosis of this condition from infancy to adulthood. It then explains the pathogenesis, complications and contributing factors of this disease. The module also outlines different treatment options, including bleach baths, wet wrap therapy, phototherapy and the use of systemic drugs. The second part of the module focuses on the causes and diagnosis of acne vulgaris. It also outlines tips to treat and help patients with acne. The module concludes with therapeutic recommendations for the treatment of acne. Clinical images and diagrams are used throughout the module to assist with learning.
Module 5 – Dermatopathology
This first section of the module focuses on dermatopathology. It outlines when and why to conduct a biopsy, including different biopsy methods and biopsy processing. It describes how to complete a pathology request form by providing essential information, including the site and method of biopsy, descriptive words describing distribution and morphology, and differential diagnosis. An overview of the pathological changes of skin and six tissue reaction patterns of inflammatory cells is discussed. The next section focuses on types of pruritus, including pruriceptive, neuropathic, neurogenic and psychogenic itch. It explains the initial and ongoing management of these conditions. The final section focuses on allergic versus irritant contact dermatitis. It outlines the different types of irritant contact dermatitis, the clinical features, pathology and ways to manage them. The module concludes with describing the clinical features of allergic contact dermatitis on various body parts, when to perform patch testing and management of this condition. Clinical images are featured throughout the module.
Module 6 – Nail Disorders and Hair Loss
The first section focuses on nail disorders. It discusses the nail apparatus and onychomycosis of the nail, including dermatophytic and non-dermatophytic infections. It explains the predisposing factors and five clinical patterns of onychomycosis, including distal/lateral subungual, the superficial white, the proximal subungual, the endonyx and candidal onychomycosis. The main differential diagnosis, a step-by-step specimen collection, treatment options, preventive measures and complications are discussed in detail. The next section focuses on the dermatologic entities that induce hair loss. It briefly outlines the classifications and presentations of the most common non-cicatricial and cicatricial alopecia. Conditions include androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium and alopecia areata. Each category is discussed in detail and clinical images are used to identify differential diagnosis, work-up and management of these conditions.
Module 7 – Paediatric Topics, Follicular Disorders and Blistering Disorders
The first section focuses on paediatric dermatology conditions including cutaneous mastocytosis, acrodermatitis enteropathica, Gianotti-Crosti syndrome, confluent and reticulated papillomatosis, 5th disease or erythema infectiosum, viral exanthems, drug rash, impetigo, infantile acropustulosis, erythema toxicum neonatorum, hand foot and mouth disease, scabies, linear epidermal nevus, nevus sebaceous and infantile hemangiomas. Each category is discussed in detail and clinical images are used to assist with the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. The second section focuses on hair follicle disorders including superficial folliculitis, keratin disorders and deep folliculitis. The treatment of these conditions is discussed in detail. The last section focuses on a rare blistering disorder called vesicobullous disease that causes vesicles and bullae eruptions on the skin and mucosal surfaces. The five variants of the blistering disorder including clinical images are discussed in detail.
Module 8 – Dermatology Cases
This module focuses on reviewing ten dermatology case studies focusing on the learning in the previous modules. Each case is supported by clinical images. History taking, identifying differential diagnosis, examination, investigations and management strategies are discussed in each of these case studies.
Course Delivery and Assessment
This is 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 professional diploma program. The course is delivered 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. You will also receive valuable 12 months web-based support from the speakers and participate in regular online learning sessions with the opportunity to ask any questions you might have as you implement your learning. Upon course completion, HealthCert graduates may join the International Society of Dermatology (ISD).
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 a professional requirement 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.
Certification and Accreditation
Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Professional 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 first stage of the 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
Upon completion of the Professional Certificate of General Dermatology, participants can complete a Dermatology Clinical Attachment to increase the safety and accuracy of their work. Clinical Attachments in Dermatology are currently available at Darwin Dermatology and at the University of Vienna under the supervision of Professor Harald Kittler.
Course graduates may also join the International Society of Dermatology (ISD).
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.pdf
