Curriculum
Overview
The online Professional Certificate of Men’s Health provides medical professionals with a robust understanding of men’s health issues commonly seen in primary care. Delivered by leading experts, the program will enable you to better address your patients’ concerns, exploring medical conditions pertinent to male patients.
The Professional Certificate course builds on the knowledge acquired in the Foundation Certificate of Men’s Health and covers further men’s health conditions commonly encountered in primary care such as STIs, sexual dysfunction, depression, fitness, and exercise in older men.
Entry Requirements and Course Requisites
The Professional Certificate of Men's Health is tailored for medical doctors who wish to improve patient outcomes by managing common men's health issues in general practice.
This course is for medical doctors and degree-qualified nurses that work under their supervision. 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.
Further 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
- Prostate conditions and prostate check*
- Prostate cancer*
- Sexually transmitted infections in men*
- GP cases in men’s health: Lifestyle choices*
- Male sexual dysfunction
- Depression in men
- Fitness and exercise in older men
- Male anatomy and clinical problems
*These modules are completed in the Sonic Healthcare Foundation Certificate of Men's Health and recognised for RPL in this Professional Certificate course.
Course Participants Will:
- Have the opportunity to replay video lectures from medical experts.
- Participate in discussion of patient cases, evaluate and make decisions.
- Receive access to research/readings in the field.
- Participate in course webinar prior to the examinations and ask questions.
- Receive ongoing support post-course through webinars and case review.
- 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: Prostate Conditions and Prostate Checks
This module examines the role of the prostate and what may happen when it is not functioning normally. This includes symptoms, underlying problems and other common features associated with prostate conditions. It covers benign prostatic enlargement and associated urinary incontinence in men. Conditions that are best referred to a urologist are covered including what treatment options may be considered by the urologist which is helpful for the treating medical practitioner to know. How to establish an initial assessment for various conditions are outlined. Planning a prostate check by digital palpation, what to look for and how to interpret the pathology results are included in unit two. Charts, graphs, studies and diagrams assist with determining the appropriate management.
Module 2: Prostate Cancer
This module follows on from the ‘Prostate conditions and prostate checks’ module and focusses on prostate cancer. Topics include symptoms for prostate cancer, diagnosis tools including PSA and digital examination, when to refer and what information to include when referring. Understanding the function and levels of PSA testing is a feature of unit one in addition to outlining prevention studies and men at higher risk. Management of localized prostate cancer including surveillance vs surgery is discussed. Unit two includes information and studies on radiation, neoadjuvant and adjuvant RT therapies, medications, post treatment surveillance and biochemical recurrence after treatment. Unit three discusses metastatic prostate cancer and androgen deprivation therapy, androgen resistance and treatment options. Rare subtypes are covered in addition to bone health and the effects of treatment on the skeleton. The module finishes with an outline of future directions.
Module 3: Sexually Transmitted Infections in Men
This module includes the symptoms, screening, diagnosis and management of sexually transmitted infections in men. These infections include herpes simplex (primary and recurrent), human papillomavirus, epidermodysplasia verruciformis, molluscum contagiosum, syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, chancroid, granuloma inguinale (donovanosis) and HIV. It incorporates the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention options for STIs. First and second line treatment therapies and complications of some STIs are mentioned. Images including pathology images of different STIs provide references for the clinical setting. Unit four is about HIV, the connection with AIDS, symptoms and how it affects the body including the skin. Investigation options are outlined and the management and prevention strategies (PrEP) are discussed.
Module 4: GP cases in Men’s Health: Lifestyle Choices
This module focusses on lifestyle choices including smoking and alcohol and the health impacts of these behaviours on health and wellbeing. The module also outlines the impact of obesity and the sedentary lifestyle and how these increase the risk of elevated blood lipids, coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease. Statistics on insurance claims highlight the health and monetary costs of poorer lifestyle choices. Unit one explores how this behaviour can be prevented or at least reduce the health costs. Statistics on smoking, alcohol and methamphetamine use are presented including the related illnesses that may be caused by these lifestyle choices. Unit two profiles four case studies and how a medical practitioner can work with patients to encourage positive lifestyle choices. Information and tools on the best approaches to support lifestyle choices are a feature of unit two.
Module 5: Male Sexual Dysfunction
This module describes how to distinguish between the types of erectile and ejaculation dysfunctions and how to diagnose and manage these conditions. It also suggests techniques to encourage discussion about sensitive topics such as sexual problems considering barriers and society norms. The relationship between erectile function/dysfunction and metabolic and vascular health is explored. Tools to assist with diagnosis and clinical management are provided. The module includes what to look for when making a physical evaluation and possible causes of erectile dysfunction. Penile erection aids including injections, oral medications, vacuum devices, prostheses and shockwave therapy are listed including options, contraindications and possible side effects. The third unit focuses on ejaculation physiology and disorders and explores the psychological contributors and treatment options for premature ejaculation.
Module 6: Depression in Men
Men find it hard to express emotion. This module suggests various techniques to open discussion about feelings, emotions and depression with male patients. It includes how to diagnose and manage depression. Factors contributing to men’s mental health and the ways men cope with the stigma of mental health are discussed. Screening all men for depression and suicide risk is suggested, especially as illness, medications or relationship changes may increase the risk of mental health issues. Evaluation and screening tools are provided along with supportive care and treatment strategies. Bipolar depression symptoms and treatment options including psychotherapy are addressed, along with suicide and homicide risk factors. The relationship between obesity, hypogonadism, Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, diabetes with depression is detailed. Unit four focuses on patient compliance, guidelines, monitoring, team based care and referral options.
Module 7: Fitness and Exercise in Older Men
This module assesses the effects of ageing in men and explores the physical capacities as men age. Statistics for causes of death are listed and how exercise can lead to better health outcomes. Unit two suggests ways that a medical practitioner can overcome barriers to facilitate lifestyle changes and suggests motivation tools. Guidelines for the level of physical activity for the older male are outlined including the complexities related to remoteness and socioeconomic status. The effects of fitness and mortality on the older population including cancer, prostate cancer, dementia, cardiovascular and anxiety/depression are addressed. Unit four suggests how a medical practitioner can make a difference in health outcomes for the older male. Guides are provided aimed at male patients, including the right questions to ask, intensity levels, stages of change, barriers and enablers, getting started and ‘sticking with it’.
Module 8: Male Anatomy and Clinical Problems Part 1
This module focuses on the male genital anatomy and applying this knowledge to clinical presentations including benign swellings, cancer, pain and impaired vascular supply. Unit 1 focuses on the urethra including constrictions, obstructions, micturition, incontinence and visceral pain. Unit 2 focuses on the prostate gland and explains the zones and glands, benign hypertrophy and prostate cancer, hazards of prostatectomy and referred pain. Unit 3 is about the penis, its anatomy, the prepuce issues, circumcision and peyronie’s disease. Unit 4 explains erectile tissue and mechanism, erectile dysfunction including priapism and end artery considerations. This includes venous drainage, nerves, lymph vessels and erectile dysfunction. Unit five covers the ejaculatory pathway and clinical problems including deferent duct, seminal vessels and the ejaculation function. The anatomy of each organ is examined in detail to enhance the understanding of clinical problems and the symptoms to look for. The module also outlines how each of these organs work together.
Course Delivery
The Professional Certificate of Men's Health is fully delivered online. 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 three months of the exam opening 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 certificate course. 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.
The Course Includes:
- All presentation slides available for download.
- Access to additional learning resources, reference materials and video lectures.
- Readings with references to peer-reviewed journal articles to keep up-to-date with developments in the field.
Assessment
In order to meet the requirements of professional and academic learning, the course assessment includes a professional requirement and two online examinations.
- Develop a report/explanation of how the learning from this course will help you with your professional development
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 three months of the completion of the course (or enrolling in the online course).
Note this e-course is not hosted on Nexlec and users can click the "Select" button to be directed to the course page.
Providers Terms
Course Transfers
Face to Face Courses
Course transfers for Face to Face practical workshops are available, subject to requests being received, in writing, a minimum of 10 business days prior to workshop commencement. Transfer requests received after 10 business days prior to workshop commencement will incur an Administration Fee of $250.
Transfers will be subject to availability in the future workshops. If the future workshop has a cost differential, that price will apply, and any additional charges will be payable at the time of the transfer request.
One workshop transfer, per course is allowed. Further transfers will be considered upon application and may be charged at 25% of a full new workshop booking rate.
Online Courses
Transfers for Online courses are available subject to requests being received, in writing, within 7 days of enrolment. Transfer requests received after the 7 days post enrolment will incur an Administration Fee of $200. One course transfer request, per course is allowed.
If the future course being transferred to, has a cost differential, that price will apply, and any additional charges will be payable at the time of the course transfer request.
Online Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellation and a full refund of the course fees will be provided if a request is received, in writing, a maximum of 7 days after course enrolment. Refund requests received later than 7 days after course enrolment will incur an Administration Fee of $250. Upon cancellation and full refund of the course enrolment, you will not receive a certificate or accreditation points.
Bundle Courses
Courses purchased as part of a bundle attract a discount. This discount is apportioned to the final course in the bundle in the cases of cancellations and refunds. Therefore, cancellation and refund requests of a course that have been purchased as part of a bundle are refunded based on the first and/or second course being charged at the full price rate. Any courses remaining in the bundle can be refunded provided the request is received, in writing, a maximum of 7 days after course enrolment. Refund requests received later than 7 days after course enrolment will incur an Administration Fee of $250.
Tickets:
Course FeeClosed| Contact Hours: | 12.0 hrs |
| Format: | Online Lectures |
| Duration: | 8 Modules |
| Lecture Videos | |
| Compatability: | All Devices |
| Language: | English |
| Subtitles: | None |
| Provider: | HealthCert Education |
| Contact: |
Speaker(s):
 | Dr. Michael LowyFAChSHM Master of Psychological Medicine Fellow of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine. |
Dr Michael Lowy is a men’s health physician with a special interest in male sexual dysfunction, relationship counselling and the general health issues of men. Dr Lowy began his medical career in general practice, later becoming a sexual health physician (FAChSHM) and obtained a Master of Psychological Medicine and became a Fellow of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine.
Dr Lowy currently works at The Male Clinic in Woolloomooloo and at Executive Health Solutions at St Vincent’s Clinic. Dr Lowy is a lecturer in Men’s Health at the University of NSW, Notre Dame University, University of Sydney and Family Planning NSW and is a clinical tutor of UNSW medical students. He is a life member of ASSERT NSW and a founding member of Society of Australian Sexologists NSW branch.
 | Prof Peter ReaburnProfessor of Exercise and Sport Science at Bond University |
Professor Peter Reaburn is a Professor of Exercise and Sport Science at Bond University who practises what he preaches. Prof Reaburn is an active researcher focused on health, performance, and successful ageing in masters athletes. He has published or edited five books, authored or co-authored with postgraduate students over 100 peer-reviewed papers, and supervised 25 postgraduate research theses to completion. Prof Reaburn is an award-winning university educator having won university and national teaching awards and citations for both undergraduate teaching and postgraduate supervision.
Prof Reaburn has been invited by Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) to run professional development workshops on health and performance in ageing athletes and is regularly invited to speak and comment on health and performance matters related to healthy aging.
Prof Reaburn is a masters athlete with a passionate belief in the value of exercise as medicine. He has won national titles in masters swimming, surf lifesaving and triathlon as a masters athlete including placing seventh in his age group at the Hawaii Ironman after qualifying through winning his age group (50-54 years) at the Australian Ironman in 2005. He is married with two daughters. He currently swims, cycles, walks, and jogs for health. He enjoys reading Australian military and convict history as well as Gerald Seymour and Stephen Leather novels.
 | Dr. Darren KatzUrological and Prosthetic Surgeon Leader, Andrology Special Advisory Group, Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand |
Dr Darren Katz is a urological surgeon who serves as Medical Director of Men’s Health Melbourne. He is a very approachable urologist who understands the importance of providing patients with the highest standards of multi-disciplinary care. His aim is to deliver prompt, ready-access to all forms of urological management – either elective or emergency - and is available 24/7 to GPs and patients.
Dr Katz is the current Leader of the Andrology Special Advisory Group for the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand. He graduated from Melbourne University Medical School in 2001 and completed his specialist urological training with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. He has spent two years at world-leading hospitals - Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Weill-Cornell Medical Centre - in New York completing sub-speciality urological fellowships in andrology, urological prosthetics, male voiding dysfunction, incontinence, and male infertility.
Dr Katz is the director of the only Australian Prosthetic and Micro-surgical Fellowship which trains overseas urologists in world-leading procedures and operations. Dr Katz has trained urologists from USA, Canada, Israel, and England. These urologists spend one year with Dr Katz and his colleagues learning about the latest treatments and operations in his sub-speciality field.
Dr Katz is heavily involved with research and academics and has been awarded both national and international grants and scholarships. He has been an invited faculty member for numerous urological workshops to teach other urologists and training urologists about the latest surgical techniques. He often presents at major international conferences. He is the author of multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Urology, British Journal of Urology International, Andrology, Asian Journal of Urology, Journal of Sexual Medicine, The Asian Journal of Andrology, and the Journal of Andrology and Gynaecology: Current Research. He is involved with several clinical trials and provides the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatments for his patients.
Dr Katz is a member of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand, The Fertility Society of Australia, The American Urological Association, The European Association of Urology, and The Sexual Medicine Society of North America.
 | Dr. Brad LipsonFamily & Bariatric Physician - Board Certified AOBFP & ABOM |
Dr Brad Lipson, D.O., FASPC, AQH, DABOM is a family medicine specialist in Boca Raton, Florida.
Dr Lipson is an alumnus of Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a doctorate in osteopathic medicine (D.O.) after graduating from the University of Miami with a B.S. in psychobiology and minor in business administration. He completed training as chief resident at the family practice residency program at Wellington Regional Medical Center in Wellington, Florida. He received his family practice board certification from the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. He is affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic Family Practitioners, and the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association.
Dr Lipson was born and raised in South Florida; he is married with two children, speaks Spanish, and enjoys Asian culture, geography, and computer technology. His interests include heart attack and stroke prevention, diabetes (diabetology), cholesterol (lipidology), obesity / metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, men's health, and sleep disorders. He is a board certified family physician. Fellow of the American Society for Preventative Cardiology. Added Qualifications in Headache Medicine Clinical Lipidologist
 | Dr. Joe KosterichMBBS Doctor, speaker, author, media presenter and health industry consultant |
Doctor, speaker, author, media presenter and health industry consultant, Dr Joe Kosterich wants you to be healthy and get the most out of life.
Dr Kosterich writes for numerous medical and mainstream publications and is a regular on radio and television. He is often called to give opinions in medico legal cases, is clinical editor of Medical Forum Magazine, adjunct professor (teaching) at UWA and a lecturer at Curtin Medical School.
Medical Advisor to Medicinal Cannabis company Little Green Pharma and Chairman of Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association, Dr Kosterich has self-published two books: Dr Joe’s DIY Health and 60 Minutes To Better Health, and maintains a website and blog with health information and commentary.
Previously he held senior positions in the Australian Medical Association and sat on numerous industry and government boards. He has extensive corporate experience in the setting up and management of medical centres and in helping businesses maintain a healthy workforce.
Through all this he continues to see patients as a GP each week
 | Dr. Divyanshu DuaConsultant Medical Oncologist, Canberra Region Cancer Services |
Dr Divyanshu Dua has worked as a Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Canberra Region Cancer Services since July 2016. He previously worked as a Staff Specialist in Medical Oncology in rural Victoria.
Dr Dua’s experience and training in medicine and oncology spans across three continents including Asia, Europe, and Australia. He specialises in lung cancers, thoracic malignancies, and genitourinary malignancies. He has a special interest in cancer in geriatric patients and a keen interest in medical services development and hospital management.
After doing most of his physician training in Adelaide, Dr Dua went on to do a clinical fellowship at the Guys Hospital in London in drug development, early phase clinical trials, and thoracic malignancies.
In his spare time, Dr Dua is a sports fan and enjoys watching and playing cricket.
 | 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.
 | A/Prof Norman EizenbergMBBS, FRACS (Hon.) Clinical Academic Lead (Back to Base Days) Melbourne Clinical School, The University of Notre Dame Honorary Principal Fellow Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne |
Associate Professor Norman Eizenberg has taught anatomy to medical students (at Melbourne and Monash Universities) and surgical trainees for more than 40 years. His main areas of research and scholarship are in medical education (including student learning of anatomy) and in anatomical variations (including their surgical implications). He was awarded an Honorary Fellowship Degree (in 2016) by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in recognition of “significant work in anatomy and of contributions to the College” and is currently Anatomy Specialty Editor for the ANZ Journal of Surgery.
A/Prof Eizenberg’s biggest role was project leader of the recently completed ANATOMEDIA Online which is a comprehensive, interactive learning platform exploring anatomy from multiple perspectives. So far, ANATOMEDIA has received four national or international awards, including the Australian Publishers Association "Best teaching & learning package in tertiary education" (in 2008).
Meanwhile, he managed to keep his hand in clinical practice after-hours as a GP and received Life Membership “for 30 years extraordinary service as a volunteer doctor at matches” by AJAX Amateur Football Club. He was also fortunate to be a Victorian Australian of the Year Finalist (in 2014) for “outstanding contribution: anatomist, doctor and educationalist”.
Outside interests besides organised sport include nature walks and contemporary music. A/Prof Eizenberg is a bit of a film buff and reads books on biography or history (which like anatomy and unlike him, never become outdated).
Course Information: Mens-Health.pdf
