Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery (Melbourne) - Nursing

Acquire and Hone Various Skin Cancer Surgical Techniques, Including Large Elliptical Excision, Flaps, and Grafts.

Surgery is still considered the most effective skin cancer treatment. With limited access to surgeons and yearlong waiting lists at public hospitals, patients depend on skilled general practitioners who can offer an immediate solution to their concerns.

The foundation course in the three-part pathway, the Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery is ideal for medical professionals wishing to learn important surgical techniques in the management of skin cancer. You will learn how to provide effective treatments to patients in the primary care setting, without the need for referral to specialists. You can expect an interactive program with immediate applicability, giving you the confidence to surgically treat more complex skin lesions in your practice with large elliptical excisions, flaps and grafts. In the optional practical workshop you will be supported by a team of surgical assistants who will guide you as you practice the procedures on pork parts.

Overview

Surgery is still considered the most effective and definitive skin cancer treatment. This certificate course will allow you to manage more complex skin cancer cases in your practice.

• This course is perfect for practitioners with some prior skin cancer training or experience.
• Learn various techniques allowing treatment of more complex cases in the primary care setting.
• This course is for medical doctors and International Medical Graduates.
• CPD-accredited and university-assured.

Course Benefits

• Perfect your elliptical excisions and suturing techniques for accurate removal of lesions and closure of wounds.
• Administer local anaesthesia effectively and ensure patient comfort during procedures.
• Understand the principles of flaps and grafts to perform surgeries in sensitive areas.
• Learn about pivotal, rhomboid, and advancement flaps as part of your surgical options.
• Reduce post-operative complications and promote healing through effective wound care.

Get unlimited access to all course content, additional learning materials, ongoing post-course support, and more.

*These topics are covered during the hands-on practical sessions in the optional skills

Course Contents

Theory, Anatomy, and Principles of Skin Cancer Surgery

This module introduces the theory and anatomical considerations relating to basic skin cancer surgery. It outlines the clinical requirements including how to set up the procedure room, the instruments and other equipment and supplies.

The module incorporates skin anatomy and skin tension lines when considering the position and direction of an ellipse. The principles of, and how to do an ellipse are covered including undermining, haemostasis, suturing, dressings and aftercare.

The suturing section incorporates the various types of sutures and needles. Skin anatomy and significant nerves are discussing including symptoms of damaged nerves.

The later part of the module covers the importance of taking photos, procedural notes and patient consent.

Suturing*, Perfecting the Ellipse*, and Local Anaesthetic

This module builds on the foundation knowledge taught in module one. This includes essential skills in knot tying, administering local anaesthetic, the role of diathermy/electrosurgery, surgical margins, instruments and surgery preparation.

It then goes through the planning and design of an ellipse that includes cleaning the pork belly, loading a scalpel blade, marking out, excising and undermining an ellipse.

The various common sutures are demonstrated including interrupted, deep, vertical mattress, horizontal mattress, pulley, marini and running sutures. Descriptions are provided on what each suture option is used for to determine the best sutures for closing a particular wound.

Skin Grafting and the Principles of Flaps*

This module introduces the skin graft technique, explains the difference between full thickness and split skin grafts, how they work and the stages of graft survival. The rationale for choosing the most appropriate skin graft when performing skin cancer surgery is outlined.

The modules takes a step by step approach from excising the tumour to harvesting and closing the donor tissue site. Suitable techniques for suturing the donor tissue into the defect are discussed. Surgery preparation including patient considerations and maximising the wound environment for skin healing.

The module includes a practical demonstration on the practical implementation of planning skin grafts using pork belly. It includes how to plan skin grafts based on the size of the defects, the donor area and preserving tissue during the procedure. Depending on the type of lesion, information is provided on when to perform a skin graft as opposed to wedge excision on the ear.

Pivotal (Rotation) Flaps*

This module focusses on pivotal flaps, the theory, principles and then practical demonstrations on pork belly. The fundamentals are discussed including what is a skin flap, options for closure and aesthetic considerations. Potential complications are outlined.

In the practical planning section, the design of rotation flaps including graphical images, assists with the planning of rotation flaps. The primary movement is for the flap to rotate into the defect with a leading edge, whilst the secondary movement is the arc defect resulting as an effect of the primary intention.

With rotation flaps, dog ears are likely and techniques to remove dog ears are included. Degrees of rotation limitations are mentioned. Both schematic and clinical images assist with understanding rotation flap principles.

Information on suture approach and placement are outlined for the rotation flap defect. Clinical cases are featured throughout the module.

Rhomboid Flaps 1*

This module focusses on rhomboid flaps and opens with theory of this transposition flap, the principles and then practical demonstrations on pork belly. The fundamentals are discussed including what is a skin flap, options for closure and aesthetic considerations. The importance of appropriate undermining is detailed.

Careful patient evaluation, design planning and skilful meticulous technique are critical in minimising complications.

In the practical planning section, the schematics of rhomboid flaps including graphical images, assists with the planning of rhomboid flaps. The primary movement is the transposing of the flap tissue over and into the defect, whilst the secondary movement is the donor or adjacent tissue defect created as a result of the primary transposition.

With rhomboid flaps, dog ears are likely and techniques to remove dog ears are included. Both schematic and clinical images assist with understanding rhomboid flap principles. Information on suture approach and placement are outlined for the rhomboid flap defect. Modified rhomboid flaps are introduced.

Advancement Flaps 1*

This module focusses on advancement flaps and variations of the advancement flap including single and helical advancement, A-T, H-plasty and lateral advancement. Selecting the type of flap depends on the location of the defect and optimising aesthetic outcomes.

Clinical case images demonstrate the marking out and planning of advancement flaps considering skin tension lines and then closing the wound.

Unit two discusses the mathematic rules applied to advancement flaps. It includes practical demonstrations of advancement flaps using pork belly including undermining and outlining the suturing approach. Several advancement flap variants are also demonstrated on pork belly.

Wound Care and Managing Complications

The module commences with understanding the phases of wound healing and how this relates to skin cancer surgery procedures. The various types of wound dressings are outlined including what dressings are used for a particular type of wound.

Information on the use of antibiotic medications, movement whilst wounds are healing and considerations of when to remove sutures are outlined. Resources that can be applied for clinical use are provided. Unit two outlines what to do to manage complications that may occur.

These include bleeding, haematoma, dehiscence, infection, splitting sutures, hypertrophic and keloid scarring and hypergranulation. Unit three introduces Mohs surgery, explains its application for pathology and its relevance to skin cancer surgery.

Unit four discusses Medicare Australia and remuneration for skin cancer surgery procedures. Unit 5 outlines the medico legal considerations in Australia and the role of medical insurance.

Case Studies

This module is an interactive opportunity to receive expert feedback on planning skin cancer surgery. A recording is presented for each of the six case studies describing the patient and the lesion that requires skin cancer surgery.

Participants are asked to draw their surgery plans for each case including margins, and consider specific issues that may relate to that surgery or suggest other treatment options. A template guide is provided for each case.

Study Modes

100% Online

Study at your own pace and to your own schedule.

• View and replay video lectures at your convenience.
• Participate in online case discussions with your peers.
• Attend or watch recordings of live tutorials with experts in this field.
• Complete your assessment online and receive your CPD points.
• Receive the Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery Principles.

Online + Workshop

Complete your course online and receive all the benefits of online study, then put theory into practice at a small-group workshop.

• Gain hands-on practice in various procedures covered in the course under expert guidance.
• Workshops are available in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.
• Receive the Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery.

HealthCert 365

Easily meet your CPD requirements and gain valuable skills – all in one place for $83 per month.

• Customize your learning experience by accessing and focusing only on course modules that interest you the most.
• Gain access to 200+ additional CPD activities and 50-hour special focus CPD programs, sourced from all HealthCert university-assured programs.

Workshop CPD hours

The optional Skin Cancer Surgery Practical Workshop is accredited for 8.5 CPD hours total.

• Education hours: 1
• Performance hours: 7.5

Outcome Measurement

Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of our professional and advanced certificates. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.

HealthCert provides several options to meet your outcome measurement hours requirement. These options are self-submitted activities and hours may vary depending on your focus area.

• Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) options on a specific topic.
• Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) on your identified area. A generic template is provided.
• Outcome Improvement Activity relating to specific topics within the course.

The purpose of outcome measurement activities is to improve your clinical confidence in managing an identified learning gap. The outcome improvement activities are designed to examine current clinical care, align clinical practice with best practice standards and identify opportunities for improvement.

Entry Requirements

The Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery is ideal for doctors wishing to learn important surgical techniques in the management of skin cancer to provide effective treatments to patients in the primary care setting, without the need for referral to specialists. Participants can expect an interactive, hands-on program with immediate applicability and the confidence to surgically treat skin lesions in your practice.

The course is suitable for Medical Doctors and International Medical Graduates. HealthCert recommends that participants have some exposure to or previous training in skin cancer management before enrolling in 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 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.

Recognized Prior Learning (RPL)

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 course. 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. 

Certification

This certificate course meets the minimum 50 hours CPD annual requirement across all three mandatory CPD activity types, provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of five hours is completed. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.

Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of Professional or Advanced Certificates.

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery certificate.

Participants who choose to complete the online course components only will receive the Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery Principles.

This Certificate Course:

• Qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
• Qualifies for CPD hours from the Australian Council of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
• Is recognized by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP).
• Is recognized by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognizes all courses
• endorsed by the RACGP. Points are calculated differently.
• Is a self-submitted activity in Dubai. The number of CPD hours must be stated on the certificate. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
• Is a self-submitted activity in the UK. CPD events overseas, applicable to a doctor’s scope of practice, may be submitted for revalidation. Please confirm with your Responsible Officer.
• Is a self-submitted activity in Canada through the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Contact [email protected] for more information.
• Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
• Qualifies for a Skin Cancer Surgery Clinical Attachment in France at the University of Lyon.
• Qualifies for a Skin Cancer Surgery Clinical Attachment in Austria at the University of Vienna.
• Has been independently developed with subject specialists and does not receive education grants from any pharmaceutical company.

To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas, please visit HealthCert.