Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery (Sydney) - Medicine

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.

Topic Covered

• Surgical anatomy and skin lines
• Local anaesthetic blocks
• Large elliptical excisions
• Advanced suturing techniques
• Rotation flaps Ÿ Advancement flaps
• Full-thickness grafts
• Dog ear repairs
• Wound care 
• Various dressings

The program covers surgical procedures for the nose and the lower limb, reconstruction of alar and sidewall nasal defects, reconstruction of the nasal tip and glabellar defects, and skin grafts and flaps for the lower limb.

• This course is perfect for advanced practitioners with prior skin cancer surgery training.
• Delivered by an experienced team of GPs and doctors who practise exclusively in skin cancer medicine.
• This course is for medical doctors and International Medical Graduates.
• CPD-accredited and university-assured.

Course Benefits

• Confidently perform a variety of flaps, such as neurovascular island, bilobed, banner, rhomboid, and V-Y.
• Master complex excisions with optimal wound closure and scarring results.
• Expand reconstructive options in cosmetically sensitive areas, such as eyelids and periorbital defects.
• Become a sought-after expert in skin cancer surgery and a referral option for colleagues.

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 workshop.

Course Contents

Bezier and Keystone Neurovascular Island Flaps*

This module builds on the flap knowledge from the advanced certificate. The Bezier and keystone neurovascular island flaps come with blood supply so are not generally undermined and are cut all around the defect. These flaps are usually applied to the lower legs.

When preparing for skin cancer surgery, patient history and circumstances are to be considered. Neuropathies of the nerves and compartments of the leg are described. Blood supply to the planned flap must be ensured and infrared cameras assist with this.

Diagrams of how to mark out the Bezier and keystone flap including clinical cases and practical demonstrations assist learning. Advantages and disadvantages of these flaps are outlined. Recordings of planning and performing these flaps in both the clinical setting and on pork parts are included.

The Bilobed Flap*

The bilobed flap is commonly used for reconstruction of nasal tip lesions, utilizing the lateral nose and medial cheek. It may also be used for ear and cheek lesions. Nasal subunit images and guides to planning the flap repair are listed. The nasolabial angle determines the rotation of the nose and diagrams explain the angles.

Diagrams and schematics demonstrate the planning of the bilobed flap including the related mathematics. The bilobed flap typically rotates from a lateral pivot point for side wall and nasal tip defects. The nasal muscles, skin thickness, blood supply and the trigeminal nerve must all be considered with this flap. Recordings of planning and performing bilobed flaps in both the clinical setting and on pork parts concludes this module.

Banner and Rhomboid Flaps 3*

This module outlines the banner and rhomboid flaps to the lip, nose and ear. It is a revision of the Limburg flap from the advanced certificate. These flaps are versatile anywhere on the body to preserve tissue and move adjacent spare tissue to the excision area. Diagrams outline the standard rhomboid flap including skin tension lines.

The rhomboid flap marking out is from the defect outwards. Transposition flaps are similar to rhomboid in that it rotates about a pivot point however it differs in its design. Cosmetic subunits of the face, lips and chin and mathematical diagrams are included. Clinical images and recordings of planning and performing rhomboid flaps in the clinical setting are included in this module.

V-Y Flaps and Variants*

The V-Y flap is a neurovascular island flap with 3600 excision, no undermining and uses blood supply from underneath the wound area. The V-Y is useful on the nose, especially the side wall of the nose. Muscles of the nose are detailed.

Flaps are generally preferable to skin grafts because they have a better colour and contour match and heal faster. Drawings of the V-Y flap demonstrate its application. Variants of the V-Y are described including the horn flap, with clinical images demonstrating the planning and post-operative success. Recordings of the planning and performing V-Y flaps in both the clinical setting and on pork parts are included.

Lip Wedges*

This module commences with a revision of the lip anatomy, blood, nerve and muscle supplies as understanding these are essential when planning lip wedges. Fundamental principles of lip wedge excision are explained including how to prevent microstomia.

Information on the Abbe lip switch, the Estlander flap and Gillies/Karapandzic flaps are explained. Schematic diagrams and clinical images are provided to demonstrate best practice planning techniques. Recordings in both the clinical setting and on pork parts are included.

Eyelids: Ellipses, Flaps and Grafts*

This module focuses on planning how to remove lesions on the eyelids. Planning procedures in this sensitive area requires a considered approach. The subunits and eye anatomy are explained in addition to listing the essential principles and practical tips for lower eyelid surgery.

Comprehensive information for planning ellipses or flaps is included. The module then looks at when to use either the full thickness and split skin grafts and graft planning techniques including information on the donor and recipient sites. Recordings in the clinical setting are included.

Tips and Tricks

A clinical recording of options for suture techniques on the chest, upper and lower limbs, the abdomen and also a clinical recording for suture techniques on the back are included including the advantages and disadvantages for these options. Mesh dressings for wound protection are detailed, again including the pros and cons. Procedural options are revisited on the face with clinical images to support planning for two defect closures.

Study Modes

100% Online

Study at your own pace and to your own schedule. Interactivity, discussion, and feedback opportunities are included.

• View and replay video lectures at your convenience.
• Participate in online case discussions and interact with your peers.
• Attend or watch recordings of live tutorials with experts.
• Ask questions and discuss clinical cases in live tutorials.
• Complete your assessment online and receive your CPD hours and the Professional Diploma 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 Diploma 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 Complex Skin Cancer Surgery Practical Workshop is accredited for 8.5 CPD hours total.

• Education hours: 1
• Performance hours: 7.5

Outcome Measurement

The peer reviewed comprehensive clinical audit associated with this professional diploma exceeds the annual CPD outcome measurement hours.

Pre- and Post-Course Information

Entry Requirements

The Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery is ideal for doctors with a special interest in skin cancer surgery. Participants can expect to work with noted doctors and gain the knowledge required to handle the most advanced surgical procedures on anatomically complex and cosmetically sensitive areas, thus reducing referrals and making you a favourable referral option for your peers.

The course is suitable for Medical Doctors and International Medical Graduates. Participants must have completed the Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery and Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery (or qualifications deemed equivalent) in sequential order. It is recommended that 300 cases of skin cancer surgery have been completed 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.

Recognition of 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 Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery and Advanced 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.

Doctors who have completed The University of Queensland certificate courses in skin cancer surgery are able to gain credit for those studies, providing the relevant HealthCert assessment is completed prior to diploma studies commencing (please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for the process). Other qualifications and prior studies may also be recognised.

Certification

This certificate course meets the minimum 50 hours CPD annual requirement across all three mandatory CPD activity types.

Upon completion of all course requirements, you will receive the Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery certificate.

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

This certificate course:

• To gain CPD hours for this activity, GPs are to self-record their learning for CPD recognition. For further information, please contact your state RACGP office: click here.
• Qualifies for CPD hours from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
• Is a self-submitted activity with the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP).
• Is a self-submitted activity with the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises 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 clinical attachment in France at the University of Lyon.
• Qualifies for a clinical attachment in Austria at the University of Vienna.
• Has been independently developed with subject expertsand does not receive education grants from any pharmaceutical company.

Australia-based course participants, please note that HealthCert certificates are not accredited by TEQSA or ASQA and do not fall within the Australian Qualification Framework. All HealthCert certificates are professional development awards.

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

Pathways

RPL with Torrens University

This postgraduate pathway is for General Practitioners and degree-qualified medical practitioners who have successfully completed a HealthCert Professional Diploma (all three levels) in Skin Cancer Medicine, Skin Cancer Surgery or Dermoscopy. The following postgraduate course is offered entirely online through Torrens University: Master of Business Administration (MBA). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available for two general electives for any HealthCert Professional Diploma. In cases where a HealthCert alumni has completed two Professional Diplomas, they will be able to apply for four general electives towards the MBA. This will be helpful to further develop business, management and leadership capabilities. Please apply directly to Torrens University.

RPL with The University of Queensland

Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer)

Doctors who complete the HealthCert Professional Diploma programs in Dermoscopy, Skin Cancer Medicine, and Skin Cancer Surgery will receive RPL for the units IMED7002, IMED7010, and IMED7011, which are high-level subjects in the Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) at The University of Queensland. The Master of Medicine is open only to registered medical practitioners with at least two years' postgraduate experience. View The University of Queensland Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) program.

Please note, only HealthCert Education qualifications completed within the last ten years can be recognised.

Postgraduate Pathway with the University of Plymouth

The Postgraduate Diploma in Minor Surgery is 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 Skin Cancer Surgery, Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery and Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery will be eligible to apply for Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) for module 3.

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, doctors 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

Clinical attachments are optional and available on a 1:1 or small group basis. These provide the opportunity to observe skin cancer surgery and ask questions of the expert performing the procedures. In addition to clinical attachments in Australia, university teaching hospitals at the University of Lyon and the University of Vienna are available for clinical attachments. HealthCert certificates and university statements are awarded for participating in clinical attachments.

The dominant areas of study covered by The Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 are science and medicine. Attached to the university are the "Hospices civils de Lyon" including the "Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud", which is the largest teaching hospital in the Rhône-Alpes region and second largest in France. Out of the 2,630 faculty, 700 are also medical practitioners at local teaching hospitals.

The Medical University of Vienna is the largest medical organisation in Austria, as well as one of the top-level research institutions in Europe and provides Europe's largest hospital, the Vienna General Hospital, with all of its medical staff. The Vienna General Hospital has about 100,000 patients treated as inpatients and 605,000 treated as outpatients each year.

Please Note:

Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery and Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery are pre-requisite to take this course.