Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery

COURSE OVERVIEW

Surgery is still considered the most effective and definitive skin cancer treatment. The Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery is ideal for learning how to surgically remove skin cancers from anatomically complex and cosmetically sensitive areas with optimal scarring results. The program covers a variety of flaps, grafts and wedges for closure of defects on the head, neck, face, and upper and lower limbs.

This course is the second part of the three-part Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery. The education pathway is Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery, Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery (online course components + practical workshop) or Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery Principles (online course components only), and Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery.

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COURSE CONTENTS

The course provides advanced training in skin cancer surgery and teaches various techniques allowing GPs to treat more complex cases in the primary care setting. Course participants can choose to complete the course entirely online or with an optional practical workshop.

Anatomy of the head, neck, face, and limbs
Advancement flaps and rhomboid flaps on the face, upper lip and lateral nose*
Rotational flaps in closure of scalp, cheek and distal limb defects*
Full-thickness and split-thickness grafts on the face and lower limb defects*
Closure of ear defects with flaps, grafts and wedges*
Closure techniques to minimise scarring*

All topics are covered online and during the web live tutorials. *These topics are also covered during the hands-on practical sessions in the optional skills workshop. Course graduates also receive ongoing post-course support through regular alumni webinars.

ENROL NOW

Choose Your Delivery Format

The course is delivered fully online with the option to attend an eight-hour practical workshop. The modules are set up in such a way that you are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience. The suggested timeline is weekly learning over 15 weeks, with 12 weeks of teaching followed by the submission of required activities. There are no face-to-face requirements for exams which can be conveniently completed online.

FULLY ONLINE

Commence your course anytime online, access all course content instantly and study at your own pace.
Reinforce your learning, participate in case discussions, follow along procedure demonstrations, and ask any questions in webinars with presenters.
Complete your assessment online and receive your CPD points and certificate.

ONLINE + WORKSHOP

Complete your course fully online and receive all of the benefits of online study.
Receive your CPD points and certificate.
Cement your knowledge in the accompanying workshop with hands-on training, demonstrations and expert guidance in a small group setting on a date and location of your choice.

Entry Requirements and course requisites

The Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery is ideal for Medical Doctors and International Medical Graduates with a special interest in skin cancer medicine and who wish to treat more complex skin cancer cases. Participants can expect to reduce their referral rates as they gain invaluable experience that enables them to do more skin-related surgery in day-to-day work.

The course is suitable for Medical Doctors and International Medical Graduates. Participants must have completed the Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery (or a qualification deemed equivalent). It is recommended that 100 cases of skin cancer surgery have been completed before enrolling in the Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery.

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

Professionally accredited qualifications and prior studies may be recognised for entry into this course. Please send an email to credit@healthcert.com 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. 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.

Recognition of Prior Learning is granted for those who have completed the RACGP Certificate of Primary Care Dermatology DermCert4 and face-to-face workshop.

MODULES & TOPICS

This module builds on the knowledge from the professional certificate and goes into further detail about defects, resting skin tension lines (RSTL) and excision, then looks at the closure and cosmetic considerations. Guides are included with the mathematical ratios. Detailed information including schematics are provided for ellipses and variants of the standard ellipse. An overview of the vessels and nerves is presented in addition to the clinical considerations of RSTL. Knot tying and suture techniques are reinforced and selecting the appropriate technique for closure are outlined. Detailed images of the different suture techniques are provided and then demonstrated on pork belly.

This module focusses on advancement flaps. Flaps require loose surrounding tissue to be successful. The principles, classification and types of skin flap surgery are outlined. Advancement flaps included are the ellipse, S-plasty, A-L, A-T, single and double advancement, modified H-flap and A-A-Z flap. Each of these flaps is covered in detail including detailed schematics to assist with understanding the concepts. Each version of the advancement flap includes guides for RSTL and clinical images showing surgical planning for advancement flaps on the face. Recordings of planning and performing advancement flaps in both the clinical setting and on pork parts are included.

This module revises and builds on the rotation flaps introduction in the professional certificate. It commences with an overview of scalp defect closures and planning rotation flaps including images that describe the mathematic planning of rotation flaps including the size of the flap arc. Clinical case examples are presented with planning and after surgery pictures to demonstrate best practice with the surgery and aesthetic outcomes. The traditional rotation and the O-Z flaps are described in detail. Anatomical positions suitable for the rotation flap including the scalp, medial and lateral cheek, pre-auricular, temple and chin are included in this module. Recordings of planning and performing rotation flaps in both the clinical setting and on pork parts concludes this module.

Again, this module builds on the learning from the professional certificate. It begins with detail about defects, resting skin tension lines (RSTL) and excision, then summarisies the full thickness (FTSG) and split skin (SSG) grafts and the considerations to using these grafts for skin cancer surgery. Graft revasculation is covered. Graft recipient and donor sites are outlined including visual images to demonstrate suitable areas. Selection of sites is critical to maximising successful outcomes. The module teaches techniques and wound care of both the donor and recipient sites and describes how and why grafts can go wrong. Clinical images of surgical planning for grafts are included. The halo variant of the split skin graft is featured including the technique, advantages, graphics and clinical images. Recordings of defatting and the planning and performing advancement flaps in both the clinical setting and on pork parts are included.

This module focusses on rhomboid flaps and opens with the Limburg flap, the easiest of the rhombic flaps. It describes identifying the defect then planning the surgery from the defect. There are only four flap variants of the rhomboid flap however choices of design are apparent when planning is based from the donor site to maximise the success of the surgery. Images of planning and designing a flap and the mathematics that support various rhomboid flaps are featured. Clinical images are featured to support the teaching and recordings in both the clinical setting and on pork parts are included.

Banner flaps are a form of transposition flap or rhomboid flap. It rotates about a pivot point however differs in its design from the rhomboid flap. Images of planning and designing a flap and the mathematics that support various rhomboid flaps are featured. Associated problems and tips to successfully complete a banner flap are discussed. Clinical images are featured to support the teaching and a clinical recording of the banner flap to the ear is included.

Wedges on the ear are the focus of this module. Ear subunits are detailed as an awareness of these is essential for successful surgery. Practical information and techniques are included when planning an ear wedge together with suggested sutures. Clinical images are featured to support the teaching and a clinical recording of the wedge procedure to the ear is included.

This module summarises the tips and tricks linked to the procedures taught in this course to maximise skin cancer surgery outcomes. These tips and tricks offer helpful information when planning skin cancer surgery. The module commences with images of the cosmetic subunits, as where possible, skin cancer surgery procedures should remain in the same or adjacent subunits to maximise the best cosmetic healing. Clinical and graphical images are featured to support the teaching. Options for ear repairs are listed. The module stresses the importance of patient history and how some patient conditions may impact skin cancer surgery procedures. Tips include how to set the ambience to relax both the doctor and patient and the importance of keeping comprehensive patient records including photos. Local anaesthetic, syringes/needle size and scar care are mentioned. Sutures are covered including what sutures to use for what wounds. Planning skin cancer surgery on dual lesions, rhomboid, flaps and grafts are also summarised. Points of skin cancer surgery wisdom are listed along with anticoagulation issues.

Course Outline

Module 1: Ellipses and suture techniques revisited

Module 2: Advancement flaps 2

Module 3: Rotation flaps

Module 4: Grafts

Module 5: Rhomboid flaps 2

Module 6: Banner flaps 1

Module 7: Wedges of the ear

Module 8: Tips and tricks

COURSE OUTLINE

Saturday

Time	Session	Topic
8:15am - 8:45am	Registration	Sign in and collect your lanyard
8:45am - 10:15am	Session 1	Ellipses
10:15am - 10:45am	Morning tea
10:45am - 12:15pm	Session 2	Advancement flaps
12:15pm - 1:15pm	Lunch
1:15pm - 2:45pm	Session 3	Rotation flaps
2:45pm - 3:15pm	Afternoon tea
3:15pm - 4:45pm	Session 4	Grafts

Sunday

Time	Session	Topic
7:45am - 8:00am	Arrival	Sign-in
8:00am - 10:00am	Session 5	Rhomboid flaps
10:00am - 10.30am	Morning tea
10:30am - 12:00pm	Session 6	Banner flaps
12:00pm - 1:00pm	Lunch
1:00pm - 2:00pm	Session 7	Ear wedges
2:00pm - 2:30pm	Afternoon tea
2:30pm - 4:00pm	Session 8	Case presentations

Course Inclusions

For your one-off investment, you will receive unlimited access to all course content, additional learning materials, ongoing post-course support and more.

Online pre-course activity to be completed in your own time.
Eight online video modules to be viewed, replayed and completed at your convenience.
All presentation slides and further learning materials available for permanent access and download.
Instruments and consumables for practical sessions in the optional practical workshop.
Post-course online assessment to be completed in your own time within six months of the course start date.
Ongoing post-course support in monthly webinars with the opportunity to discuss cases with course presenters.
Access to the HealthCert Community with additional free learning opportunities, special offers and other benefits.

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

SPECIAL RATES AND PAYMENT OPTIONS

EARLY BIRD
RATE

Save up to $200

Only available for “online & workshop” option if registered 30 days prior to workshop date.

REGISTRARS SCHOLARSHIP

Save up to $500

For doctors in training who are on a pathway to General Practice Registration through a recognised training provider.

COURSE
BUNDLES

Save up to $1,588

Enrol in two or three courses within the same education pathway to optimise your savings.

DEFERRED
PAYMENTS

Monthly from $495

Enrol in one, two or three courses within a pathway now and pay later in small monthly instalments.

*The individual offers and special rates cannot be used in conjunction with any other specials.

WHAT YOUR COLLEAGUES SAY

Dr Alister Lilleyman

MBBS, MMed (Skin Cancer), FSCCA

Senior Lecturer, The University of Queensland

Skin Cancer Doctor at Newcastle Skin Check, Charlestown NSW

Dr Alister Lilleyman graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1994 and spent the next six years working in the public hospital system. After moving to Newcastle in 2003, he began working in private practice as a Skin Cancer Doctor, Assistant Surgeon, and Vein and Laser Physician. He completed a Master of Medicine degree in Skin Cancer Medicine from The University of Queensland, where he is now a Senior Lecturer. He is a proud member of the AMA (Australian Medical Association), College of Phlebology, and Fellow of the Skin Cancer College Australasia.

Dr Anthony Azzi

MBBS, MMed (Skin Cancer)

Senior Lecturer, The University of Queensland

Director at Newcastle Skin Check, Charlestown NSW

Dr Anthony Azzi graduated from the University of Sydney in 1989 and moved to Newcastle, where he spent the next 13 years working in the public hospital system. He now works in private practice as a Skin Cancer Doctor and Assistant Surgeon. He completed a Master of Medicine in Skin Cancer from The University of Queensland, where he is now a Senior Lecturer. He is a member of the Australian Medical Association, Skin Cancer College Australasia, and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.

Dr Victor Harling

MBBS

Skin Cancer Doctor, National Skin Cancer Centres, Redcliffe

Dr Victor Harling obtained his medical degrees from The University of Queensland in 1983. He worked for Queensland Health and the Wesley Emergency Centre for many years before pursuing his interest in Skin Cancer Medicine. Victor undertakes regular professional development courses and has obtained a Diploma of Skin Cancer from the Skin Cancer College Australasia. He is passionate about skin cancer medicine and surgery, and shares his vast expertise with fellow GPs in HealthCert certificate course and Clinical Attachments at the Redcliffe Skin Cancer Centre.

Assessment

In order to meet the requirements of professional and academic learning, the course assessment includes professional requirements and two online examinations. There are no face-to-face requirements for exams which can be conveniently completed online within six months of the course start date.

Develop a one-page report/explanation of how you will use the learning from this course in your professional work.
Compile a report listing the resource materials that you have collected to advance and apply your knowledge.

Online assessment

104 knowledge questions based on a scenario of a medical practitioner undertaking special interest training.
- 13 per module
  Example: The medical practitioner believes that 10% of the population … Is he correct? Yes/No

104 authentic scenario based questions based on cases of patient care at a clinic.
- 13 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.

Certification and ACCREDITATION

This certificate course meets the 50 hours CPD annual requirement.

ACSUG_Certificate Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery certificate and below points. You may also receive CPD recognition for the optional practical workshop; you will need to apply to your college, and the awarding of any CPD points will be at their discretion.

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

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

RACGP CPD Accredited Activity 40 Points

ACRRM:

- PDP units: 14 Educational activity, 15 Performance review
- MOPs points: 3
Rural Procedural Grants Program: Check with your college for eligibility

This certificate course:

Provides CPD points from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
Provides PDP points from the Australian Council of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
Is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP).
Is recognised by 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 points must be stated on the certificate. Please contact PLD@dhcr.gov.ae 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. Category 1 points are reported as certified and Category 2 points are reported as non-certified. Contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.
Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
Has been approved for two days of the Training Grant for Rural and Remote Procedural GPs Program (Procedural Grant Program).
Has been collaboratively designed with, and is annually reviewed by, Professor David Wilkinson, Chief Medical Officer at National Skin Cancer Centres.
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.

Education Pathways

Professional Diploma Pathway

This course is the second stage of the Professional Diploma pathway. The full pathway is Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery, Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery and Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery.

Postgraduate Pathway

Postgraduate Diploma in Minor Surgery 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.

Important Dates

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WHAT OUR ALUMNI SAY

This course provides invaluable practical experience.

Dr M. Lemberg, NZ

Absolutely worthwhile for taking skin cancer seriously. The course has been a lot of help in the last years, so thank you!

Dr A. Chiang, VIC

I went into the weekend expecting to improve my surgical skills, but was pleasantly surprised to learn much more. Advice regarding practice organisation, equipment and medico-legal recommendations was supplied. The surgical instructors were approachable, friendly and very helpful. I have also found the follow-up material available from the instructors to be easily accessible and informative.

Dr R. Barrett, QLD

A must-do if you're doing skin cancer surgery in practice. Lots of tips and skills.

Dr R. Adendorff, QLD

The weekend practicals is what every GP needs to boost their confidence.

Dr P. Chuka, WA

I was amazed to be able to apply what I learned in the Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery course. I've found that my knowledge, skill and ability have accelerated since doing the course and it is eminently applicable. It has been worthwhile following through with what I learned in the course, and the education pathway has a multiplier effect on my knowledge and skill. A good example to other education providers!

Dr J. Ninio, NSW

This is the best surgical dermatologic event I've ever been to. It offered hands-on experience and was very, very relevant.

Dr C. Robalino, NSW

This has been a refreshing and positive learning experience. Well organised and extremely well presented by very experienced teachers. It has increased my skills, confidence and motivation. Thank you.

Dr N. Rohde, NSW

The Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery is a definite if you want to do skin surgery in your practice.

Dr J. Iyamu, WA

HealthCert Education is committed to providing top-quality education. To ensure this happens, we back all our courses with a unique satisfaction guarantee.

If within 7 days of course enrolment you are not satisfied with the course, get in touch with us to receive a full refund or attend the practical workshop again at no cost. No questions asked.

T&C’s apply: The request must be submitted in writing. Upon cancellation and full refund of your course enrolment, you will not receive a certificate or accreditation points. Practical workshops are only available with select courses.

NOW AVAILABLE AS E-BOOK: “Dermoscopy Bible”

Developed in collaboration with the International Dermoscopy Society (IDS), the 540-page guide features real patient case studies, thousands of illustrations and practical advice on skin cancer diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of lesions on any body part, age group and skin type.

LEARNING RESOURCE IN ANATOMY

HealthCert certificate course graduates can receive access to Anatomedia, an interactive online learning program in anatomy, for an annual fee of $99 instead of $297 if subscribed by 31 December 2020. The complete self-learning resource teaches anatomy of the body and contains videos of various surgical procedures. Select Pricing: Student and under School/Institution details (used for verification) enter the below details:

SCHOOL/INSTITUTION NAME: HealthCert
YOUR PRIMARY AREA OF STUDY: HealthCert course you most recently enrolled in
EXPECTED YEAR OF GRADUATION: 2020

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