COURSE OVERVIEW 

The Professional Certificate of Dermoscopy is the first course in the three-part HealthCert Certificate and Diploma program in Dermoscopy. The certificate is designed to meet the needs of medical practitioners who are interested in primary care dermoscopy and assumes no prior knowledge or specific training in the diagnosis and management of skin cancer in primary care. Participants will acquire a range of knowledge in the management of benign and malignant non-melanocytic lesions commonly seen in the practice, melanocytic nevi, melanoma, facial lesions and acral lesions. Recognised and developed by members of the International Dermoscopy Society, no other program brings together such a diverse and accomplished team of globally renowned dermatologists and dermoscopy experts from Italy, Austria, Greece, USA, Japan, and Australia.

This course is the first part of the three-part Professional Diploma of Dermoscopy. The education pathway is Professional Certificate of Dermoscopy, Advanced Certificate of Dermoscopy and Professional Diploma of Dermoscopy.

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RACGP CPD Accredited activity

Accredited CPD activities in this certificate

HealthCert provides several options to complete your measuring outcome hours requirement. These options are self-recorded activities and hours taken may vary depending on your focus area. 

  • Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) templates that you can develop to your own focus area.
  • Clinical audits relating to specific topics within the course. 

RACGP Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours Total Hours
403783 Acral lesions 403783 3.5 6 9.5
403786 Melanoma 403786 4.5 6 10.5
403766 The Chaos and Clues method 403766 4.5 6 10.5
403764 Algorithms and the elephant approach 403764 4 6 10
403772 Malignant non-melanocytic lesions commonly seen in the practice 403772 4 6.5 10.5
403778 Facial lesions 403778 4.5 6.5 11
403769 Benign non-melanocytic lesions commonly seen in the practice 403769 3.5 5.5 9
403775 Melanocytic nevi 403775 4 5.5 9.5
Grand Total 80.5

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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND COURSE REQUISITES

The Professional Certificate of Dermoscopy is suitable for medical professionals who are interested in primary care dermoscopy for the management of skin conditions commonly seen in day-to-day general practice. With teachings from the world’s most influential dermoscopy experts, participants can expect to learn how to independently and competently diagnose many benign and malignant lesions, facial and acral lesions, and melanomas. The course is suitable for medical doctors and the degree-qualified 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. There are no prerequisites for 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 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 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.

Doctors who have completed the UQ Certificate of Advanced Dermatoscopy and Histopathology or other formal dermoscopy training can receive academic credit towards the Professional Diploma (the final course in the three-part program) if they achieve a pass mark in the exams of the first two certificate courses Professional Certificate of Dermoscopy and Advanced Certificate of Dermoscopy. Upon successful exam completion doctors can directly progress to and will only need to pay for the Professional Diploma of Dermoscopy course.

NOTE: While the Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Medicine course covers Dermoscopy, it does not qualify for recognition of prior learning in the Certificate and Professional Diploma of Dermoscopy program which quickly moves on to more advanced dermoscopy techniques, including the Chaos and Clues method and the assessment of lesions on the face and acral sites. Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Medicine alumni should begin with the Professional Certificate of Dermoscopy course. 

Course Contents

The Professional Certificate course will provide the participants with a range of knowledge including:

  • Three Point Checklist and The Elephant Method
  • The Chaos & Clues method
  • Benign non-melanocytic lesions
  • Malignant non-melanocytic lesions 
  • Melanocytic nevi
  • Facial lesions
  • Acral lesions
  • Melanoma

Course participants will:

  • Utilise Interactive Atlas international dermoscopy program
  • Utilise YouDermoscopy application (app)
  • Participate in webinars with experts and professional colleagues
  • Observe professional clinic/patient interactions via video
  • Evaluate dermoscopy cases in an online discussion board
  • 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

MODULES & TOPICS

This module introduces the history of algorithms for determining whether a skin lesion is benign or suspicious. It explains the evolution of pattern analysis and then focusses on the 3 Point Checklist and the Elephant Approach algorithms. Dermoscopic images are used throughout the presentation and the interpretation of the images using these algorithms is discussed in detail. The module finishes with a self-assessment quiz on dermoscopic lesions to reinforce learning.

This module introduces the Chaos and Clues diagnostic method for identifying whether a skin lesion is benign or suspicious. This algorithm is based on revising pattern analysis to identify chaos, clues and exceptions, to assist with the diagnosis and management of skin lesions. Extensive images and examples are provided. In this module, the Chaos and Clues method is used to assess pigmented skin lesions such as melanomas, pigmented basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and pigmented squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs). The module also considers the four exceptions when considering a biopsy.

This module identifies the four most common types of benign non-melanocytic skin lesions commonly seen in daily practice. It explains in detail the use of dermoscopy in diagnosing seborrheic keratosis, dermatofibroma, vascular tumours and sebaceous hyperplasia including numerous dermoscopic images. The module explains the factors influencing the prevalence and morphology of these benign lesions. The module concludes with three management rules to follow in order not to miss melanoma that mimics a benign non-melanocytic tumour.

This module focuses on malignant non-melanocytic skill lesions commonly seen in daily practice. It explains in detail the use of dermoscopy in diagnosing keratinocyte carcinomas, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Dermoscopic images and pattern analysis are used throughout the presentation to differentiate between benign and malignant skin lesions.

This module focusses on the classification of melanocytic nevi based on dermoscopy pattern, morphology, colour, and pigmentation distribution. The module outlines dermoscopic features of congenital nevi and acquired nevi. Dermoscopic images are used throughout the presentation to discuss the different classifications of congenital nevus and appropriate action to manage them.

This module focuses on the dermoscopy of facial lesions. The topic is divided into four categories; pigmented flat facial lesions, pigmented mucosal lesions, non-pigmented neoplastic lesions, and non-pigmented non-neoplastic lesions. Each category is discussed in detail, and dermoscopic images are used throughout the presentation in identifying the differential diagnoses of skin lesions. The pattern analysis method is also outlined in this module and is used to identify different lesions on the face.

This module explains the basic variations of acral melanocytic lesions which includes acral nevus and acral lentiginous melanoma. It briefly outlines the differential diagnoses of some melanosis such as Peutz Jeghers syndrome, Laugier Hunziker Baran syndrome, and drug-induced melanosis. The module then focusses on the dermoscopy of acral lesions which is divided into four criteria: parallel-furrow pattern regular or irregular and parallel-ridge pattern regular or irregular. The parallel patterns are discussed in this module and are used to identify whether a skin lesion is melanoma, haematoma, or a pigmented wart.

This module describes the dermoscopic features that are commonly seen in melanoma. It focusses on the patterns and structures encountered in melanoma. Most melanomas will reveal at least one of ten melanoma- specific structures. Throughout this module, each of these ten melanoma-specific structures are discussed in detail including numerous dermoscopic images to demonstrate learning. Various dermoscopic tools are discussed. Eight management rules to assist with the detection of melanoma are outlined.

Course Outline

Module 1: Algorithms and the elephant approach

This module introduces the history of algorithms for determining whether a skin lesion is benign or suspicious. It explains the evolution of pattern analysis and then focusses on the 3 Point Checklist and the Elephant Approach algorithms. Dermoscopic images are used throughout the presentation and the interpretation of the images using these algorithms is discussed in detail. The module finishes with a self-assessment quiz on dermoscopic lesions to reinforce learning.

Module 2: The Chaos & Clues method

This module introduces the Chaos and Clues diagnostic method for identifying whether a skin lesion is benign or suspicious. This algorithm is based on revising pattern analysis to identify chaos, clues and exceptions, to assist with the diagnosis and management of skin lesions. Extensive images and examples are provided. In this module, the Chaos and Clues method is used to assess pigmented skin lesions such as melanomas, pigmented basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and pigmented squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs). The module also considers the four exceptions when considering a biopsy.

Module 3: Benign non-melanocytic lesions commonly seen in the practice

This module identifies the four most common types of benign non-melanocytic skin lesions commonly seen in daily practice. It explains in detail the use of dermoscopy in diagnosing seborrheic keratosis, dermatofibroma, vascular tumours and sebaceous hyperplasia including numerous dermoscopic images. The module explains the factors influencing the prevalence and morphology of these benign lesions. The module concludes with three management rules to follow in order not to miss melanoma that mimics a benign non-melanocytic tumour.

Module 4: Malignant non-melanocytic lesions commonly seen in the practice

This module focuses on malignant non-melanocytic skill lesions commonly seen in daily practice. It explains in detail the use of dermoscopy in diagnosing keratinocyte carcinomas, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Dermoscopic images and pattern analysis are used throughout the presentation to differentiate between benign and malignant skin lesions.


Module 5: Melanocytic nevi

This module focusses on the classification of melanocytic nevi based on dermoscopy pattern, morphology, colour, and pigmentation distribution. The module outlines dermoscopic features of congenital nevi and acquired nevi. Dermoscopic images are used throughout the presentation to discuss the different classifications of congenital nevus and appropriate action to manage them.

Module 6: Facial lesions

This module focuses on the dermoscopy of facial lesions. The topic is divided into four categories; pigmented flat facial lesions, pigmented mucosal lesions, non-pigmented neoplastic lesions, and non-pigmented non-neoplastic lesions. Each category is discussed in detail, and dermoscopic images are used throughout the presentation in identifying the differential diagnoses of skin lesions. The pattern analysis method is also outlined in this module and is used to identify different lesions on the face.

Module 7: Acral lesions

This module explains the basic variations of acral melanocytic lesions which includes acral nevus and acral lentiginous melanoma. It briefly outlines the differential diagnoses of some melanosis such as Peutz Jeghers syndrome, Laugier Hunziker Baran syndrome, and drug-induced melanosis. The module then focusses on the dermoscopy of acral lesions which is divided into four criteria: parallel-furrow pattern regular or irregular and parallel-ridge pattern regular or irregular. The parallel patterns are discussed in this module and are used to identify whether a skin lesion is melanoma, haematoma, or a pigmented wart.

Module 8: Management rules to detect melanoma

This module describes the dermoscopic features that are commonly seen in melanoma. It focusses on the patterns and structures encountered in melanoma. Most melanomas will reveal at least one of ten melanoma- specific structures. Throughout this module, each of these ten melanoma-specific structures are discussed in detail including numerous dermoscopic images to demonstrate learning. Various dermoscopic tools are discussed. Eight management rules to assist with the detection of melanoma are outlined.

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Meet Your Instructors

Recognised and developed by members of the International Dermoscopy Society, no other program brings together such a diverse and accomplished team of globally renowned dermatologists and dermoscopy experts. Your instructors are pioneers in the field of dermoscopy and have developed the methods and approaches which have become the education standards in all dermoscopy training programs worldwide. By sharing their first-hand knowledge, they collectively deliver the most comprehensive dermoscopy training. Led by the renowned Professor Giuseppe Argenziano, the team includes highly sub-specialised skin cancer experts from Italy, Austria, Greece, USA, Japan, and Australia.
Prof Ashfaq A Marghoob

Prof Ashfaq A. Marghoob

MD

Attending Physician, Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Skin Cancer Center, New York, USA

Professor Ashfaq A. Marghoob is a board-certified dermatologist specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the skin. He is the director of Memorial Sloan Kettering’s regional skin cancer clinic in Long Island and consults and treats patients in the centre’s outpatient facility in Manhattan.

Although providing the best care possible for his patients remains his primary goal, Ashfaq also remains committed to education and clinical research, with the hope of educating physicians and the public about the importance of early skin cancer detection to save lives.

He is active in clinical research and has published numerous papers on topics related to skin cancer with an emphasis on melanoma, atypical/dysplastic nevi, and congenital melanocytic nevi. Ashfaq’s research interests are focused on the use of imaging instruments such as photography, dermoscopy, and confocal laser microscopy to recognise skin cancer early in its development.

A/Prof Cliff Rosendahl

Prof Cliff Rosendahl

MBBS PhD

Professor and Course Coordinator MMed (Skin Cancer) Program School of Medicine, The University of Queensland

Professor Cliff Rosendahl currently works in Brisbane as a primary care practitioner with a special interest in skin cancer.  He also has an interest in research as the clinical developer and Director of the Skin Cancer Audit Research Database (SCARD). His other main area of research has been in evaluating dermatoscopic clues for the diagnosis of both pigmented and non-pigmented skin malignancy in collaboration with colleagues at The University of Queensland, Australia and the Medical University of Vienna, Austria.

A/Prof Giuseppe Argenziano

Prof Giuseppe Argenziano

MD PhD

Professor and Head of the Dermatology Unit, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy

Giuseppe Argenziano is Professor and Head of the Dermatology Unit at the University of Campania, Naples, Italy; Co-founder and past president of the International Dermoscopy Society; and Editor-in-Chief of Dermatology Practical and Conceptual Journal.

His main research field is dermato-oncology, authoring numerous scientific articles and books concerning dermoscopy, melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. As coordinator of the Melanoma Unit at the Campania University, he has established a successful tertiary, multidisciplinary, referral center particularly devoted to the diagnosis and management of patients with melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Over the past 25 years, Prof Argenziano has supervised over 500 foreign and Italian residents in dermatology, established scientific collaborations with 1500+ colleagues from more than 50 nations, and organised more than 500 national and international didactic meetings, courses and conferences (such as the Consensus Net Meeting on Dermoscopy and the First Congress of the International Dermoscopy Society).

Professor Argenziano has authored more than 650 full scientific articles and produced landmark primary publications and books in the field of melanoma and dermoscopy. Over the past 25 years he has been invited as speaker and/or chairman in more than 500 national and international conferences in the field of dermatology. His combined publications have received a sum total of 15.250+ citations with an h-index value of 61 (Scopus 2020).

Prof Harald Kittler

Prof Harald Kittler

MD

Professor at the Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria

Professor Harald Kittler has a special clinical interest in dermoscopy of pigmented skin lesions. His main research interest is digital dermoscopy, follow-up of pigmented skin lesions, and computer assisted digital dermoscopy. Harald has been working for 10 years in the field of dermoscopy and has published a number of scientific articles especially in the field of digital dermoscopy and dermoscopic follow-up of melanocytic nevi.
Prof Masuru Tanaka

Prof Masaru Tanaka

MD PhD

Professor of Dermatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Medical Center East, Japan

 

Professor Masaru Tanaka graduated in 1984 at the Keio University School of Medicine, in Tokyo, Japan. He became a board-certified dermatologist in 1989 and obtained a degree in Medical Science in 1992. He studied image analysis at the Department of Dermatology, University of Wales College of Medicine, in the UK for two years. Masaru was the Congress Secretary of the 100th Japanese Dermatological Association in Tokyo in April 2001. He is now a Professor of Dermatology at the Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Medical Center East, Japan. His main research fields include the bullous disorders, contact dermatitis, dermatopathology, image analysis and dermoscopy.

Dr Rainer Hofmann Wellenhof

Prof Rainer Hofmann-Wellenhof

MD

Professor of Dermatology, Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Head of Research Unit, Medical University of Graz, Austria

Professor Rainer Hofmann-Wellenhof is Professor of Dermatology in the Department of Dermatology at the Medical University of Graz, Austria. He has been a dermato-oncologist for 10 years and has a special interest in pigmented skin lesions, dermoscopy and skin culturing. Rainer is also Director of the Pigmented Skin Lesion Clinic at the Department of Dermatology in Graz.

Dr Iris Zalaudek

A/Prof Iris Zalaudek

MD PhD

Head of the Dermatology Clinic of the University of Trieste, Italy

Associate Professor Iris Zalaudek is a board-certified dermatologist and Head of the Dermatology Clinic of the University of Trieste, Italy. Since 2016, she has been President of the International Dermoscopy Society, and was previously the Research Director of the Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Unit at the Medical University of Graz, Austria.

Her main research fields are related to dermato-oncology and include non-invasive skin imaging techniques, as well as topical and systemic treatment of skin cancer. Moreover, she is engaged in the development of modern teaching methods such as online distant courses and tele-dermatologic services. She is Director of the Master of Science program entitled "Dermoscopy and Preventive Dermato-Oncology" of the Medical University of Graz, Austria.

Iris has published more than 450 articles, of which 358 (267 full papers) have been cited in PubMed. Her combined publications have received an impact factor of 1003 and a h-index value of 36 (by April 2017). In 2003 her work was awarded by the Hans-Weitgasser Price from the Styrian Association of Dermatologists and in 2008 she was awarded the Best Researcher of the Medical University of Graz, Austria.

COURSE DELIVERY

The Professional Certificate of Dermoscopy is designed as 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 modules in a HealthCert Professional Certificate program. 

The course includes: 

  • All presentation slides available for download.
  • 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 month web-based support with the opportunity to ask the instructors questions while you implement your learning.

ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS

In order for you to pass the assessment and progress to the next course, you must complete the exams within the allocated period. Exam extensions are available on a case by case basis.

In order to meet the requirements of professional and academic learning, the course assessment includes professional requirements 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

50 Hours CPD logo

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

 

PCDER certificate image 2022

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Professional Certificate of Dermoscopy certificate.

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 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 hours 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.  Contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.
  • Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
  • Has been collaboratively designed with, and reviewed by, Professor Giuseppe Argenziano, Head of the Dermatology Unit, Second University of Naples in Italy, and a prolific author in this field.
  • Is recognised by the International Dermoscopy Society. Membership is worldwide and more than 100 countries are represented.
  • 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 our FAQs.

EDUCATION PATHWAYS

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA PATHWAY

The full pathway is Professional Certificate of Dermoscopy, Advanced Certificate of Dermoscopy, Professional Diploma of Dermoscopy.

  

POSTGRADUATE PATHWAYS

RPL with The University of Queensland

UQlogo-Mono-purpleThe University of Queensland Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) includes the unit IMED7002: Clinical and Dermatoscopic Diagnosis in Skin Cancer Practice. Credit precedence has been established for this subject if students have completed all three of the following HealthCert dermoscopy qualifications: Professional Certificate of Dermoscopy, Advanced Certificate of Dermoscopy and Professional Diploma of Dermoscopy to the unit IMED7002. Doctors who have applied and been accepted into the Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) program may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning for IMED7002.

View The University of Queensland's Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) program here.

 

HEALTHCERT CLINICAL ATTACHMENTS

Course participants who successfully complete the HealthCert Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Medicine may continue their professional development by completing a HealthCert Clinical Attachment at a specialist clinic or university teaching hospital to further develop professional knowledge. A HealthCert Australian Clinical Attachment is recommended as the first clinical attachment after completing the HealthCert dermoscopy qualifications and a HealthCert International Clinical Attachment is recommended for subsequent clinical attachments.
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Recognised by
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Qualifies for CPD hours with
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