COURSE OVERVIEW

The Professional Diploma of Dermoscopy has been designed to meet the needs of medical practitioners who wish to acquire near-expert level in the use of dermoscopy. The course will provide the participants with a range of knowledge in the management of screening children, young adults and older patients, lesions in different skin types, different types of lesions, and patients with multiple moles. 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 final 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.

Professional Certificate of Dermoscopy   LEARN MORE Advanced Certificate of Dermoscopy LEARN MORE Professional Diploma of Dermoscopy   YOU ARE HERE


YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN

Advanced Certificate of Dermoscopy for Dermatology   LEARN MORE
Advanced Certificate of Histopathology for Dermoscopy   LEARN MORE
Certificate of Case Management: Dermoscopy   LEARN MORE
Medical Certificate of Dermoscopy for Dermatology   LEARN MORE

GAIN A SNEAK PEEK INTO THE COURSE

HubSpot Video

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND COURSE REQUISITES

The Professional Diploma of Dermoscopy has been designed to meet the needs of medical professionals who wish to acquire near-expert level skills in the use of dermoscopy. Participants will see a new dimension to their clinical practice as they are equipped with the knowledge to handle a broad spectrum of age groups, skin types and lesion types, enabling them to assess skin lesions with the utmost confidence. The course is suitable for medical doctors and degree-qualified nurses who work under their supervision, as well as for International Medical Graduates. Participants must have successfully completed the HealthCert Advanced Certificate of Dermoscopy course (or a qualification deemed equivalent) and HealthCert also highly recommends successful completion of at least 50 cases of dermoscopy prior to enrolment. Equivalent alternatives include: practical experience, other qualifications or successful completion of the Advanced Certificate examination.

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 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 Dermoscopy and Advanced Certificate of Dermoscopy. 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.

Graduates of the University of Queensland Certificate of Advanced Dermatoscopy and Histopathology who also successfully complete the examinations for the Professional Certificate of Dermoscopy and Advanced Certificate of Dermoscopy are eligible to enrol directly in the Professional Diploma of Dermoscopy.

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 Diploma course will provide the participants with a range of knowledge including:

  • Screening children
  • Screening young adults
  • Screening older patients
  • Lesions in different skin types
  • Flat/nodular and pigmented/non-pigmented lesions
  • Patients with multiple moles
  • Use of Dermoscopy for NMSC
  • Rules not to miss a 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 epidemiology of nevi and melanoma in children. The module discusses the appropriate steps to take when conducting skin screening on young children. It then discusses the difference in pre-pubertal and post-pubertal children, in terms of total nevus count, type of nevi and melanoma risk. Dermoscopic images are used throughout the presentation to discuss the different melanocytic lesions found in children. The module also outlines the dermoscopic clues and patterns to assist in diagnosing problematic lesions in children.

This module focuses on the diagnostic strategies to use when screening young adults - individuals after puberty up to the age of fifty. It outlines effective screening techniques to determine whether to excise skin lesions in young adults. Dermoscopic images are used throughout the presentation to explain the different characteristics of lesions seen at birth, through to young adults and to elderly individuals. The module also explains the different morphologic types of nevi and tumours commonly found in young adults and how to manage identify and manage suspicious skin lesions.

This module focuses on identifying the problematic lesions commonly found in elderly patients - individuals aged sixty or older. It discusses the correct steps to take when screening elderly patients with pigmented and non-pigmented skin lesions, including melanocytic and non-melanocytic neoplasms. The module explains the use of specific dermoscopic clues and patterns including imaging, to diagnose melanoma in its early stages whilst recognising the myriad of benign lesions.

This module focuses on identifying lesions in different skin types including fair or dark and sun-damaged skin. It covers an overview of factors that influence the morphology of skin tumours and then discusses the skin-type related nevus patterns and clues to consider for diagnosis. The module also discusses the skin-type related pattern of epithelial skin malignancies, the age-related frequencies of skin tumours, and finally, the differential diagnosis of flat, pigmented macules on sun-damaged facial skin. Dermoscopic images are presented throughout the module to assist with the above discussion.

The module outlines the four main categories of melanoma lesions: lentigo maligna, superficial spreading, acral lentiginous and nodular melanoma. These categories of lesions represent distinct histopathologic subtypes of melanoma and have different dermoscopic presentations. The module focuses on the superficial spreading and nodular type of melanoma and then discusses pigmented and non-pigmented lesions. It explains in detail the use of dermoscopic clues to differentiate pigmented and non-pigmented variants of melanocytic and epithelial skin cancer. Common and uncommon dermoscopic clues used in diagnosing nodular skin tumours are included. Dermoscopic images to support learning are presented throughout the module.

This module discusses the use of digital dermatoscopy to effectively manage and monitor patients with multiple moles. Images are used throughout the presentation to discuss dermoscopic clues to identify and differentiate between growing nevi and melanoma. The module covers melanoma risk and phenotype of numerous large nevi that have a common genetic basis. It outlines that removing these nevi does not necessarily reduce the risk of having melanoma. The module discusses the term ‘atypical’ or ‘dysplastic nevus’. These terms are used to indicate the relationship of a nevus to melanoma and may be used to indicate a specific precursor of melanoma or melanoma simulators.

This module discusses the use of dermoscopy in diagnosing, managing, and monitoring treatments of non-melanoma skin cancers. It simplified and grouped the various criteria of BCC into four main categories: pigmented structures, vessels, ulceration, and translucency. Dermoscopic images are used throughout the presentation to discuss the categories in detail. The module also discusses management options when dealing with BCC and factors affecting the management choice. The module concludes with a discussion on how to manage and treat different SCCs.

Most melanomas are morphologically and dermoscopically evident but there are still some that are featureless. This module focuses on the management rules and diagnostic strategies used in detecting and diagnosing melanomas. The module then outlines the seven management rules to use in detecting melanoma. These include full body checks on high-risk patients, apply dermoscopy on all lesions, excise or monitor solitary lesions, monitor patients with multiple nevi, excising doubtful nodules and the integration of clinical and histopathologic findings. Dermoscopic images are presented throughout the module to assist with the management rules discussions. The module finishes with one final rule - to excise spitzoid nodules.

Course Outline

Module 1: Screening children

This module introduces the epidemiology of nevi and melanoma in children. The module discusses the appropriate steps to take when conducting skin screening on young children. It then discusses the difference in pre-pubertal and post-pubertal children, in terms of total nevus count, type of nevi and melanoma risk. Dermoscopic images are used throughout the presentation to discuss the different melanocytic lesions found in children. The module also outlines the dermoscopic clues and patterns to assist in diagnosing problematic lesions in children.

Module 2: Screening young adults

This module focuses on the diagnostic strategies to use when screening young adults - individuals after puberty up to the age of fifty. It outlines effective screening techniques to determine whether to excise skin lesions in young adults. Dermoscopic images are used throughout the presentation to explain the different characteristics of lesions seen at birth, through to young adults and to elderly individuals. The module also explains the different morphologic types of nevi and tumours commonly found in young adults and how to manage identify and manage suspicious skin lesions.

Module 3: Screening older patients

This module focuses on identifying the problematic lesions commonly found in elderly patients - individuals aged sixty or older. It discusses the correct steps to take when screening elderly patients with pigmented and non-pigmented skin lesions, including melanocytic and non-melanocytic neoplasms. The module explains the use of specific dermoscopic clues and patterns including imaging, to diagnose melanoma in its early stages whilst recognising the myriad of benign lesions.

Module 4: Lesions in different skin types (dark, fair, sun-damaged)

This module focuses on identifying lesions in different skin types including fair or dark and sun-damaged skin. It covers an overview of factors that influence the morphology of skin tumours and then discusses the skin-type related nevus patterns and clues to consider for diagnosis. The module also discusses the skin-type related pattern of epithelial skin malignancies, the age-related frequencies of skin tumours, and finally, the differential diagnosis of flat, pigmented macules on sun-damaged facial skin. Dermoscopic images are presented throughout the module to assist with the above discussion.

Module 5:Types of lesions: flat/nodular, pigmented/non-pigmented

The module outlines the four main categories of melanoma lesions: lentigo maligna, superficial spreading, acral lentiginous and nodular melanoma. These categories of lesions represent distinct histopathologic subtypes of melanoma and have different dermoscopic presentations. The module focuses on the superficial spreading and nodular type of melanoma and then discusses pigmented and non-pigmented lesions. It explains in detail the use of dermoscopic clues to differentiate pigmented and non-pigmented variants of melanocytic and epithelial skin cancer. Common and uncommon dermoscopic clues used in diagnosing nodular skin tumours are included. Dermoscopic images to support learning are presented throughout the module.

Module 6: Management of patients with multiple moles

This module discusses the use of digital dermatoscopy to effectively manage and monitor patients with multiple moles. Images are used throughout the presentation to discuss dermoscopic clues to identify and differentiate between growing nevi and melanoma. The module covers melanoma risk and phenotype of numerous large nevi that have a common genetic basis. It outlines that removing these nevi does not necessarily reduce the risk of having melanoma. The module discusses the term ‘atypical’ or ‘dysplastic nevus’. These terms are used to indicate the relationship of a nevus to melanoma and may be used to indicate a specific precursor of melanoma or melanoma simulators.

Module 7: Dermoscopy for the management of non-melanoma skin cancer

This module discusses the use of dermoscopy in diagnosing, managing, and monitoring treatments of non-melanoma skin cancers. It simplified and grouped the various criteria of BCC into four main categories: pigmented structures, vessels, ulceration, and translucency. Dermoscopic images are used throughout the presentation to discuss the categories in detail. The module also discusses management options when dealing with BCC and factors affecting the management choice. The module concludes with a discussion on how to manage and treat different SCCs.

Module 8: Management rules to detect melanoma

Most melanomas are morphologically and dermoscopically evident but there are still some that are featureless. This module focuses on the management rules and diagnostic strategies used in detecting and diagnosing melanomas. The module then outlines the seven management rules to use in detecting melanoma. These include full body checks on high-risk patients, apply dermoscopy on all lesions, excise or monitor solitary lesions, monitor patients with multiple nevi, excising doubtful nodules and the integration of clinical and histopathologic findings. Dermoscopic images are presented throughout the module to assist with the management rules discussions. The module finishes with one final rule - to excise spitzoid nodules.

IMPORTANT DATES

online

START STUDIES ANYTIME.


From $1,995

ENROL NOW

SPECIAL RATES AND PAYMENT OPTIONS

REGISTRARS
SCHOLARSHIP

Save up to $300

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

Save up to $568

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

Monthly from $395

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. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT AVAILABLE PAYMENT OPTIONS

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 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.
A/Prof Caterina Longo

A/Prof Caterina Longo

MD PhD

Scientific Coordinator, Skin Cancer Unit, ASMN-IRCCS, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy

Associate Professor Caterina Longo is a board-certified dermatologist specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers. Although providing the best care possible for patients remains her primary goal, she also committed to education and clinical research. She is actively involved in clinical research and has published numerous papers on topics related to skin cancer with an emphasis on melanoma, atypical nevi, Spitz/Reed nevi and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Caterina’s research interests are focused on the use of imaging instruments such as dermoscopy and confocal laser microscopy to recognise skin cancer early in its development. She pioneered the use of ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy for micrographic Mohs surgery applied for basal cell carcinoma and other visceral tumours. Caterina lectures on these topics both nationally and internationally.

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.

Dr Aimilios Lallas

A/Prof Aimilios Lallas 

MD PhD MSc

Dermatologist-Venereologist, First Department Of Dermatology, Aristotle University, Greece

President, International Dermoscopy Society

Aimilios Lallas is an Associate Professor of Dermatology at the First Department of Dermatology of Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece. He is specialised in skin cancer diagnosis with non-invasive techniques, as well as in the management of skin cancer patients.

His main field of research interest is dermoscopy of skin tumours, the application of the method in general dermatology and the improvement of the management of oncologic patients. He is an author of more than 330 scientific papers published on Pubmed Central, most of them on dermoscopy and skin cancer. He is an editor of eight books and author of several book chapters on dermoscopy. He is a co-investigator in several Phase III Clinical trials on skin cancer treatment. He has been awarded several scholarships and scientific awards.

Over the last years, A/Prof Lallas has established scientific collaboration with numerous colleagues from several countries and has supervised the training of numerous fellows from different countries. He is an invited speaker in several domestic and international congresses and meetings, mainly on dermoscopy and on skin cancer diagnosis and management. He is particularly involved in teaching activities on dermoscopy, having organised and participated in numerous domestic and international courses.

A/Prof Lallas is currently the President of the International Dermoscopy Society.

Dr Elvira Moscarella

Dr Elvira Moscarella

MD

Dermatologist, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Dr Elvira Moscarella is a dermatologist at the Santa Maria Nuova Hospital in Reggio Emilia, Italy. She acquired her medical degree in 2005 at the Second University of Naples before completing her residency in dermatology and venereology at the University’s Department of Dermatology. In 2008, Elvira undertook further education in dermoscopy and confocal microscopy. She is a member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and the International Dermoscopy Society, and is Editor in Chief of the latter’s newsletter and case of the month. Elvira’s main interests are in dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy, and their use in skin cancer medicine.

COURSE DELIVERY AND ASSESSMENT

This final stage of the Professional Diploma 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 two webinars scheduled half way through the course and prior to the exam period, offer the opportunity to join, ask questions 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 12 months from the start of the course 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 professional diploma program. The course is delivered over 15 weeks with 12 weeks of teaching followed by the opening of the final examinations. The course includes online presentations from experts in the field followed by patient case discussions.

A clinical audit is a mandatory element of this professional diploma. The clinical audit will guide you to reflect on your patient management, prior to and after, increasing your knowledge through your studies at HealthCert. You will need to submit your own cases as part of the audit. If you no longer see any cases in this field, the course offers an early exit point with the Complex Certificate.

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.
  • Web-based support with the opportunity to ask the instructors questions while you implement your learning.

In order to meet the requirements of professional and academic learning, the course assessment includes professional requirements and two online examinations.

  • Develop a report/explanation of how the learning from this course will help you with your professional development.
  • Complete a literature review of three articles nominated by the course chair.
  • Complete a clinical audit (separately accredited) to demonstrate application of learning.

Online assessment

  • 120 knowledge questions based on a scenario of a medical practitioner undertaking special interest training.
  • 120 authentic scenario based questions based on cases of patient care at a clinic
    • Example: A patient arrives at your clinic with this problem … What should you do?  Multiple choice images based on patient cases.

The pass mark for each exam 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 all requirements at your convenience within 12 months from the start of the course date.

Certification and Accreditation

50 Hours CPD logo


This certificate course meets the 50 hours CPD annual requirement.

 

DIPDER certificate image 2022

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Professional Diploma of Dermoscopy certificate and below points. To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas, please visit our FAQs.

RACGP CPD Accredited Activity 40 Points
ACRRM

      - PDP units: 39 Educational activity, 16 Performance review
     - MOPs points: 16

 

 

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 collaboratively designed with, and reviewed by, Professor Giuseppe Argenziano, Head of the Dermatology Unit, Second University of Naples, Italy, and a prolific author of scientific articles.
  • 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.

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.

 

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. You can find more information here. This will be helpful to further develop business, management and leadership capabilities.

Please apply directly to Torrens University through this link 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.
Recognised by
international_dermoscopy_society_Logo
Postgraduate RPL with
torrens university
Clinical attachment with
Medical_University_Of_Vienna_Logo
Clinical attachment with
Medical_University_of_Lyon_Logo
Clinical attachment with
HealthCert Logo
Recognised by
Skin_Cancer_Institute_Logo
Accredited by
RACGP log 2023
Accredited by
ACRRM logo 2023