COURSE OVERVIEW

Surgery is still considered the most effective and definitive skin cancer treatment. The Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery is ideal for doctors with a special interest in skin cancer surgery. Delivered by noted skin cancer doctors and a team of experienced GPs, 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, skin grafts and flaps for the lower limb.

This course is the third 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 and Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery (online course components + practical workshop) or Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery Principles (online course components only).

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COURSE CONTENTS

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

  • Neurovascular island flaps*
  • Bilobed flaps*
  • Banner and rhomboid flaps*
  • V-Y flaps*
  • Lip wedges*
  • Periorbital defects*
  • Case presentations

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.

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

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 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. 

MODULES & TOPICS

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 is commonly used for reconstruction of nasal tip lesions, utilising 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This module includes the tips and tricks from the advanced certificate and also includes additional tips for the professional diploma level. 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.

Course Outline

Module 1: 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.

Module 2: The bilobed flap

The bilobed flap is commonly used for reconstruction of nasal tip lesions, utilising 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.

Module 3: 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.

Module 4: 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.

Module 5: 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.

Module 6: 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.

Module 7: Tips and tricks

This module includes the tips and tricks from the advanced certificate and also includes additional tips for the professional diploma level. 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.

OUTLINE: COMPLEX WORKSHOP
(Prerequisite of the Professional Diploma course)

Saturday

Time Session Topic
8:00am - 8:30am Registration  
8:30am - 10:30am Session 1 Neurovascular island flaps
10:30am - 11:00am Morning Tea  
11.00am - 1:00pm Session 2 Bilobed Flaps 
1.00pm - 2:00pm Lunch  
2:00pm - 3:00pm Session 3 Banner and rhomboid flaps
3:00pm - 3:30pm Afternoon Tea  
3:30pm - 4:30pm Session 3 (CONT) Banner and rhomboid flaps

Sunday

Time Session Topic
7:45am - 8:00am Arrival  
8:00am - 9:30am Session 4 V-Y flaps
9:30am - 10:00am Morning Tea  
10:00am - 11:30am Session 5 Lip wedges
11.30am - 12:30pm Lunch  
12:30pm - 2:00pm Session 6 Periorbital defects 
2:00pm - 2:30pm Afternoon Tea  
2:30pm - 4:00pm Session 7 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.

CHOOSE DATE AND
DELIVERY FORMAT

available fully online* or with practical workshop

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA

100% ONLINE
OR ONLINE WITH PRACTICAL WORKSHOP

Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth & Sydney

From $2,495

ENROL NOWENROL NOW

*Participants who choose to complete the online course components only will receive the Professional Diploma 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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AVAILABLE PAYMENT OPTIONS

WHAT YOUR COLLEAGUES SAY

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Meet Your Instructors

Your course instructors are widely regarded as leading specialists in skin cancer surgery and business management. The optional practical workshops will be led by esteemed practitioners and surgical assistants in the respective location.
Dr Alister Lilleyman

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

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

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

CERTIFICATION AND ACCREDITATION

50 Hours CPD logo


This certificate course meets the 50 hours CPD annual requirement.

 

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

 
RACGP CPD Accredited Activity 40 Points
ACRRM:
- PDP units: 3 Educational activity, 12 Performance review
- MOPs points: 3
Rural Procedural Grants Program: Check with your college for eligibility
 
Complete the optional Clinical Audit to demonstrate your learning outcomes and receive an additional 40 RACGP CPD points or equivalent ACRRM PDP hours.
 
This certificate course:
  • To gain CPD points for this activity, GPs are to self-record their learning for CPD recognition. For further information, please contact your state RACGP office: click here.
  • Provides PDP points from the Australian Council 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 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.
  • 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 collaboratively designed with, and is annually reviewed by, Professor David Wilkinson, Chief Medical Officer at National Skin Cancer Centres.
  • Has been independently developed with subject specialists and 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.

Education 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. 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. 

 

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.
Quality assured by
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Postgraduate RPL with
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Postgraduate studies with
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Clinical attachment with
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Clinical attachment with
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Clinical attachment with
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Accredited by
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Accredited by
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