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 who aim to deepen their expertise 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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Accredited CPD activities in this certificate
The peer reviewed comprehensive clinical audit associated with this professional diploma exceeds the annual CPD outcome measurement hours.
RACGP Activity Number | Activity Title | Education Hours | Performance Hours | Total Hours | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
408649 | Banner and Rhomboid flaps | 408649 | 3.5 | 5 | 8.5 |
408659 | Lip Wedges | 408659 | 3.5 | 5 | 8.5 |
408629 | The Bilobed flap | 408629 | 4 | 5 | 9 |
408665 | Tips and Tricks revisited | 408665 | 4 | 5 | 9 |
408653 | V-Y Flaps and variants | 408653 | 3.5 | 5 | 8.5 |
408617 | Bezier and keystone neurovascular island flaps | 408617 | 4.5 | 5 | 9.5 |
408661 | Eyelids - Ellipses, flaps and grafts | 408661 | 3.5 | 5 | 8.5 |
Grand Total | 61.5 |
GAIN A SNEAK PEEK INTO THE COURSE
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. There are no face-to-face requirements for exams which can be conveniently completed online.
FULLY ONLINE
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ONLINE + WORKSHOP
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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 experts 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
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
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.
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
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Dr Alister Lilleyman
MBBS, MMed (Skin Cancer), FSCCA
Senior Lecturer, The University of Queensland
Skin Cancer Doctor at Newcastle Skin Check, Charlestown NSW

Dr Anthony Azzi
MBBS, MMed (Skin Cancer)
Senior Lecturer, The University of Queensland
Director at Newcastle Skin Check, Charlestown NSW

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 nine months of the course start date.
- 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.
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.
Online assessment
- 120 knowledge multiple choice 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.
CERTIFICATION AND ACCREDITATION

This certificate course meets the minimum 50 hours CPD annual requirement across all three mandatory CPD activity types.
Upon completion of all course requirements, you will receive the Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery certificate.
Participants who choose to complete the online course components only will receive the Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery Principles.
- To gain CPD hours for this activity, GPs are to self-record their learning for CPD recognition. For further information, please contact your state RACGP office: click here.
- Qualifies for CPD hours from the Australian 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 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.
- Qualifies for a clinical attachment in France at the University of Lyon.
- Qualifies for a clinical attachment in Austria at the University of Vienna.
- Has been independently developed with subject experts 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.
To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas, please visit our FAQs.
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






