Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology

CPD requirements

Fulfils 50 hrs for medical professionals in Australia*

Study modes

100% online

Course fee

$1780 (was $2095)
Use code 15BF24
Special rates available

Study duration

78 hrs
Self-paced

Dermatological Emergencies, Vitiligo Treatments and Infestations

This general dermatology course focuses on dermatological emergencies, vitiligo treatments and infestations. The first section focuses on identifying the different categories of dermatological emergencies including erythroderma, DRESS syndrome, necrotizing fasciitis, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, meningococcal infection and SJS/TEN. Clinical features, differential diagnosis, pathology, investigations, complications and management of these conditions are outlined. The second section focuses on vitiligo and the management and emerging therapeutic modalities in treating this autoimmune condition. The third section focuses on identifying skin infestations including candidiasis, scabies, strongyloidiasis, cutaneous larva migrans, schistosomiasis and leishmaniasis. Management and recommended treatment for these conditions are also covered in this section. Clinical and dermoscopic images are used throughout the course. 

Treatment of Dermatomyositis and Sarcoidosis

This general dermatology course focuses on the treatment of dermatomyositis and the treatment of sarcoidosis. Participants will learn to describe and manage the different types of systemic treatment for dermatomyositis and sarcoidosis. These multisystem diseases are challenging and various treatment options are discussed. The course outlines the long-term risk of using prednisone and includes ways to minimise osteoporosis. The use of steroid-sparing medications including methotrexate, azathioprine, hydroxychloroquine, mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporin along with associated side effects are discussed. The course concludes with the management and treatment options of sarcoidosis. Images are used throughout the course to assist with learning.  

Systemtic Treatment Options for Psoriasis and Lichen Planus

This general dermatology course focuses on systemic treatment options for psoriasis and lichen planus. Participants will learn the different types of systemic treatments for these conditions including collecting clues from patients to determine the best treatment options. The first section focuses on oral therapies and biologic injectable treatments for psoriasis including methotrexate, oral retinoids, cyclosporine, apremilast, adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, ustekinumab, secukinumab and ixekizumab. The second section briefly introduces the six Ps of lichen planus including planar, purple, polygonal, pruritic, papule and plaque. It then outlines systemic treatment options including prednisone, acitretin, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine and azathioprine based on clinical cases. Benefits and risks associated with treatment options for both psoriasis and lichen planus are discussed in the course.  

Atopic Dermatitis and Acne 2

This general dermatology course focuses on the systemic treatment for atopic dermatitis and the differential diagnosis and treatment of acne. The first section discusses improving the ability to accurately diagnose and manage 90 per cent of atopic dermatitis cases including recognising the differences in presentation and distribution characteristics from infancy to adulthood. The associated features, findings, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of atopic dermatitis are outlined. Treatment options including reducing contact with irritants and exposure to allergens, emollients, topical steroids, antihistamines, antibiotics, steroid-sparing and systemic therapies are discussed in detail. The second section explores the differential diagnosis of acne including keratosis pilaris, perioral dermatitis, angiofibroma, pseudofolliculitis barbae, acne keloidalis nuchae, folliculitis and hidradentis suppurativa. The treatment options of acne such as topical keratolytic agents, topical antibiotics and systemic treatments are discussed. Clinical images and evidence-based guidelines for acne treatment are included.    

Patch Testing, Contact Dermatitis and Cutaneous Lymphomas

This general dermatology course focuses on patch testing, contact dermatitis and cutaneous lymphomas. The first section focuses on how and when to do patch testing. It outlines possible complications and how to interpret test results. The course then focuses on the differences between allergic and irritant contact dermatitis the causes and the clinical management of these conditions. Common allergens discussed include nickel, cobalt, chromate, fragrance, medicaments, preservatives, rubber and plants allergies. Predisposing factors of irritant contact dermatitis are outlined. The second section focuses on identifying and distinguishing features of cutaneous lymphoma including common primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, mycosis fungoides, Sézary syndrome, lymphomatoid papulosis, primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma and leukaemia cutis. The appropriate investigations and management of these conditions are discussed in detail. Clinical and dermoscopic images are used throughout the course.

Rare Nail Disorders and Cicatricial Alopecia

This general dermatology course focuses on rare nail disorders and cicatricial alopecia. The first section focuses on identifying various nail diseases including Beau’s lines, onychomadesis, nail pitting, onychorrhexis, pterygium, trachyonychia, true leukonychia, koilonychia, onycholysis, onychauxis, splinter haemorrhages, nail discolouration, longitudinal melanonychia, clubbing, onychogryphosis, median canaliform dystrophy, ingrown toenail, paronychia, subungual hematoma, pincer nails and tumours of the nail bed. The causes associated with these nail changes are discussed. The next section focuses on cicatricial and non-cicatricial alopecia conditions. Primary cicatricial alopecia conditions that are either lymphocytic (chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, lichen planopillaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, brocq pseudopelade), and neutrophilic (folliculitis decalvans, dissecting cellulitis of the scalp) are discussed. Non-cicatricial conditions including androgenetic alopecia, telogen and anagen effluvium, alopecia areata, tinea capitis and traumatic alovecia are included. The symptoms, management and treatment for these conditions are covered in detail. Clinical and dermoscopic images are used throughout the course.  

Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Bullous Pemphigoid

This general dermatology course focuses on hidradenitis suppurativa and bullous pemphigoid. Participant will learn to identify treatment plans for various severities of hidradenitis suppurativa and safely monitor the combination of antibiotic therapy and biologic therapy. Discussion includes clinical findings, risk factors, associated disorders and syndromes, treatment ladder, Hurley staging and Sartorius scale. Five case studies focusing on the management of this condition are discussed. The next section focuses on identifying the correct steps to differentiate blistering disorders and making the right treatment decisions for these conditions. Three cases studies focusing on investigations, diagnosis and treatments of bullous pemphigoid are outlined. Clinical images are used throughout the case studies to assist with learning.  

Challenging General Dermatology Cases

This course focuses on nine more challenging general dermatology case studies, focusing on various dermatology conditions. The cases describe how to approach each case and are supported by clinical images. Differential diagnoses, history taking, investigations, management strategies and treatment options are included. In several of these cases, biopsy/surgical options and adjuvant therapies are discussed.  

Prof Richard Usatine

MD PhD

Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Texas, USA.

Founder and medical director of the University Health System Skin Clinic in San Antonio, USA

Professor Richard Usatine is the Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Texas. He is the author of nine books and over 120 papers, founder of the Interactive Dermatology Atlas on the web, and is the most recognised skin cancer presenter in the USA. Since 2000, he has been chosen yearly by his peers to be included in The Best Doctors in America. He is also the national chair of the yearly Skin Course put on by the American Academy of Family Physicians, and is the founder and medical director of the University Health System Skin Clinic in San Antonio.

Richard has been involved in Global Health through his work in Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Haiti and Ethiopia. In 2000, Richard Usatine was recognised as the national recipient of the Humanism in Medicine Award, by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

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 frequently lectures on these topics both nationally and internationally.

Dr Zoe Apalla
MD PhD

Consultant Dermatologist at State Hospital for Skin and Venereal Diseases, Thessaloniki, Greece

Dr Zoe Apalla was board certified in dermatology in 2008 at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. She was trained in dermatopathology at the St John’s Institute of Dermatology in London in 2010 and obtained her PhD degree at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2013.

Zoe has worked as a consultant in the First Dermatology Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki since 2010. She oversees the Supportive Oncology Outpatient Clinic and the Skin Cancer Outpatient Clinic, and the department’s dermatopathology laboratory. She also holds General Dermatology and Inflammatory Dermatoses Outpatient Clinics.

Zoe’s main research fields include skin oncology, melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, topical treatments, photodynamic therapy and dermatoscopy. She has published more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles in international journals and has lectured at many international and national congresses and meetings.

Dr Jonathan B. Karnes

Family Physician

Dr Jonathan B. Karnes is a family medicine physician with special fellowship training in dermatology. He is employed by MDFMR Dermatology Services and is a member of Maine General Medical Center's active staff. He is also a faculty member in the Maine Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency program.

Jonathan’s special interest areas include:

Advancement flaps
Burn therapy (excluding burns requiring grafting)
Cryotherapy of skin lesions
Destruction of malignant skin lesions by electrosurgery or cryosurgery
Excision/biopsy of skin lesions without grafting
Fricke graft for small skin defects
Incision and drainage of superficial abscesses and haematomas
Intermediate and complex facial repairs
Local infiltration anaesthesia with minor nerve blocks
Patch tests for allergy diagnosis
Phototherapy

Dr Christopher Ross

BSc (BiomedSc) (Hons)

BMBS FACD

Dermatologist

Dr Christopher Ross is an Adelaide-based Dermatologist who completed a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science with Honours at Adelaide University in 2004, before completing his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at Flinders University in 2008.

Dermatology training was conducted at Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Flinders Medical Centre and Royal Adelaide Hospital; he was awarded Fellowship of the Australasian College of Dermatologists (FACD) in 2016. Dr Ross has published multiple articles in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology and has written and presented several courses in General Dermatology with HealthCert for teaching purposes.

Dr Ross has a keen interest in rural dermatology, providing outreach services to Darwin and rural South Australia. He also holds the position of Visiting Medical Specialist at Flinders Medical Centre, providing care and teaching to Dermatology registrars. Dr Ross has an interest in all general dermatology including acne, eczema, psoriasis and hair loss.

Dr Ross become a founding member of DermoDirect, which is an online teledermatology service that provides a valuable expert service to rural areas of Australia. He also is a founder of Diagnode, the telehealth platform behind Dermodirect.

Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology

$1780 (was $2095)

use code 15BF24

Meets the 50hr annual CPD requirement*
100% online
Flexible start and completion time

ENROL NOW

The Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology is an extremely valuable resource.

Dr M. S. Mughal

The content of this course is extensive and the presentations are easy to follow.

Dr O. Akintoroye

Interesting and well presented content.

Dr C. Birch

This course is very relevant to primary care practice.

Dr T. Aung

The Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology was very consistent and comprehensive.

Dr P. Hajbabaie

RACGP Activity Number	ACRRM Activity Number	Activity Title	Education Hours	Performance Hours	Outcome Hours
406987	28517	Dermatololgical emergencies, Vitiligo treatmens and Infestations	406987	28517	4.5	6	0
407439	30993	More challenging general dermatology cases	407439	30993	0.5	7	0
407026	28524	Patch testing and contact dermatitis and Cuteaneous lymphomas	407026	28524	4	6	0
407434	28526	Hidradenitis suppurativa and Bullous pemphigoid	407434	28526	4	6	0
407034	28525	Rare nail disorders and Cicatricial alopecia	407034	28525	4	6	0
407013	28523	Atopic dermatitis and Acne 2	407013	28523	4	6	0
407010	28522	Systemic treatment options for psoriasis and Systemic treatment of Lichen Planus	407010	28522	4	6	0
406991	28520	Treatment of dermatomyositis and Treatement of sarcoidosis	406991	28520	4	6	0
809228	32978	Psoriasis Outcome Improvement Activity	809228	32978	0	0	8.5
		Total hours	29	49	8.5

The purpose of outcome measurement activities is to improve your clinical confidence in managing an identified learning gap. Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of our Professional Certificate of Advanced Certificate courses; they are a requirement for Australian CPD purposes.

HealthCert Education provides a variety of outcome measurements activities to suit your needs:

Outcome Improvement Activities relating to specific topics within a course. They are designed to examine current clinical care, align clinical practice with best practice standards, and identify opportunities for improvement. These activities are accredited with RACGP and ACRRM.
Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) options on a specific topic or your identified area. A generic template and guides are provided. PDSAs are self-submitted activities.
Additional activities with guides include Test Measurement, Pathology Results, Practice Meetings, Peer Review, Practice Accreditation, Project Management, Student Supervision, and Pick your own topics (General Practice and Log Book methods). These are self-submitted activities.

Entry requirements

The Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology is ideal for medical professionals who wish to increase their clinical skills, assess more complex and rare cases, and make differential diagnoses for various dermatological conditions. Participants will be equipped with knowledge that is often lacking from undergraduate medical studies and can expect to confidently address their patients’ skin concerns on a day-to-day basis. This course is tailored for general practitioner training and suitable for medical doctors and for degree-qualified nurses, pharmacists and dermal therapists who work under their supervision.

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.

The prerequisite for this course is the successful completion of the Professional Certificate of General Dermatology (or qualification deemed equivalent). HealthCert also recommends successful completion of at least 25 cases of general dermatology prior to enrolment.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

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 General Dermatology. 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.

Certification

This certificate course meets the minimum 50 hours CPD annual requirement across all three mandatory CPD activity types, provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of five hours is completed. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.

Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of Professional or Advanced Certificates.

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology certificate.

This certificate course:

Qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
Qualifies for CPD hours from the Australian College 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.
Is quality-assured by Bond University.
Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Points are calculated differently.
Qualifies for certified clinical attachments in General Dermatology in Austria at the University of Vienna.
Provides credit for Postgraduate Diploma in General Dermatology which is studied online at the Rila Institute of Health Sciences which in turn provides credit for a Master of Science in Dermatology awarded by the University of Plymouth (UK).
Has been independently developed with subject experts 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.

Pathways

Professional Diploma Pathway

This course is the second stage of the professional diploma pathway. The full pathway is: Professional Certificate of General Dermatology, Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology, Professional Diploma of General Dermatology.

Postgraduate Pathway

This pathway is suitable for doctors who are mainly interested in clinical academic study. The Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology is 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 General Dermatology, Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology and Professional Diploma of General Dermatology will be eligible to apply for Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) for module 3 of the Rila Institute/Plymouth University Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology.

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, medical professionals 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 in Dermatology are optional and available on a 1:1 or small group basis. These provide the opportunity to observe skin cancer medicine treatments and ask questions of the expert performing the treatments. In addition to clinical attachments in Australia, university teaching hospitals at the University of Vienna is available for clinical attachment.

What are the costs and payment options of the course?

Fees will vary based on the program and study option selected (fully online vs online + optional practical workshop). Payments can be made upfront or in monthly instalments. Special rates and various payment options are available. GP registrars and doctors in training enjoy a scholarship of up to $500. Talk to us to learn more.

What is the Alumni Support Program?

Completion of any HealthCert course or attendance at an event will enable you to access the HealthCert Alumni Program which includes:

Access to special alumni rates for new courses when they are released.
Special alumni price for HealthCert Conferences.
Exclusive advanced access to HealthCert events.
Regular Alumni Webinars pertaining to the course(s) you have attended. These will provide content review of the course and an opportunity to discuss case studies.
Access to the video lectures as seen during the course(s) that you have attended.

How will I receive my certificate?

HealthCert Education is pleased to issue digital credentials for alumni. Digital credentials are a permanent online record of your successful completion of a HealthCert course and are issued to all course participants in addition to PDF certificates. If you are based in Australia, you also have the option to order a hard copy of your digital certificate for a small additional fee.

How long will the course take to complete?

The recommended study duration of this certificate course is 78 hours, which includes study of the pre-course activities and readings, online lectures, live tutorials, and online assessment. This self-paced course offers the flexibility of 100% online study in your own time, at your own pace, in your own home or office, with no mandatory face-to-face requirements. You are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience.

Is this course recognised in my country?

All HealthCert courses meet World Federation of Medical Education standards. This certificate course qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in Australia. It is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) in New Zealand. It is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) in China. It is a self-submitted activity in Dubai and the United Kingdom. It is a self-submitted activity through the College of Family Physicians in Canada. If you live or work outside one of the above-mentioned countries, please contact us on admin@healthcert.com to discuss whether this course can be recognised in your country.