Foundation Certificate of Cardiovascular Medicine

Study modes

100% online

Course fee

$1095
Special rates available

Study duration

42.5 hrs
Self-paced

Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common recurrent adult arrhythmia worldwide. AF is a supraventricular tachyarrhythmia characterised by uncoordinated, irregular, ineffective atrial contractions. Statistics, epidemiology and health concerns are introduced. Pathophysiology and risk factors are outlined before moving into the classification and the relevance of screening. Clinical features, evaluation, diagnostic work-up and a collaborative approach are a focus of course content. Information around AF management includes the CHA2DS2-VASc score and HAS-BLED score tools applied to clinical practice. Oral anticoagulants (OAC) contraindications and comparisons are covered including OAC choices. Decisions between rhythm vs Rate control are considered in depth.

Congestive cardiac failure

This module begins with an overview of congestive cardiac failure including classification guidelines and prevention strategies. The diagnosis, pathophysiology and investigation of heart failure are outlined including charts, diagrams and images. Causes of heart failure including myocyte damage and loss, abnormal loading conditions and arrhythmias are covered. Further information on aetiology and ongoing assessment in CCF where causes of heart failure are not apparent from the history, examination and investigations are outlined. The management and co-morbidities of these symptoms are discussed. The module concludes with a discussion on the management and prognosis of acute heart failure including end of life care.

Coronary artery disease

This module provides an overview of coronary artery disease (CAD) and outlines the prevalence of the disease in Australia. It discusses the controllable and uncontrollable risk factors including using the Australian absolute cardiovascular disease risk calculator to measure these risks. Other risk factors include lifestyle measures and management of hypertension and diabetes. The diagnosis, examination, investigations and management of CAD including ongoing monitoring of this condition are outlined. The module concludes with a case study that focuses on developing a coronary artery disease management plan to achieve treatment goals.

Cardiovascular health and weight control in men

This module focuses on ways to maintain cardiovascular health and prevent heart disease. It outlines ways to maintain weight control and prevent obesity. Graphs and charts are used to demonstrate the effects of exercise on men. The relationship between obesity in Australia and chronic conditions is outlined including metabolic syndrome. Treatment options for obesity include lifestyle, medications, surgery and counselling. Assessment of a patient’s symptoms, recognising and managing behavioural change techniques, recognising masculinity and motivating patients are a feature of this module. The impact of age-related sarcopenia is discussed and the challenges this presents for the obese male. Information and statistics about the effects of exercise and nutrition complete this module.  

Prof Peter Reaburn
PhD, BHMS (Ed) (Hons),
Grad Cert Flex Learn

Honorary Adjunct Professor of Exercise and Sport Science at Bond University

Professor Peter Reaburn recently retired as Professor and Head of Exercise and Sport Science at Bond University where he remains an Honorary Adjunct Professor. Prof Reaburn remains an active researcher focused on health, performance, and successful ageing in masters athletes. He is an award-winning university educator having won university and national teaching awards and citations for both undergraduate teaching and postgraduate supervision. Prof Reaburn is a masters athlete with a passionate belief in the value of exercise as medicine.

Dr Joe Kosterich
MBBS

Doctor, speaker, author, media presenter and health industry consultant

Dr Kosterich writes for numerous medical and mainstream publications and is a regular on radio and television. He is often called to give opinions in medico legal cases, is clinical editor of Medical Forum Magazine, adjunct professor (teaching) at UWA and a lecturer at Curtin Medical School.

Medical Advisor to Medicinal Cannabis company Little Green Pharma and Chairman of Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association, Dr Kosterich has self-published two books: Dr Joe’s DIY Health and 60 Minutes To Better Health, and maintains a website and blog with health information and commentary.

Previously he held senior positions in the Australian Medical Association and sat on numerous industry and government boards. He has extensive corporate experience in the setting up and management of medical centres and in helping businesses maintain a healthy workforce.

Through all this he continues to see patients as a GP each week.

Dr Alice Lam
MBChB, FRACGP

General practitioner

Dr Alice Lam is a general practitioner passionate about evidence-based medicine and education for medical professionals and their patients. She has over 23 years of medical experience in Australia and overseas. Dr Lam graduated from the University of Manchester, UK and practised both as a locum and partner. Since 2008, she has worked as a GP in Melbourne, Australia. Her other interests include digital health, health writing and education for health professionals and patients.

Dr Kate Moriarty
BMed (Hon), FRACGP, DCH

Registrar supervisor and senior lecturer for UNSW Rural Clinical School, Port Macquarie campus

Dr Kate Moriarty works in private general practice in Port Macquarie, Australia, where she is also a supervisor of GP registrars and of medical students. She is a senior lecturer for UNSW Rural Clinical School, Port Macquarie campus. She has special interests in women’s health and medical education.

She holds a Bachelor of Medicine (honours), Fellowship of the RACGP and a Diploma in Child Health.

Foundation Certificate of Cardiovascular Medicine

$1095

100% online
CPD accredited short course
Flexible start and completion time

ENROL NOW

Great course! it is very relevant to all practising GPs. Who knew that there is a pathologist "secret". Every GP should know this!

Dr M. Parashar

Highly satisfied. Real patients and cases enhance the learning experience. I will attend the advanced course.

Dr N. Kazi

Don't miss this course! It's interesting, practical and enjoyable. After attending courses for 30 years, I rank this as number one. The course is very useful to all doctors who diagnose and treat skin lesions. Top marks to the organisers.

Dr P. Laundy

Everything was very relevant and easy to understand. Certainly in a very different league to all the other courses I have attended.

Dr M. Kaur

I wish I had completed this course two years ago. My time in general practice so far has not enhanced my diagnostic or surgical skills and I have been scared about skin checks! I actually feel not only confident but empowered. A fantastic course! Thank you!

Dr A. Mooney

HealthCert courses have become the standard by which you gauge all others.

Dr K. Abolarinwa

Good, courses with excellent speakers. I particularly enjoyed the case study scenarios which helped to integrate the knowledge gained.

Dr A. Tucker

This is the pathway to improve your confidence and evolve into the GP you aspire to be.

Dr S. Shinwari

RACGP Activity Number	ACRRM Activity Number	Activity Title	Education Hours	Performance Hours	Outcome Hours
788775	32786	Atrial fibrillation	788775	32786	4	6	0
441329	31080	Congestive cardiac failure	441329	31080	4.5	6	0
442738	31089	Coronary Artery Disease	442738	31089	4.5	6	0
479882	31230	Cardiovascular health and weight control in men	479882	31230	5.5	6	0
		Total hours	18.5	24	0

Entry requirements

The Foundation Certificate of Cardiovascular Medicine is tailored for medical practitioners who wish to improve patients' quality of life through effective prevention and management of heart problems.

This course is for physicians, nurse practitioners, and degree-qualified nurses. There are no prerequisites.

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.

Recognised prior learning (RPL)

Participants who have already successfully completed any of these modules as part of other HealthCert certificate courses may request RPL for this course. The examination questions will still need to be completed to ensure knowledge remains current.

Further professionally recognised qualifications and prior studies may be recognised for entry into this course if the learning outcomes match exactly. Please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a Foundation Certificate of Cardiovascular Medicine and CPD hours.

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 Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP). The RNZCGP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Peer review and audit are compulsory.
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. Please contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.
Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Hours are calculated differently.
Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
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.

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 42.5 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.