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PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA

Geriatric Medicine

Round out your clinical knowledge in geriatric medicine with a comprehensive study of common conditions seen in older patients.

geriatric medicine diploma

Overview

Enhance your clinical aptitude in managing common conditions seen in patients aged 65+.

GPs are well-positioned to focus on the prevention and early detection of chronic health issues in elderly patients. Utilise your understanding of your patients' social and medical history to provide effective primary healthcare that helps reduce morbidity and mortality.

  • Manage health issues of the growing ageing population.
  • Address the complex medical needs of geriatric patients.
  • Provide comprehensive care to enhance patients' quality of life and overall wellbeing.
  • This course is for medical doctors, International Medical Graduates, registered nurses and degree-qualified health professionals.
  • CPD-accredited and university-reviewed.

CPD requirements

Fulfils 50 hrs for medical professionals in Australia

Study modes

100% online

Course fee

$1595
Special rates available

Study duration

81 hrs
Self-paced

GU-LOGO-2024

Course benefits

  • Gain the skills to provide much needed, high-demand healthcare services, as people aged 65+ account for 20 per cent of presentations to emergency departments and nine per cent of hospital admissions in Australia.
  • Safeguard your elderly patients by screening them for prevalent conditions of the heart and vascular system.
  • Diagnose and manage patients with COPD.
  • Manage prostate conditions in your elderly male patients and learn to perform comprehensive prostate checks.
  • Screen elderly female patients for conditions often arising after menopause, and help make a difference in their lives.
Get unlimited access to all course content, additional learning materials, ongoing post-course support, and more.

Course contents

COPD
This module begins with an explanation of COPD, including the aetiology and pathogenesis of this condition. The module then discusses the COPD-X guidelines to assist with the diagnosis and management of COPD. The COPD-X guidelines include Case finding and confirming diagnosis, Optimising function, Preventing deterioration, Developing a plan of care, and management of eXacerbations. The module concludes with the diagnosis and management of adult asthma, including when asthma and COPD overlap.
Varicose veins, ulcers and DVT
The module commences with the definition and epidemiology of chronic venous disease (CVD), chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The risk factors for CVI and DVT, including the pathophysiology of CVD and DVT are outlined. The clinical features, CEAP (Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy and Pathophysiology) classification of CVD and Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) are discussed in detail. CVD diagnostic tools include duplex ultrasound, D-dimer test, DVT ultrasound, contrast CT venography, computed tomography venography and magnetic resonance venography. The module then focusses on the management of varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis including compression therapies for C0-C4 disease, leg elevation, medical therapies, vein ablation therapies and vein surgery. Three case studies are included in this module to reinforce learning.  
Prostate conditions and prostate check
This module examines the role of the prostate and what may happen when it is not functioning normally. This includes symptoms, underlying problems and other common features associated with prostate conditions. It covers benign prostatic enlargement and associated urinary incontinence in men. Conditions that are best referred to a urologist are covered including what treatment options may be considered by the urologist which is helpful for the treating medical practitioner to know. How to establish an initial assessment for various conditions are outlined. Planning a prostate check by digital palpation, what to look for and how to interpret the pathology results are included in unit two. Charts, graphs, studies and diagrams assist with determining the appropriate management.
Post menopause health issues
As estrogen deficiency begins to dominate in post menopause, women may experience health issues and escalated risks. This course examines the aetiology, compounding factors and socioeconomic burden. Content includes the medical and complementary management of osteoporosis, genito-urinary syndrome, mood disorders and cardiovascular disease. It provides an outline of the risk factors associated with osteoporosis and fragility fractures. It discusses the tools to assess fracture risk as well as the criteria for, and interpretation of DXA scans. Lifestyle interventions and pharmacotherapy are also considered. Together with general care, non-hormonal measures and the role of topical or systemic estrogen therapy are considered. Genito-urinary syndrome caused by the hypogenic state of post menopause is discussed. The importance of a mental health assessment for post-menopausal women is emphasised including risk factors and management of depression and anxiety. The course concludes with an overview of cardiovascular disease, the risk factors (including the impact of estrogen deficiency), and the evidence and parameters for hormone therapy. 
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.
Peripheral vascular/artery disease
This module focuses on Peripheral Arterial Diseases (PAD). The definition, epidemiology and risk factors associated with PAD are presented before focusing on lower limb peripheral arterial disease due to atherosclerosis or atherothrombosis. The pathophysiology and the associated conditions with PAD include carotid artery disease, renal artery disease and LEAD (asymptomatic/symptomatic). Screening tools and clinical assessment considerations are detailed including clinical features covering gender differences, overview, intermittent claudication, limb threatening ischaemia and acute limb ischaemia. The importance of patient history and possible differential diagnoses include Baker’s cyst, spinal stenosis, lumbosacral radiculopathy, joint osteoarthritis, venous claudication and diabetic neuropathy. Examination guides are outlined that include information on different forms of ulcers. The use of the ankle-brachial index diagnostic tool together with lab testing and imaging options (including limitations) are covered. The treatment and management of patients with conditions relating to peripheral arterial disease are described in detail and include lifestyle modifications, patient education, exercise, tobacco cessation and multimodal care. Management plans may include pharmacotherapy and surgical intervention options as part of the management plan.

Did you know you can also study most of these course modules in HealthCert 365?

If you're not interested in pursuing a full certificate in this field but simply want to enhance your skills in specific topics covered in this course, you can access the content of this and other courses for a flat fee of $83 per month (paid annually) within HealthCert 365.

Meet your instructors

 Barbara Workman _ cirlce
 
Prof Barbara Workman
EXPERT REVIEWER
MBBS, MD, FRACP, AFRACMA

Director, MONARC (Monash Ageing Research Centre), Monash University

Head, Academic Unit of Geriatric Medicine, MONARC, Monash University

Professor of Geriatric Medicine, Monash University

Medical Director, Rehabilitation and Aged Care Services, Monash Health (Retired March 2021)

The Professional Certificate of Geriatric Medicine has been independently reviewed by Professor Barbara Workman, Medical Director (Rehabilitation and Aged Care Services) at Monash Health. Formerly, Prof Workman was a Professor of Geriatric Medicine at Monash University.

 Darren Katz
 
A/Prof Darren Katz
MBBS

Urological and Prosthetic Surgeon
 
Leader, Andrology Special Advisory Group, Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand
 
Associate Professor Darren Katz is a urological surgeon who serves as Medical Director of Men’s Health Melbourne. He is a very approachable urologist who understands the importance of providing patients with the highest standards of multi-disciplinary care. His aim is to deliver prompt, ready-access to all forms of urological management – either elective or emergency - and is available 24/7 to GPs and patients.

A/Prof Katz is the current Leader of the Andrology Special Advisory Group for the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand. He graduated from Melbourne University Medical School in 2001 and completed his urological training with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. He has spent two years at world-leading hospitals - Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Weill-Cornell Medical Centre - in New York completing sub-speciality urological fellowships in andrology, urological prosthetics, male voiding dysfunction, incontinence, and male infertility.

A/Prof Katz is the director of the only Australian Prosthetic and Micro-surgical Fellowship which trains overseas urologists in world-leading procedures and operations. A/Prof Katz has trained urologists from USA, Canada, Israel, and England. These urologists spend one year with A/Prof Katz and his colleagues learning about the latest treatments and operations in his field of focus.

A/Prof Katz is heavily involved with research and academics and has been awarded both national and international grants and scholarships. He has been an invited faculty member for numerous urological workshops to teach other urologists and training urologists about the latest surgical techniques. He often presents at major international conferences. He is the author of multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Urology, British Journal of Urology International, Andrology, Asian Journal of Urology, Journal of Sexual Medicine, The Asian Journal of Andrology, and the Journal of Andrology and Gynaecology: Current Research. He is involved with several clinical trials and provides the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatments for his patients. 

A/Prof Katz is a member of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand, The Fertility Society of Australia, The American Urological Association, The European Association of Urology, and The Sexual Medicine Society of North America.

 debbie_kors
 
A/Prof Debbie Kors
MBBS, FRACGP, Masters Family Medicine, DRACOG

Certificate of Family Planning, Graduate Diploma of Medical Education

Associate Professor Debbie Kors is the founder and joint owner of a private teaching general practice in Port Macquarie, Australia. She works there as a general practitioner and GP supervisor of GP registrars and medical students.

A/Prof Kors is a passionate advocate for the profession of general practice. She is a Conjoint Associate Professor in Primary Health Care at the UNSW Rural Clinical School, Port Macquarie campus and has previously worked as a senior medical educator with North Coast GP Training. In 2010, she was nominated for and won the General Practice Education and Training GP Supervisor of the Year award.

A/Prof Kors holds a MBBS (first class honours), Fellowship of the RACGP, Masters of Family Medicine (clinical), Diploma of the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Graduate Diploma of Medical Education and a Certificate of Family Planning.

 Alice Lam
 
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.
 Joe Kosterich (3)
 
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.
 kate_moriarty
 
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.

Study modes

Study 100% online

100% online

Study at your own pace and to your own schedule. Interactivity, discussion, and feedback opportunities are included.

  • View and replay video lectures at your convenience.
  • Participate in online case discussions and interact with your peers.
  • Attend or watch recordings of live tutorials with experts.
  • Ask questions and discuss clinical cases in live tutorials.
  • Complete your assessment online and receive your CPD hours and certificate.
HealthCert 365 - a digital CPD library

HealthCert 365

Easily meet your CPD requirements and gain valuable skills – all in one place for $83 per month.

  • Customise your learning experience by accessing and focusing only on course modules that interest you the most.
  • Gain access to 200+ additional CPD activities and 50-hour special focus CPD programs, sourced from all HealthCert university-assured programs.

Professional Diploma of Geriatric Medicine

$1595

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

Bundle two courses and save 5%, or three courses and save 10% upon enrolment.
Talk to us about deferred payment options, registrar scholarships and special rates.

certificate
This certificate meets the 50hr annual CPD requirement for medical practitioners

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

Accredited CPD activities in this certificate

Each module in this certificate is an RACGP and ACRRM approved CPD activity.

RACGP Activity Number ACRRM Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours Outcome Hours
441343 31081 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 441343 31081 4.5 6 0
477057 31217 Prostate conditions 477057 31217 4 6 0
469416 31196 Post menopause health issues 469416 31196 4.5 6 0
788775 32786 Atrial fibrillation 788775 32786 4 6 0
442738 31089 Coronary Artery Disease 442738 31089 4.5 6 0
822022 33211 Peripheral arterial disease 822022 33211 4 6 0
441329 31080 Congestive cardiac failure 441329 31080 4.5 6 0
995989 34670 Varicose veins, ulcers and DVT 995989 34670 4 5 0
Total hours 34 47 0

View the CPD Hours for all HealthCert Education activities.

Outcome measurement

The peer-reviewed comprehensive clinical audit associated with this professional diploma exceeds the annual CPD outcome measurement hours.

 

Pre- and post-course information

Entry requirements

The Professional Diploma of Geriatric Medicine is the final stage of the three-part Professional Diploma of Geriatric Medicine pathway. The prerequisite of this course is the HealthCert Advanced Certificate of Geriatric Medicine.

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.

Professional Diploma courses are at the highest level at HealthCert. The HealthCert Professional Diploma is a combination of course activities and clinical audit. There are additional professional requirements and submission of patient cases (clinical audit). A literature review must also be completed on journal articles.

Recognised prior learning (RPL)

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

This certificate course meets the minimum 50 hours CPD annual requirement across all three mandatory CPD activity types.

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Professional Diploma of Geriatric Medicine and CPD hours.

This certificate course:

  • Is reviewed by Griffith University to comply with RACGP and ACRRM standards.
  • 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).
  • Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
  • 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.
  • 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 last stage of the three-part professional diploma pathway. The full pathway is: Professional Certificate of Geriatric Medicine, Advanced Certificate of Geriatric Medicine, Professional Diploma of Geriatric Medicine.

 

Postgraduate pathway

Graduates of the HealthCert Professional Diploma of Geriatric Medicine qualify for a scholarship into the Master of Science: Care of the Elderly. This is an online course from the UK designed for medical practitioners. Please contact our UK partner directly regarding this scholarship. Learn more. 

 

University quality-assured and CPD-accredited education provider 

This organisation is an RACGP-accredited CPD provider under the RACGP CPD Program. 

HCE homepage logo _ RACGP Major Provider _ transp
ACRRM-2023-logo_200x100
2024 Griffith University logo_600x300

Frequently asked questions

Don't see your question? Explore other faqs or talk to us.

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 81 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.

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