Australian Diploma of Dermoscopy 2009
Course Information:
The Skin Cancer College of Australia and New Zealand is pleased to announce that it’s innovative and interactive dermoscopy course will now be offered annually. The course is designed specifically for Australasian primary care providers and relevant to the clinical material encountered in day to day practice in our region. Enrolments for the 2009 course are now open.
Whilst the diploma is intended to be suitable for complete novices, it will enable those already using dermoscopy an opportunity to significantly enhance their skills. Graduates will be expected to be competent in the diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions at near expert level. Unique features of the Diploma include the allocation of an experienced tutor to each student, to offer support and feedback, live biweekly video teleconferences and the use of high resolution quality images for teaching and assessment.
In brief the diploma course will consist of:
1) A compulsory Introductory Weekend Workshop focusing on the skills needed to successfully complete the diploma. Basic clinical and dermoscopic photography is considered a core skill for the course as it not only allows review of the dermoscopic features once a histopathologic result is available but also gives the clinician the management option of short or longer term dermoscopic monitoring of doubtful lesions. Essential computer skills including downloading, editing, storage, and emailing of images along with use of the college’s surgical audit, are covered in detail along with basic dermoscopic principles, dermoscopic features and screening using the 3 point check list. The 2009 workshop is scheduled for the weekend of the 2nd and 3rd of May 2009 and will be held at the John Flynn Hospital Auditorium, at Tugun on the Gold Coast, Qld. An optional advanced workshop may be presented later in the year depending on numbers able to attend.
2) 12 fortnightly Online Modules, presented over 2 semesters, combining prescribed readings, presentations and formative exercises in identifying dermoscopic features. The online modules are supported by high resolution images and a unique variety of computer based learning activities aimed at developing and reinforcing dermoscopic skills. Each module will require the student to download images, mark dermoscopic features, make a diagnosis and forward these to their tutor by email for feedback and discussion. The first semester commences on the 17 May 2009.
3) 12 Fortnightly Interactive Online Clinical Meetings hosted by consultant Dermatologist Dr Ian McColl and the author of the module being studied. These meetings use the online "GoToMeeting" service to share a computer desktop along with a audio link by telephone (1300 number, or local call cost). Students can take over the desktop and point out features or problem areas for immediate feedback.
4) During the second week of each module Students are required to be involved in an interactive "Learn dermoscopy" blogsite, where cases will be presented each day for discussion directly with peers and tutors.
5) During the course students will be expected to maintain a Surgical Audit of all lesions excised using the SCCA Audit program. This self audit tool allows automated and continuing monitoring or your diagnostic accuracy and benign to malignant excision ratio for lesions excised to exclude melanoma. Prospective candidates are encouraged to download and commence using this tool immediately. Further details regarding the audit are available at http://www.scca.asn.au
6) There will be a requirement to submit a series of 20 Dermoscopic Case Reports from the student’s own practice in a standardised format.
7) Assessment: In addition to the requirement to complete the above coursework satisfactorily there will be a 30% exam at the end of Semester 1 and a 70% final examination.
Successful completion of the course will lead to the award of the SCCANZ "Australian Diploma of Dermoscopy", and qualify for award of RACGP and/or ACRRM QA and CPD points.
Requirements for students:
1. Students will need to be able to take clinical and dermoscopic photographs. For those who do not already have this ability you will need a dermatoscope capable of attaching a camera, and we have found the Heine Delta 20, Heine 52 mm photo adaptor with a Cannon Powershot A570IS/ A590IS, and Canon lens adaptor the easiest combination for novices. Whilst we don’t recommend sole use of automated systems such as MoleMax , MoleMate, Solarscan etc, images acquired with such systems will fulfil the photography requirement.
2. A computer with internet connection and single dedicated email account is required. The online component uses high resolution images and a broadband internet connection is considered essential. Whilst a laptop computer will be useful at the workshop, it is not essential.
3. The recommended Texts for the diploma are:
An Atlas of Surface Microscopy of Pigmented Skin Lesions: Dermoscopy, Second Edition, Scott Menzies, Kerry Crotty, Christian Ingvar, William H. McCarthy, 2002 McGraw Hill. (A new edition of this classic Australian text is due for release in approx March 2009 so if you do not already own a copy it is suggested you wait for the new edition.)
Handbook of Dermoscopy, Malvehy J, Puig S, Braun, RP, Marghoob, AA, Kopf AW, 2006 Taylor & Francis.
Optional but highly recommended:
Color Atlas of Melanocytic Lesions of the Skin, Soyer, H.P., Argenziano, G., Hofmann-Wellenhof, R., Johr, R.H. (Eds.), 2007, Springer.
4. Installation of the SCCA surgical audit program, and maintaining a surgical log. Details and registration are available at http://www.scca.asn.au/
5. It is anticipated that the coure will require a time commitment of approximately five hours per week, as well as attendance a the workshops.
6. Doctors taking the Diploma will also have access to dedicated skin cancer teaching websites including www.skincancerconsult.com to emphasise the clinical management of lesions diagnosed by dermoscopy. The examples in Dermoscopy consult will be cross referenced to cases in Skincancer consult to enhance your learning experience.
Course Fees and Enrolment:
The fee for the 24 week course, including the workshop is $3,900.00 (inc GST) if paid in full at time of enrolment. There is an option to reserve your place by remitting a deposit of $950.00 on enrolment, however a balance payment of $3,000.00 must be received by the 31st March, 2009 (total payment $3,950.00 (inc GST)).
Places are limited to 30 participants and Enrolment close Friday 24th April, 2009 - ENROLMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED.
The 2009 Provisional Timetable can be downloaded below.
Queries regarding the course can be directed to the course coordinator Dr Greg Canning via email gregcanning@ausdoctors.net.
