Australian Diploma of Dermoscopy
Update as at 22/01/2010!The 2010 ADD course dates have changed!Introductory weekend workshop now 5th and 6th June, 2010
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.
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. An optional advanced workshop may be presented later in the year depending on numbers able to attend.
2) 10 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.
3) 10 Fortnightly Small Group Interactive Online Meetings hosted by your tutor. These meetings use the online "GoToMeeting" service to share a computer desktop along with a audio link by VOIP using a headset or by telephone. Students can take over the presenters 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 SCCANZ 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://skincanceraudit.com/index.php
6) There will be a requirement to submit a series of 20 Dermoscopic Case Reports from the student’s own practice.
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.
The Australian Diploma of Dermoscopy is also recognised as prior learning for the University of Qeensland Master of Medicine ( Primary Case Skin Cancer Medicine). Students who have completed the Diploma will recieve credit for the Masters Course IMED 7003.
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. As cameras and dermatoscopes/ adaptors are continually changing we are currently reviewing the available combinations and will advise students of our recommendation with their enrolment pack. 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 email adress to which all diploma correspondance will be sent 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:
Dermoscopy An Atlas Third Edition, Scott Menzies, Kerry Crotty, Christian Ingvar, William H. McCarthy, 2009 McGraw Hill.
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. Maintaining a surgical log. Details and registration are available at http://skincanceraudit.com/index.php
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 $4,000.00 (inc GST) if paid in full at time of enrolment. There is an option to reserve your place by remitting a deposit of $1,000.00 on enrolment, however a balance payment of $3,000.00 must be received by the 4th June, 2010 (total payment $4,000.00 (inc GST)).
Places are limited to 30 participants and Enrolments close Friday 28th May, 2010
The 2010 ADD Timetable can be downloaded below.
Queries regarding the course can be directed to the course coordinator Dr Greg Canning via email add@sccanz.com.au.
2010 ADD Timetable
ADD - Brochure
ADD 2010 Enrolment Form
Camera Dermatoscope Combinations