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ADVANCED CERTIFICATE

Women's Health

Explore medical conditions and concerns pertinent to female patients in primary care.

Mother and daughter consulting a doctor

Overview

Acquire intermediate knowledge in women’s health issues commonly seen in primary care and provide appropriate treatments to improve patient outcomes.

  • This course is perfect for practitioners with no to little training in this area.
  • Explore the gender-specific health needs of women to provide high-demand services.
  • This course is for medical doctors, International Medical Graduates, registered nurses, and degree-qualified health professionals.
  • CPD-accredited and university-assured.

CPD requirements

Fulfils 50 hrs for medical professionals in Australia*

Study modes

100% online

Course fee

$1495
Special rates available

Study duration

84.5 hrs
Self-paced

*provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of 5 hours is completed.

Quality assured by Bond University

Course benefits

  • Gain intermediate knowledge in women’s health issues such as sexual health, family planning, infertility, pregnancy, obesity, and more.
  • Learn the complexities of (and propose treatments for) the most common sexual health problems in women.
  • Understand the role of general practitioners in contraceptive counselling.
  • Manage the four common complications of pregnancy: miscarriage, obesity, gestational diabetes mellitus, and postnatal depression.
  • Manage and treat the most common health issues of women in post-menopause. 

Get unlimited access to all course content, additional learning materials, ongoing post-course support, and more.

Course contents

An approach to diagnosing pelvic pain

Pelvic pain is one of the most common symptoms experienced by women that can significantly impact quality of life. Given the complex anatomy of the pelvis and lower abdomen, pelvic pain presents a diagnostic challenge that requires clinical awareness to ensure the diagnosis of serious conditions including endometriosis and cancer. This module provides practitioners with clinical reasoning models to effectively assess and diagnose acute, chronic, or recurrent pelvic pain. It applies diagnostic models to the diagnosis and management of pelvic pain. These are shown to offer complementary approaches and thereby generate a wide-ranging list of possible diagnoses. The module also guides the practitioner through the elements of taking a thorough history including pelvic pain-specific questions and funnels this information into a clinical examination and appropriate investigations. Three case studies illustrate the application of Murtagh’s self-posed questions.

Sexual health

Sexual health is an essential component of a woman’s well-being and sexual difficulties can undermine relationships, impair self-esteem, mood and quality of life. This module examines the complex, multifactorial etiology of sexual dysfunction and proposes an evaluation and treatment approach that addresses the biological, psychological, sociocultural, and relational factors. The role of the doctor to broach the subject of sex is addressed and the module guides practitioners in overcoming their apprehensions. Taking a detailed sexual history is outlined as the basis for treatment, prevention, education, and the empowerment to embrace healthy, satisfying, and responsible sexual behaviour. The module offers education and suggestions for some of the most common sexual health problems such as difficulty achieving orgasm and reduced libido. The final unit weighs the impact of changing hormone levels on the sexual function of menopausal women and examines the role of menopause hormone therapy.

Family planning (Advanced)

This module discusses the role of general practitioners in contraceptive counselling with comprehensive information on long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). The nature of LARCs means that there is no difference between typical and perfect use and recognised their contraceptive effectiveness. Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use is applied to the three types of LARC and elaborates upon important contraindications. It also presents discussion about the use of LARCs including how a clinician can reasonably exclude pregnancy and institute emergency contraception when warranted. Because of the suitability of LARCS for adolescents, the module examines issues of consent and identifies key points of legislation related to informed consent. It also considers the termination of unintended pregnancy from request for a termination of pregnancy through to clinical referral. Finally, there is a discussion about the “quick start” method of contraception for women at higher risk of unintended pregnancy.

Infertility

The experience of infertility or subfertility is often unexpected, confronting and can cause feelings of defectiveness, depression, and loss of identity. This module reviews the delicate and complex processes of ovulation, fertilisation, and implantation. It explores factors that contribute to infertility and subfertility including sex, mechanism, lifestyle and environmental factors, recreational drug use and concurrent illness. The module explores the psychological, social, physical, and financial burden of subfertility and infertility, and outlines intervention approaches. Patient case studies illustrate the assessment and investigations required to construct a management plan for fertility problems. The module also explores reproductive technologies and covers the benefits and implications of interventions such as in-vitro fertilisation, ovulation induction and DIY artificial insemination. Adoption and surrogacy are also considered. Finally, the pivotal role of the practitioner in prevention, education, management, and support of women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss is addressed.

Pregnancy complications

This module considers four common complications of pregnancy - miscarriage, obesity, gestational diabetes mellitus, and postnatal depression. It examines the clinical presentation, assessment, important considerations and management options for the general practitioner. For example, under miscarriage, when considering a management plan, a woman’s emotional distress and her need for control needs to balanced with her physical welfare. The investigation of recurrent miscarriages is addressed. The increased risks of adverse outcomes associated with pre-conceptional obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy are covered including potential antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum obesity-related complications. It also discusses how to conduct sensitive conversations about managing gestational weight gain. A classification of the risk factors for gestational diabetes introduces the adverse complications for both mother and infant including the far-reaching effect of epigenetic dysregulation. In conclusion, the module considers the role of the practitioners as a crucial point of care for women with perinatal depression and comorbid anxiety symptoms.

Breast problems

Breast cancer prevention is dependent upon early detection, however screening and surveillance should be based upon each woman’s estimated risk. Risk assessment is therefore a crucial step and has a dual purpose of engaging women in discussions about risk reduction. This module categorises breast cancer-associated risk factors according to potency and mutability and includes validated tools with which a risk assessment can be undertaken. The module then discusses risk-appropriate screening strategies. Discovering a new breast symptom can be extremely worrisome for a woman and although most are benign, more than half of breast cancers are diagnosed this way. The module outlines the highly effective triple test approach which allows practitioners to evaluate a new breast symptom, rule a malignancy in or out and reassure or refer women, as necessary. The module also addresses the clinical presentation a raft of breast changes including mastalgia and breast cancers. For each condition, there is an examination of the relevant investigations, management and surveillance.

Obesity and overweight management

The module discusses the role practitioners play in the primary prevention, screening, evaluation, treatment and ongoing monitoring of comorbidities in overweight and obese patients. Sustained behavioural change for these patients is predicated on a long-term, collaborative relationship patient and doctor. Guides are included for eliciting the patient's level of change-motivation and offers a framework for structuring a lifestyle counselling consultation. The module identifies four pillars of management: patient education and health literacy, lifestyle modifications, medication, and weight loss surgery. As a first-line therapy, education and lifestyle interventions including physical activity and diet, form the foundation for change. Beyond these interventions, the adjunctive role of medications is also discussed. The pharmacodynamic effects, administration and monitoring of three TGA-approved medications are considered in the context of what may be a life-long intervention. Bariatric surgery, the primary mechanism, the effectiveness and indications are also outlined. In conclusion, the module discusses the drivers of obesity and the practitioner’s role in primary prevention through education and advocation.

Post-menopause

As estrogen deficiency begins to dominate in post menopause and women may experience health issues and escalated risks. This module examines the aetiology, compounding factors and socioeconomic burden, and considers 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. general care, non-hormonal measures and the role of topical or systemic estrogen therapy. Gentio-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 module concludes with an overview of cardiovascular disease, the risk factors (including the impact of estrogen deficiency), and the evidence and parameters for hormone therapy.

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

 
debbie_kors
 
A/Prof Debbie Kors
MBBS (first class honours)

 

General practitioner and GP supervisor

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.

 
Christine Ahern
 
Dr Christine Ahern
MBBS, FRACGP

 

Senior lecturer at Sydney University

Dr Christine Ahern has worked as a general practitioner in rural NSW since 1983, often with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Her special interests include women’s health and education.

Dr Ahern is a senior lecturer at Sydney University and has previously been the Director of Training for North Coast GP Training. In 2011 she was named the General Practice Education and Training Medical Educator of the Year, a prestigious national award. Dr Ahern holds a MBBS and FRACGP.

 
Dr Evangelia Francis circle transp
 
Dr Evangelia Francis

FRACGP

 

Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery

Bachelor in Sciences (First class Honours in Neuroscience)

Diploma in Child Health

Diploma of the Royal College Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Diploma of Family Planning & Sexual Health
 
Dr Evangelia (Valia) Francis is a GP. Dr Francis enjoys all aspects of General Practice but is especially interested in skin medicine, women's health and medicine of the elderly.

Originally from the coastal town of Kavala in Greece, Dr Francis is involved in teaching medical students as a Conjoint Lecturer in the Rural Medical School of Port Macquarie as well as teaching registrars. It is a very fulfilling aspect of her work that has been greatly inspired and supported by the senior educators at her practice.

When not at work, Dr Francis tries to fight waves with surf or paddle boards (so far they always win!), is training hard to become the next MasterChef winner, and enjoys reading books and learning new languages.

 
kate_moriarty
 
Dr Kate Moriarty
FRACGP 
 

 

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

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.

 
sharon_sykes
 
Dr Sharon Sykes
MBBS

 

Bachelor of Applied Science (Med Lab Sci) and a Fellowship of the RACGP
 

Dr Sharon Sykes works in private general practice in Port Macquarie, Australia where she is also a supervisor of GP registrars and of medical students. Dr Sykes served 18 years in the Royal Australian Air Force before becoming a general practitioner. She has a special interest in medical education and has previously worked as a medical educator for North Coast GP Training.

She holds a MBBS, Bachelor of Applied Science (Med Lab Sci) and a Fellowship of the RACGP.

Study modes

Study 100% online

100% online

Study at your own pace and to your own schedule. 

  • View and replay video lectures at your convenience.
  • Participate in online case discussions with your peers.
  • Participate in two webinars prior to the examinations and ask questions of an expert in Women's Health.
  • 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.

Advanced Certificate of Women's Health

$1495 

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

*provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of 5 hours is completed.

 

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.

Example of Advanced Certificate of Women's Health
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

This is an RACGP-approved CPD activity under the RACGP CPD program.

RACGP CPD Accredited activity
RACGP Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours Total Hours
469376 Sexual Health 469376 5 6 11
469416 Post menopause health issues 469416 4.5 6 10.5
469363 Endrometriosis 469363 5 6 11
469391 Infertility 469391 5 6 11
469379 Family Planning (Advanced 1) 469379 4.5 6 10.5
469404 Breast Problems 469404 4.5 6 10.5
469408 Obesity & Overweight Management 469408 4 6 10
469398 Pregnancy Complications 469398 4 6 10
809657 Pelvic Pain Outcome Improvement Activity 809657 0 0 0
Grand Total 84.5

Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of our professional and advanced certificates. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.

HealthCert provides several options to meet your outcome measurement hours requirement. These options are self-submitted activities and hours may vary depending on your focus area.

  • Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) options on a specific topic.
  • Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) on your identified area. A generic template is provided.
  • Outcome Improvement Activity relating to specific topics within the course. 

The purpose of outcome measurement activities is to improve your clinical confidence in managing an identified learning gap. The outcome improvement activities are designed to examine current clinical care, align clinical practice with best practice standards and identify opportunities for improvement.

Pre- and post-course information

Entry requirements

The Advanced Certificate of Women's Health is tailored for medical doctors who wish to improve patient outcomes by managing common women's health issues in general practice. This qualification is stage two of the Professional Diploma of Women’s Health.

The courses are suitable for physicians and degree-qualified medical practitioners, including registered nurses. The prerequisite for this Advanced Certificate course is the successful completion of the HealthCert Professional Certificate of Women’s Health (or a qualification deemed equivalent). HealthCert also highly recommends successful management of at least 25 cases of women’s health issues prior to enrolment.

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.

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, 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 exam, course participants will receive the Advanced Certificate of Women's Health, and CPD hours.

This certificate course:

  • Is quality-assured by Bond University.
  • 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).
  • Qualifies for professional development recognition for recertification CPD towards the RANZCOG Certificate/Diploma/Advanced diplomate program.
  • 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.
Pathways

Professional Diploma Pathway

This course is the second stage of the Professional Diploma of Women's Health. The education pathway is: Professional Certificate of Women's Health, Advanced Certificate of Women's Health, and Professional Diploma of Women's Health. 

You might also be interested in the HealthCert Advanced Workshop of Intrauterine Systems or the Primary Certificate of Menopause and Women's Health.

University quality-assured and CPD-accredited education provider 

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

Quality-assured by Bond University
RACGP Major Provider
ACRRM-2023-logo_200x100

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 84.5 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 Council 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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