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Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery Principles

Learn how to surgically remove skin cancers from anatomically complex areas with optimal scarring results.

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Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery Principles

CPD

30.5 hrs Education 40 hrs Performance 8.5 hrs Outcome

Delivery

Fully online or
with practical
workshop

Duration

70.5 hours
Self-paced
Start anytime

Overview

Learn a variety of flaps, grafts, and wedges for closure of defects on the head, neck, face, and upper and lower limbs.

Who it is for and what you will learn:

  • Learn a variety of surgical techniques to treat complex skin cancer cases in the primary care setting.

  • This course is suitable for physicians only.

  • Perfect for advanced practitioners with prior training and experience, and ideal for doctors with a special interest in skin cancer medicine who wish to treat more complex skin cancer cases. 

  • CPD-accredited and university-assured.

Your education pathway

Professional Certificate

Establish foundational clinical knowledge and essential skills.

Learn more

Advanced Certificate

Develop advanced techniques and diagnostic capabilities.

You are here

Professional Diploma

Master complex cases and achieve high-level clinical proficiency.

Learn more

Learning outcomes

  • Perfect your skills in elliptical excisions and various suturing techniques.

  • Manage more complex cases with advancement flaps, rotation flaps, grafts, and rhomboid flaps.

  • Master wound closure and reduce scarring with banner flaps and wedges of the ear.

  • Confidently perform a variety of surgical procedures in-house and reduce referrals. 

  • Benefit from tips and tricks of experienced doctors to perform procedures more efficiently.

  • Reduce referral rates as you gain invaluable experience enabling you to do more skin surgery in day-to-day work.

Course contents

Ellipses and suture techniques
The "Ellipses and Suture Techniques" course provides essential training for medical professionals involved in skin cancer surgery. This course focuses on excision planning, ellipse design, and mastering various suture techniques to achieve optimal wound closure and cosmetic outcomes. With demonstrations on different closure methods, including the use of pork belly for practical suture practice, participants will gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to improve their surgical skills.
Advancement flaps 2
"Advancement Flaps 2" is an advanced course designed for healthcare professionals in skin cancer surgery. This course expands on foundational flap techniques, focusing on complex advancement flaps such as A-L, A-T, H-flap, and A-A-Z. Participants will learn to plan and execute precise closures for challenging defects, emphasising functional and aesthetic outcomes. Through clinical examples, video demonstrations, and practical exercises, this course provides the expertise to manage diverse cases confidently and effectively.
Rotation flaps
"Rotation Flaps" is a specialised course for healthcare professionals involved in advanced skin cancer surgery. This course focuses on planning and executing rotation flaps for complex closures in challenging areas such as the scalp, cheek, and lower limbs. Participants will learn techniques to design, mobilise, and suture flaps effectively, ensuring functional and aesthetic outcomes. Through clinical examples, mathematical principles, and hands-on demonstrations, this course equips practitioners with the skills to handle intricate surgical scenarios confidently.
Grafts
"Grafts" is a comprehensive course for healthcare professionals focusing on skin cancer surgery and reconstruction using advanced grafting techniques. Participants will learn the principles of full-thickness and split-thickness grafts, including donor site selection, preparation, and graft application. Specialised approaches such as halo grafting are also covered. This course combines theory, clinical examples, and hands-on demonstrations to equip participants with the skills to optimise functional and aesthetic outcomes in complex surgical cases.
Rhomboid flaps 2
"Rhomboid Flaps 2" is an advanced surgical course focusing on the principles, design, and execution of rhomboid flaps for complex skin cancer defect closures. Participants will learn to identify suitable donor sites, plan flaps based on skin laxity, and ensure optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes. Featuring variations like the Limburg and Dufourmentel flaps, this course includes clinical examples and hands-on demonstrations to build proficiency in rhomboid flap surgery across various anatomical regions.
Banner flaps 1
"Banner Flaps 1" is a specialised course designed for healthcare professionals to master the intricacies of skin cancer surgery using the banner flap technique. This module focuses on the principles, planning, and execution of this transposition flap to address peri-auricular and other challenging defects. Combining clinical visuals, step-by-step demonstrations, and evidence-based best practices, the course equips participants with the skills to design and implement precise, functional, and cosmetically acceptable surgical closures. Ideal for practitioners advancing their skin cancer surgery expertise, this program emphasises precision and patient-centred outcomes.
Ear Wedges
"Mastering Ear Wedges" is an advanced course for healthcare professionals specialising in skin cancer surgery. This course focuses on the anatomy, planning, and execution of wedge excisions in the ear. Participants will learn precise techniques to achieve optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes, incorporating grafts, flaps, and suturing strategies. With practical demonstrations, clinical images, and interactive learning, this course equips practitioners with the expertise to handle complex cases confidently and improve patient care outcomes in skin cancer surgery.
Tips and Tricks for Skin Cancer Surgery
Master essential skills for effective skin cancer surgery with the "Tips and Tricks for Skin Cancer Surgery" course. This program offers medical professionals valuable insights into advanced surgical techniques, from suturing to flap designs and grafting. Learn to optimise cosmetic outcomes by understanding facial subunits, managing anticoagulation, and handling complex cases with precision. With practical advice, live demonstrations, and evidence-based strategies, this course is designed to elevate your confidence and capabilities in performing skin cancer surgery.

These topics are covered during the hands-on practical sessions in the optional skills workshop.

Meet your instructors

Dr Victor Harling Dr Victor Harling MBBS Dr Victor Harling

Doctor, National Skin Cancer Centres, Redcliffe

Dr Victor Harling obtained his medical degrees from The University of Queensland in 1983. He worked for Queensland Health and the Wesley Emergency Centre for many years before pursuing his interest in Skin Cancer Medicine.

Victor undertakes regular professional development courses and has obtained a Diploma of Skin Cancer from the Skin Cancer College Australasia. He is passionate about skin cancer medicine and surgery, and shares his vast expertise with fellow GPs in HealthCert certificate course and Clinical Attachments at the Redcliffe Skin Cancer Centre.
Dr Victor Harling Dr Victor Harling MBBS Dr Victor Harling

Doctor, National Skin Cancer Centres, Redcliffe

Dr Victor Harling obtained his medical degrees from The University of Queensland in 1983. He worked for Queensland Health and the Wesley Emergency Centre for many years before pursuing his interest in Skin Cancer Medicine.

Victor undertakes regular professional development courses and has obtained a Diploma of Skin Cancer from the Skin Cancer College Australasia. He is passionate about skin cancer medicine and surgery, and shares his vast expertise with fellow GPs in HealthCert certificate course and Clinical Attachments at the Redcliffe Skin Cancer Centre.
Dr Alister Lilleyman Dr Alister Lilleyman MBBS MMed (Skin Cancer) FSCCA Dr Alister Lilleyman

Senior Lecturer, The University of Queensland

Doctor, Newcastle Skin Check, Charlestown NSW

Dr Alister Lilleyman graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1994 and spent the next six years working in the public hospital system. After moving to Newcastle in 2003, he began working in private practice.

He completed a Master of Medicine degree in Skin Cancer Medicine from The University of Queensland, where he is now a Senior Lecturer. He is a proud member of the AMA (Australian Medical Association), College of Phlebology, and Fellow of the Skin Cancer College Australasia.
Dr Victor Harling Dr Victor Harling MBBS Dr Victor Harling

Doctor, National Skin Cancer Centres, Redcliffe

Dr Victor Harling obtained his medical degrees from The University of Queensland in 1983. He worked for Queensland Health and the Wesley Emergency Centre for many years before pursuing his interest in Skin Cancer Medicine.

Victor undertakes regular professional development courses and has obtained a Diploma of Skin Cancer from the Skin Cancer College Australasia. He is passionate about skin cancer medicine and surgery, and shares his vast expertise with fellow GPs in HealthCert certificate course and Clinical Attachments at the Redcliffe Skin Cancer Centre.
Dr Alister Lilleyman Dr Alister Lilleyman MBBS MMed (Skin Cancer) FSCCA Dr Alister Lilleyman

Senior Lecturer, The University of Queensland

Doctor, Newcastle Skin Check, Charlestown NSW

Dr Alister Lilleyman graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1994 and spent the next six years working in the public hospital system. After moving to Newcastle in 2003, he began working in private practice.

He completed a Master of Medicine degree in Skin Cancer Medicine from The University of Queensland, where he is now a Senior Lecturer. He is a proud member of the AMA (Australian Medical Association), College of Phlebology, and Fellow of the Skin Cancer College Australasia.
Dr Tony Azzi Dr Tony Azzi MBBS MMed(Skin Cancer) Dr Tony Azzi

Senior Lecturer, The University of Queensland

Director at Newcastle Skin Check, Charlestown NSW

Dr Anthony Azzi graduated from the University of Sydney in 1989 and moved to Newcastle, where he spent the next 13 years working in the public hospital system. He now works in private practice.

He completed a Master of Medicine in Skin Cancer from The University of Queensland, where he is now a Senior Lecturer. He is a member of the Australian Medical Association, Skin Cancer College Australasia, and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.
Dr Alister Lilleyman Dr Alister Lilleyman MBBS MMed (Skin Cancer) FSCCA Dr Alister Lilleyman

Senior Lecturer, The University of Queensland

Doctor, Newcastle Skin Check, Charlestown NSW

Dr Alister Lilleyman graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1994 and spent the next six years working in the public hospital system. After moving to Newcastle in 2003, he began working in private practice.

He completed a Master of Medicine degree in Skin Cancer Medicine from The University of Queensland, where he is now a Senior Lecturer. He is a proud member of the AMA (Australian Medical Association), College of Phlebology, and Fellow of the Skin Cancer College Australasia.
Dr Tony Azzi Dr Tony Azzi MBBS MMed(Skin Cancer) Dr Tony Azzi

Senior Lecturer, The University of Queensland

Director at Newcastle Skin Check, Charlestown NSW

Dr Anthony Azzi graduated from the University of Sydney in 1989 and moved to Newcastle, where he spent the next 13 years working in the public hospital system. He now works in private practice.

He completed a Master of Medicine in Skin Cancer from The University of Queensland, where he is now a Senior Lecturer. He is a member of the Australian Medical Association, Skin Cancer College Australasia, and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.

Other ways to study this topic

Workshop

Complete your certificate online, then build practical skills in the accompanying optional hands-on workshop.

View workshop dates

Short courses

Study selected topics from this certificate as focused, standalone short courses for targeted upskilling in under 10 hours. 

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HealthCert 365

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CPD accreditation and course details

CPD Accreditation and Activities

Accredited CPD activities in this certificate

Each module in this certificate is an RACGP and ACRRM approved CPD activity. The certificate provides 50 hours of CPD for medical professionals in Australia.*

RACGP Activity Number ACRRM Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours
1424065 39025 Ellipses and suture techniques 4.0 5.0
1424207 39030 Advancement flaps 2 4.0 5.0
1424222 39048 Rotation flaps 4.0 5.0
1424369 39049 Grafts 4.0 5.0
1424406 39050 Rhomboid flaps 2 3.5 5.0
1424456 39051 Banner flaps 1 3.5 5.0
1424475 39052 Ear Wedges 3.5 5.0
1424498 39053 Tips and Tricks for Skin Cancer Surgery 4.0 5.0
Total hours 30.5 40.0

Workshop CPD hours

The optional Advanced Skin Cancer Surgery Practical Workshop is accredited for 8.5 CPD hours total.

  • Education hours: 1

  • Performance hours: 7.5

*When the optional outcome measurement activity (minimum 5 hours) is completed. See our FAQs for more information about annual CPD requirements.

View the CPD Hours for all HealthCert Education activities. 

Outcome measurement

The purpose of outcome measurement activities is to improve your clinical confidence in managing an identified learning gap. Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of our Professional Certificate of Advanced Certificate courses; they are a requirement for Australian CPD purposes.

HealthCert Education provides a variety of outcome measurements activities to suit your needs:

  • Outcome Improvement Activities relating to specific topics within a course. They are designed to examine current clinical care, align clinical practice with best practice standards, and identify opportunities for improvement. These activities are accredited with RACGP and ACRRM.

  • Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) options on a specific topic or your identified area. A generic template and guides are provided. PDSAs are self-submitted activities.

  • Additional activities with guides include Test Measurement, Pathology Results, Practice Meetings, Peer Review, Practice Accreditation, Project Management, Student Supervision, and Pick your own topics (General Practice and Log Book methods). These are self-submitted activities.

Entry Requirements

The Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery is suitable for physicians only. Participants must have completed the HealthCert Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery (or a qualification deemed equivalent). It is recommended that 100 cases of skin cancer surgery have been completed before enrolling in the Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery.

Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing in 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)

Recognition of Prior Learning is granted for those who have completed the RACGP Certificate of Primary Care Dermatology DermCert4 and face-to-face workshop.

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

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 course requirements, course participants will receive the Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery and CPD hours. (Participants who choose to complete the online course components only (no workshop) will receive the Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery Principles.)

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).

  • Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Hours 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.

  • Has been approved for two days of the Training Grant for Rural and Remote Procedural GPs Program (Procedural Grant Program).

  • Qualifies for a Skin Cancer Surgery Clinical Attachment in France at the University of Lyon.

  • Qualifies for a Skin Cancer Surgery Clinical Attachment in Austria at the University of Vienna.

  • 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.

Pathways

Professional Diploma Pathway

This course is the second stage of the Professional Diploma pathway. The full pathway is Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery, Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery and Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery.

RPL with The University of Queensland

Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer)
Doctors who complete the HealthCert Professional Diploma programs in Dermoscopy, Skin Cancer Medicine and Skin Cancer Surgery can receive RPL for the units IMED7002, IMED7010, and IMED7011, which are high-level subjects in the Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) at The University of Queensland. The Master of Medicine is open only to registered medical practitioners with at least two years' postgraduate experience. View The University of Queensland Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) program. 

Please note, only HealthCert Education qualifications completed within the last ten years can be recognised. Credit is assessed on an individual basis and is not guaranteed. If you are considering continuing your studies at UQ, we encourage you to speak with a HealthCert Education Advisor before enrolling. They can explain the current RPL process and help you understand the available credit pathways.

Postgraduate Diploma in Minor Surgery (UK)

The Postgraduate Diploma in Minor Surgery is studied through the Rila Institute of Health Sciences and awarded by the University of Plymouth (UK).

There are three modules in the Postgraduate Diploma. Medical professionals who successfully complete the HealthCert Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery, Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery and Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery will be eligible to apply for Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) for module 3.

The Postgraduate Diploma is mainly delivered online. No practical workshops will be required due to the APCL from the HealthCert qualifications. Overall there will be a time saving of 40 per cent of the postgraduate program due to the APCL. Exams will be held in Perth, Western Australia.

When the Postgraduate Diploma has been successfully completed, doctors can apply for credit from the Postgraduate Diploma to the Master of Science in the Specialism awarded by the University of Plymouth.

Certified Clinical Attachments Pathway

Clinical attachments are optional and available on a 1:1 or small group basis. These provide the opportunity to observe skin cancer surgery and ask questions of the expert performing the procedures. In addition to clinical attachments in Australia, university teaching hospitals at the University of Lyon and the University of Vienna are available for clinical attachments. HealthCert certificates and university statements are awarded for participating in clinical attachments.

The dominant areas of study covered by The Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 are science and medicine. Attached to the university are the "Hospices civils de Lyon" including the "Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud", which is the largest teaching hospital in the Rhône-Alpes region and second largest in France. Out of the 2,630 faculty, 700 are also medical practitioners at local teaching hospitals.

The Medical University of Vienna is the largest medical organisation in Austria, as well as one of the top-level research institutions in Europe and provides Europe's largest hospital, the Vienna General Hospital, with all of its medical staff. The Vienna General Hospital has about 100,000 patients treated as inpatients and 605,000 treated as outpatients each year.

University quality-assured and CPD-accredited education provider

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

RACGP logo
ACRRM logo
AMA
Bond-Sep-09-2026-05-46-43-7981-AM
Griffith
IDS-1
Graz
Vienna
University of South Wales
Torrens
NSCC-2
Rila
UQ logo

Frequently asked questions

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 listed at the top of this page. The estimated duration 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.

Cancellation policy: What happens if I can't attend a practical workshop?

Course/workshop cancellations and transfers policy

Should you be unable to attend a course or practical workshop you have registered for, please inform us asap at admin@healthcert.com so we can make your place available to waitlisted doctors.

Charges may apply for course/workshop cancellations and/or transfers. Click here for details.

What our alumni say

Join thousands of doctors who have advanced their clinical practice with our certificate courses.

"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

Get in touch with us

Our Education Advisors can assist you with any queries and tailor your education pathway to suit your current expertise, interests and career goals.

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Richard Silsby

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Campbell Elton

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