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Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery Principles

Learn surgical procedures for the nose and lower limbs, reconstruction techniques, skin grafts, and flaps.

Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery Principles

CPD

32.5 hrs Education 37 hrs Performance 19.5 hrs Outcome

Delivery

Fully online or
with practical
workshop

Duration

83 hours
Self-paced
Start anytime

Overview

The program covers surgical procedures for the nose and the lower limb, reconstruction of alar and sidewall nasal defects, reconstruction of the nasal tip and glabellar defects, and skin grafts and flaps for the lower limb.

Who it is for and what you will learn:

  • This course is perfect for advanced practitioners with a special interest in skin cancer and prior skin cancer surgery training.

  • Delivered by an experienced team of GPs and doctors who practise exclusively in skin cancer medicine.

  • This course is for physicians only.

  • 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.

Learn more

Professional Diploma

Master complex cases and achieve high-level clinical proficiency.

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Learning outcomes

  • Confidently perform a variety of flaps, such as neurovascular island, bilobed, banner, rhomboid, and V-Y.

  • Master complex excisions with optimal wound closure and scarring results.

  • Expand reconstructive options in anatomically complex and cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the eyelids and periorbital defects. 

  • Become a sought-after expert in skin cancer surgery, reduce referrals, and be a referral option for colleagues.

  • Learn from noted doctors and gain the knowledge to handle the most advanced surgical procedures.

Course contents

Neurovascular island flaps
Master the art of reconstructive surgery with the **"Neurovascular Island Flap"** course. Designed for medical professionals specialising in skin cancer surgery, this advanced program focuses on the Bezier and Keystone neurovascular island flaps. Explore their applications in lower limb and other challenging areas, leveraging their unique vascular and nerve supply for optimal patient outcomes. With practical demonstrations, case studies, and the latest tools like infrared imaging, this course enhances your surgical precision and confidence. Ideal for practitioners looking to advance their reconstructive techniques, this evidence-based course is essential for improving patient care and outcomes.
Bilobed flap
Master the art of the bilobed flap technique in reconstructive surgery with this comprehensive course. Learn the intricate planning, execution, and troubleshooting involved in nasal and auricular defect reconstruction. Through evidence-based instruction, practical demonstrations, and clinical insights, this course equips healthcare professionals with the skills to handle complex cases with precision and confidence.
Banner and Rhomboid flaps 3
"Banner and Rhomboid Flaps 3" is an advanced surgical course designed for healthcare professionals specialising in reconstructive skin cancer surgery. The course provides in-depth knowledge of banner and rhomboid flap techniques, focusing on their application for defects on the lip, nose, and ear. Through expert-led sessions, participants will learn flap design, planning, and execution while addressing challenges in high-tension areas and cosmetic subunits. This comprehensive course includes clinical demonstrations, case studies, and advanced surgical tips to enhance precision, optimise healing, and achieve superior aesthetic outcomes.
V-Y Flaps
"V-Y Flaps" is an advanced surgical course tailored for healthcare professionals specialising in skin cancer surgery and reconstructive procedures. Focused on the application of V-Y flaps, the course highlights their utility in facial reconstruction, particularly for nasal defects. Participants will learn about flap design, neurovascular considerations, and surgical techniques to achieve optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes. Through demonstrations, case studies, and clinical examples, this course equips practitioners with the skills to confidently perform V-Y flap procedures, including variants like horn flaps, for superior patient care.
Lip Wedges
Master the intricate art of lip wedge excision in this comprehensive course. "Lip Wedges" delves into the essential anatomy, techniques, and practical demonstrations for successful surgical repair of lip defects. Learn to balance functionality and aesthetics, prevent complications like microstomia, and manage complex cases through specialised techniques such as the Abbe lip switch and W-plasty. Featuring hands-on demonstrations and real-world examples, this course equips medical professionals with the skills to execute precise, effective lip surgeries that optimise patient outcomes.
Periorbital defects
Master the art and science of managing periorbital defects in this comprehensive course designed for medical professionals specializing in skin cancer surgery. This evidence-based program provides in-depth knowledge of surgical techniques, including ellipses, flaps, and grafts, tailored to the sensitive periorbital region. Through clinical case studies, participants will learn to plan and execute procedures, ensuring optimal functional and cosmetic outcomes. Gain insights into anatomy, repair principles, and decision-making strategies, all while adhering to best practices and patient safety standards. Elevate your surgical expertise with practical, real-world applications.
Tips and Tricks revisited for Skin Cancer Surgery
Elevate your surgical expertise with Tips and Tricks Revisited for Skin Cancer Surgery, an advanced course tailored for medical professionals managing complex skin cancer cases. This program focuses on innovative techniques, including suturing, wound management, and reconstruction. Learn best practices for cosmetic outcomes, patient safety, and advanced tools like barbed sutures and PRINEO mesh. Through clinical insights, case discussions, and procedural demonstrations, gain the confidence to deliver optimal results for a variety of challenging surgical scenarios.

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

Meet your instructors

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 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 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 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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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
1424529 38997 Neurovascular island flaps 4.5 5.0
1424547 38998 Bilobed flap 4.0 5.0
1424571 39001 Banner and Rhomboid flaps 3 3.5 5.0
1424599 39002 V-Y Flaps 3.5 5.0
1424618 39014 Lip Wedges 3.5 5.0
1424634 39016 Periorbital defects 3.5 5.0
1424655 39024 Tips and Tricks revisited for Skin Cancer Surgery 4.0 5.0
Total hours 26.5 35.0

Workshop CPD hours

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

  • Education hours: 1

  • Performance hours: 7.5

View the CPD Hours for all HealthCert Education activities. 

Outcome measurement

The comprehensive, peer-reviewed clinical audit associated with this Professional Diploma provides the minimum annual CPD outcome measurement hours.

*See our FAQs for more information about annual CPD requirements.

Entry Requirements

The Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery is suitable for physicians only. Participants must have completed the Professional Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery and Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Surgery (or qualifications deemed equivalent) in sequential order. It is recommended that 300 cases of skin cancer surgery have been completed before enrolling in this course.

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)

Doctors who have completed The University of Queensland certificate courses in skin cancer surgery are able to gain credit for those studies, providing the relevant HealthCert assessment is completed prior to diploma studies commencing (please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for the process). 

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.

Upon completion of all course requirements, you will receive the Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery and CPD hours. (Participants who choose to complete the online course components only (no practical workshop) will receive the Professional Diploma 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.

  • Qualifies for a clinical attachment in France at the University of Lyon.

  • Qualifies for a 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.

Australia-based course participants, please note that HealthCert certificates are not accredited by TEQSA or ASQA and do not fall within the Australian Qualification Framework. All HealthCert certificates are professional development awards.

To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas, please visit our FAQs.

Pathways

Postgraduate pathways

Graduates of the HealthCert Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery may apply for a scholarship to an online Master degree from our partner in the UK. HealthCert recommends the MSc in Dermatology in Clinical Practice which is awarded by University of Buckingham. Please contact our UK partner directly regarding this scholarship: https://www.diploma-msc.com/s/healthcert

RPL with Torrens University

This postgraduate pathway is for General Practitioners and degree-qualified medical practitioners who have successfully completed a HealthCert Professional Diploma (all three levels) in Skin Cancer Medicine, Skin Cancer Surgery or Dermoscopy. The following postgraduate course is offered entirely online through Torrens University: Master of Business Administration (MBA). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available for two general electives for any HealthCert Professional Diploma. In cases where a HealthCert alumni has completed two Professional Diplomas, they will be able to apply for four general electives towards the MBA. This will be helpful to further develop business, management and leadership capabilities. Please apply directly to Torrens University.

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.

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