Foundation Certificate of Respiratory Conditions & Infections

COURSE OVERVIEW

Chronic respiratory conditions affect almost a third of Australians. They significantly impact patients’ quality of life and productivity and lead to thousands of deaths each year. The online Foundation Certificate of Respiratory Conditions & Infections equips medical practitioners with the knowledge to diagnose, manage and prevent common respiratory illnesses, including asthma, COPD, sinusitis, lung cancer, and upper respiratory tract infections – one of the most common presentations managed in general practice. As such, this medical course online is the ideal general practitioner training!

COURSE OVERVIEW

The Sonic Healthcare Foundation Certificate of Men’s Health provides an introduction to men’s health conditions commonly seen in primary care, covering crucial areas such as prostate conditions, prostate cancer, STIs, and lifestyle choices. The gender-specific health needs of men are a significant part of day-to-day work in general practice. It is therefore crucial that primary care physicians have the necessary skills to address common concerns among their male patients, improving outcomes and saving lives.

The online Foundation Certificate of Men’s Health is delivered by Sonic Healthcare and provides an entry point into the HealthCert Certificate Course and the Men’s Health pathway, quality-assured by Bond University.

Upon completion of the Sonic Healthcare Foundation Certificate, participants will receive Recognition of Prior Learning and financial credit towards the Professional Certificate of Men’s Health, and will have to complete four online modules and an online assessment to qualify for the university quality-assured certificate. Professional Certificate graduates can then continue on their education pathway towards the Advanced Certificate.

This course is the first stage of the Certificate Courses of Men's Health. The education pathway is: Sonic Healthcare Foundation Certificate of Men's Health, Professional Certificate of Men's Health and Advanced Certificate of Men's Health.

Foundation Certificate of Men's Health YOU ARE HERE

Professional Certificate of Men's Health LEARN MORE

Advanced Certificate of Men's Health LEARN MORE

Advanced Workshop of Non-Scalpel Vasectomy LEARN MORE

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND COURSE REQUISITES

The Foundation Certificate of Respiratory Conditions & Infections is tailored for medical practitioners who wish to improve patients' quality of life through effective prevention and management of respiratory illnesses.

This course is for physicians and degree-qualified health professionals. There are no prerequisites.

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.

Participants who have already successfully completed the module on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease as part of the HealthCert Professional Certificate of Chronic Disease & Conditions may request a one-module reduction in fees for this course. The module examination questions will still need to be completed to ensure knowledge remains current.

COURSE CONTENTS

Module 1: Asthma
Module 2: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Module 3: Sinusitis
Module 4: Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI)

Course participants will:

Have the opportunity to replay video lectures from medical experts.
Participate in discussion of patient cases, evaluate and make decisions.
Receive access to research/readings in the field.
Participate in a webinar prior to the examinations and ask questions of an expert in abuse and violence.
Receive ongoing support post-course through webinars and case review.
Receive unlimited and ongoing access to free alumni learning resources, video lectures, and discussion forums, as well as invite-only events and special offers after completion of the course.

MODULES & TOPICS

This module commences with the description and epidemiology of asthma. The history, pathogenesis and a range of risk factors are outlined. An overview of the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with asthma also includes mimics of asthma symptoms. The diagnosis and management of asthma for adolescents and adults is outlined including diagnostic tools. The module then moves to the diagnosis, diagnostic tools and management of asthma in infants and children. Red flags to look for are included. The module concludes with information on thunderstorm asthma, asthma emergencies, acute asthma in primary care, vaccination and available asthma resources.

This module discusses COPD and the possible contributing heterogenous group of associated processes. Characteristics, aetiology, pathogenesis and the burden of this disease are outlined. Each stage of the COPD-X guidelines (Case finding and confirm diagnosis, Optimise function, Prevent deterioration, Develop a plan of care and manage eXacerbations) are explained in detail including investigations, impact assessment, the overlap of asthma and COPD and measuring severity. Barriers to COPD diagnosis are detailed. Management options to optimise lung function and prevent deterioration including lifestyle factors, immunisation and pharmacotherapy options are outlined. Comorbidities associated with patients with COPD are detailed and referral options outlined. The module also includes palliative care options. Adult asthma can be associated with COPD and this is discussed in detail. The management of adult asthma is revisited. The module concludes with a summary of take home messages.

This module begins with explaining the purpose of sinuses and how sinusitis can develop. Contributing risk factors and presenting symptoms are outlined. Examination rules are described for the nose, throat, ears and lungs including red flags for infection. Awareness of the stages of sinusitis, classifications and investigation options determine management options. Management options are detailed including nasal spays, reducing inflammation, treating the underlying cause and safety netting at each step that may also include onward referral. Prevention strategies and potential complications are outlined that consider other contributing factors for an alternative diagnosis. The module concludes with an clinical case example that reinforces the module content.

This module begins with an overview of URTIs including the anatomy of the upper respiratory tract. Common infections are outlined including pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis and treatment options. These infections include rhinitis, sinusitis, ear and mastoid, pharyngitis, tonsilitis, deep neck, laryngitis, croup and epiglottitis. The various severity levels of each of these conditions is described to assist with determining management options.

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1: Asthma
This module commences with the description and epidemiology of asthma. The history, pathogenesis and a range of risk factors are outlined. An overview of the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with asthma also includes mimics of asthma symptoms. The diagnosis and management of asthma for adolescents and adults is outlined including diagnostic tools. The module then moves to the diagnosis, diagnostic tools and management of asthma in infants and children. Red flags to look for are included. The module concludes with information on thunderstorm asthma, asthma emergencies, acute asthma in primary care, vaccination and available asthma resources.

Module 2: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
This module discusses COPD and the possible contributing heterogenous group of associated processes. Characteristics, aetiology, pathogenesis and the burden of this disease are outlined. Each stage of the COPD-X guidelines (Case finding and confirm diagnosis, Optimise function, Prevent deterioration, Develop a plan of care and manage eXacerbations) are explained in detail including investigations, impact assessment, the overlap of asthma and COPD and measuring severity. Barriers to COPD diagnosis are detailed. Management options to optimise lung function and prevent deterioration including lifestyle factors, immunisation and pharmacotherapy options are outlined. Comorbidities associated with patients with COPD are detailed and referral options outlined. The module also includes palliative care options. Adult asthma can be associated with COPD and this is discussed in detail. The management of adult asthma is revisited. The module concludes with a summary of take home messages.

Module 3: Sinusitis
This module begins with explaining the purpose of sinuses and how sinusitis can develop. Contributing risk factors and presenting symptoms are outlined. Examination rules are described for the nose, throat, ears and lungs including red flags for infection. Awareness of the stages of sinusitis, classifications and investigation options determine management options. Management options are detailed including nasal spays, reducing inflammation, treating the underlying cause and safety netting at each step that may also include onward referral. Prevention strategies and potential complications are outlined that consider other contributing factors for an alternative diagnosis. The module concludes with an clinical case example that reinforces the module content.

Module 4: Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI)
This module begins with an overview of URTIs including the anatomy of the upper respiratory tract. Common infections are outlined including pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis and treatment options. These infections include rhinitis, sinusitis, ear and mastoid, pharyngitis, tonsilitis, deep neck, laryngitis, croup and epiglottitis. The various severity levels of each of these conditions is described to assist with determining management options.

Extended learning module: lung cancer
This module commences with the epidemiology and aetiology of lung cancers. The two main types of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Three carcinoma groups are discussed including squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell (undifferentiated) carcinoma. Tumor biology is described including molecular structures, mutations and other genomic alterations. Understanding the stage of tumours has important therapeutic and prognostic implications and guidelines are included to determine the stage levels. The clinical features and signs of lung cancer are described. Management and treatment of NSCLC are outlined depending on the stage, and includes the evaluation and management of suspected immunotherapy-related pulmonary toxicity. The module concludes with treatment options for older patients, peritoneal cancer index (PCI), neurological sequelae and prognosis of SCLC.

Dr Alice Lam

MBChB, FRACGP

Dr Alice Lam is a general practitioner passionate about evidence-based medicine and education for medical professionals and their patients. She has over 23 years of medical experience in Australia and overseas. Dr Lam graduated from the University of Manchester, UK and practised both as a locum and partner. Since 2008, she has worked as a GP in Melbourne, Australia. Her other interests include digital health, health writing and education for health professionals and patients.

Dr Kate Moriarty

Bachelor of Medicine (honours), FRACGP, Diploma in Child Health

Registrar supervisor and senior lecturer for UNSW Rural Clinical School, Port Macquarie campus

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.

Dr Joseph Singh

Clinical Lead for Education, West Australian General Practice Education and Training

Dr Joseph Singh is an Australian trained General Practitioner and a Fellow with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. After completing his specialist qualification, he has developed special interests in medical education and skin cancer medicine.

Alongside practising medicine as a general practitioner, Dr Singh is also the Clinical Lead for Education at West Australian General Practice Education and Training (WAGPET), Lecturer at Curtin Medical School, and examiner for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Dr Vaishali Bhalerao

Royal Hobart Hospital

Beginning her medical career in Mumbai, India, Dr Vaishali Bhalerao has 22 years of knowledge and experience to impart. She completed her master's degree and went on to establish her own private practice, which she ran successfully for 15 years. During this period she also worked as Associate Professor in a state government hospital.

Before coming to Australia, Dr Bhalerao worked in one of the NHS hospital in the UK and since arriving in Australia in 2011 she has worked in various hospitals in Tasmania and Victoria including Mercy Werribee Hospital and Sunshine Hospital.

COURSE FEES AND PAYMENT OPTIONS

UPFRONT PAYMENT

Single course

$1,795

Two-Course Bundle*

$3,410

Three-Course Bundle*

$4,840

*Special rates for upfront registrations for multiple courses within the same pathway.

DEFERRED PAYMENT

Single course

$640 x 3

Two-Course Bundle

$605 x 6

Three-Course Bundle

$645 x 8

Defer your payments over several months.

GP REGISTRARS: Doctors in training who are on a pathway to General Practice Registration through a recognised training provider receive a HealthCert Scholarship and save $500 on face-to-face certificate courses (two-day practical workshops) and $300 on online and hybrid certificate courses (one-day practical workshop with supporting online theory). This offer cannot be used in conjunction with the Early Bird special.

COURSE FEES AND PAYMENT OPTIONS

UPFRONT PAYMENT

Single course

$995

COURSE DELIVERY

The Foundation Certificate of Respiratory Conditions & Infections is delivered online. Participants can enjoy the flexibility to study at their own pace, in their own time, within their home or office, and on their favourite mobile device. The modules are set up in such a way that participants are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay the video lectures at their convenience.

CERTIFICATION AND ACCREDITATION

FCRCI Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a Foundation Certificate of Respiratory Conditions & Infections.

RACGP: CPD Accredited Activity 40 CPD points

ACRRM: PDP Hours 25 Educational activity 11 Performance review

This Foundation Certificate:

Provides CPD points from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
Provides PRPD points from the Australian Council of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
Is recognised by Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP). The RNZCGP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Peer review and audit are compulsory.
Is a self-submitted activity in Dubai. The number of CPD points 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. Category 1 points are reported as certified and Category 2 points are reported as non-certified. Please contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.

EDUCATION PATHWAYS

This online three-part program consists of the Professional Certificate, Advanced Certificate, and Complex Clinical Audit of Men's Health.

Certified clinical attachments pathway

Course graduates may continue their professional development by completing a clinical attachment, which are available on request. These will be on a 1:1 basis providing the opportunity to observe clinical nutrition consultation, planning and decision-making and ask questions of the expert. Clinical attachments are available in Australia.

Postgraduate pathway for Men's health

A postgraduate pathway is currently being identified. Please check with HealthCert Education Advisors for an update.