Foundation Certificate of Respiratory Conditions & Infections

Study modes

100% online

Course fee

$995
Special rates available

Study duration

40.5 hrs
Self-paced

Asthma

This course 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. Diagnosis and management for adolescents and adults including diagnostic tools are outlined then moves to the diagnosis, diagnostic tools and management of asthma in infants and children. Red flags to look for are described. The course concludes with information on thunderstorm asthma, asthma emergencies, acute asthma in primary care, vaccination and lists available asthma resources.   

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

This course 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 course also includes palliative care options. The course concludes with a summary of take home messages.

Sinusitis

This course 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 sprays, reducing inflammation, treating the underlying cause and safety netting at each step. Onward referral information is included. Prevention strategies and potential complications are outlined that consider other contributing factors that may lead to an alternative diagnosis. The course concludes with a clinical case example that reinforces the course content.   

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

This course begins with an overview of URTI’s including the anatomy of the upper respiratory tract. Common infections are outlined including their 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. 

Dr Alice Lam
MBChB, FRACGP

General practitioner

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 Vaishali Bhalerao
MBBS, MD, DGO, FRANZCOG

Doctor, 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.

Dr Kate Moriarty
BMed (Hon), FRACGP, DCH

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
MBBS, FRACGP

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 expert 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.

Foundation Certificate of Respiratory Conditions & Infections

$995

100% online
CPD accredited short course
Flexible start and completion time

ENROL NOW

Great course! it is very relevant to all practising GPs. Who knew that there is a pathologist "secret". Every GP should know this!

Dr M. Parashar

Highly satisfied. Real patients and cases enhance the learning experience. I will attend the advanced course.

Dr N. Kazi

Don't miss this course! It's interesting, practical and enjoyable. After attending courses for 30 years, I rank this as number one. The course is very useful to all doctors who diagnose and treat skin lesions. Top marks to the organisers.

Dr P. Laundy

Everything was very relevant and easy to understand. Certainly in a very different league to all the other courses I have attended.

Dr M. Kaur

I wish I had completed this course two years ago. My time in general practice so far has not enhanced my diagnostic or surgical skills and I have been scared about skin checks! I actually feel not only confident but empowered. A fantastic course! Thank you!

Dr A. Mooney

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

RACGP Activity Number	ACRRM Activity Number	Activity Title	Education Hours	Performance Hours	Outcome Hours	Total Hours
441343	31081	Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)	441343	31081	4.5	6	0	10.5
549756	31271	Sinusitis	549756	31271	4	6	0	10
549750	31270	Asthma	549750	31270	4	6	0	10
549760	31272	Upper Respiratory Tract Infection	549760	31272	4	6	0	10
					Grand Total	40.5

Entry requirements & recognised prior learning (RPL)

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.

Recognised prior learning (RPL)

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.

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

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

This certificate course:

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).
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 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. Please contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.

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

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 40.5 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 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.