For many of us, especially in Australia, and even more so in the most sun-damaged parts of...

Improve patients' quality of life through effective prevention and management of respiratory illnesses.
Manage common respiratory illnesses, including asthma, COPD, sinusitis, lung cancer, and upper respiratory tract infections.
- This course is for medical doctors, International Medical Graduates, registered nurses and degree-qualified health professionals.
- CPD-accredited.
100% online
$995
Special rates available
40.5 hrs
Self-paced
- Reduce costs and hospital admissions for patients with chronic respiratory problems.
- Save lives through the early detection and prevention of potential complications associated with lung diseases.
- Improve patients' quality of life by treating respiratory conditions in-house and reducing referrals.
Get unlimited access to all course content, additional learning materials, ongoing post-course support, and more.
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.
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.
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.
Study at your own pace and to your own schedule.
Easily meet your CPD requirements and gain valuable skills – all in one place for $83 per month.
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.
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 | Activity Title | Education Hours | Performance Hours | Total Hours | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
441343 | Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) | 441343 | 4.5 | 6 | 10.5 |
549756 | Sinusitis | 549756 | 4 | 6 | 10 |
549750 | Asthma | 549750 | 4 | 6 | 10 |
549760 | Upper Respiratory Tract Infection | 549760 | 4 | 6 | 10 |
Grand Total | 40.5 |
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.
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.
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.
Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of this certificate. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a Foundation Certificate of Respiratory Conditions & Infections, and CPD hours. Please contact us for more information.
This certificate course:
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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.
Completion of any HealthCert course or attendance at an event will enable you to access the HealthCert Alumni Program which includes:
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.
Want to stay up-to-date with the latest case studies, podcasts, free video tutorials and medical research articles pertinent to primary care?
Our Education Advisors can assist you with any queries and tailor our education pathway to suit your current expertise, interests and career goals.