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PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA

Women's Health

Acquire the knowledge required to diagnose and treat difficult and complex cases in women's health.
Pregnant woman looking at an ultrasound

Overview

Delivered by leading experts in the field, the online Professional Diploma of Women’s Health course equips medical professionals with a comprehensive understanding of women’s health issues commonly seen in primary care.

  • Acquire expert-level knowledge in women’s health issues such as vaginal prolapse, incontinence, family planning, pregnancy complications, eating disorders, and cancer.
  • Improve patient outcomes by managing common women’s health issues in general practice.
  • This course is for medical doctors, International Medical Graduates, registered nurses, and degree-qualified health professionals.
  • CPD-accredited and university-assured.

CPD requirements

Fulfils 50 hrs for medical professionals in Australia

Study modes

100% online

Course fee

$1495
Special rates available

Study duration

81 hrs
Self-paced

Quality assured by Bond University

Course benefits

  • Learn about incontinence symptoms, diagnosis, prevalence, causes, and risk factors. 
  • Manage symptoms of menopause, sexual health difficulties, and women's psychological issues.
  • Expertly assist with family planning, pregnancy complications and related issues.
  • Manage risk of familial breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
  • Support patients with anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders.

Get unlimited access to all course content, additional learning materials, ongoing post-course support, and more.

Course contents

Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse

In this module, urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapses are covered, with diagrams demonstrating how they can occur. The module also looks at the types of incontinence, symptoms, diagnosis, prevalence, the causes and risk factors. Prolapses covered are the anterior and posterior vaginal walls, cervix or uterus and the apex of the vagina. Lifestyle prevention treatment options are discussed including pelvic floor exercises. Managing these presentations includes taking a detailed medical and obstetric history, and investigating risk factors, physical examination and further investigation options. Questionnaires are provided as a guide for these consultations. changes are discussed as well as continence aids. Various treatment options including lifestyle interventions, physical therapies, bladder training, medicines and continence aids are outlined. Surgical intervention and the associated risks of surgical intervention are considered.

Complementary medicines

The definition of complementary medicine according to WHO and the RACGP are outlined in this module. Three main topics in this module include how to approach of the topic of complementary medicine with your patients, how to review and discuss the evidence for complementary medicine with your patients, and the use of some clinical scenarios to put these strategies into practice. A feature of this module gives two scenarios of patients with urinary incontinence and with pregnancy-induced emesis. In both cases the patients prefer “natural” options rather than traditional medication. The module concludes that the GP should advise patient of all potential treatments for their condition, including benefits and risks. The GP should not recommend any treatment that does not have reasonable evidence for its effectiveness.

Family planning (Advanced 2)

This module builds on the knowledge learned in the advanced certificate. It starts with the description of the different phases of the menstrual cycle and natural family planning methods options. These include fertility awareness, lactational amenorrhoea and withdrawal methods, their effectiveness, advantages and disadvantages and contraindications. Unit 2 outlines contraceptive needs in women with Intellectual Disability including legal considerations. Unit 3 addresses the complexities for women who are culturally and linguistically diverse, including the clinical challenges associated with this group. Information includes statistics, factors influencing contraceptive choices and GP management recommendations are included. Key points of diagnosis, investigations, management, expected response and potential side effects are suggested. This unit also lists resources including public funded interpreter information. Information for GPs working with ATSI women is also featured. At the end of this module an overview of new contraceptive products is given.

Pregnancy complications (Advanced 1)

Unit one outlines the considerations for advanced maternal age pregnancies and potential complications for the mother and the child. It examines fertility decline and possible early pregnancy complications including spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, chromosomal abnormalities and congenital malformations. Late pregnancy complications discussed include hypertension, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, placental complications and increased risk of caesarean sections. Possible foetal complications including low birth weight, preterm delivery and stillbirth. The definitions of twin pregnancies and possible maternal and foetal complications are listed. Antenatal care, timings and mode of birth are included. Unit three defines pre-eclampsia, identifying women at risk, the effects on the body, and the pathophysiology and management of this condition. The complexity of managing this condition in rural areas is discussed. Finally benign pregnancy-related skin concerns are reviewed including skin pigmentation, stretch marks and thinning of hair. Benign and sinister specific dermatoses of pregnancy are described and examples are shown.

Pregnancy complications (Advanced 2)

This module lists possible infections and how the immune system in pregnancy may respond. These include chlamydia, syphilis, Hep B/C, HIV, GBS, rubella and varicella, HSV, listeria, parvovirus, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasma and COVID- 19. Clinical management of these conditions is outlined. Unit 2 defines and outlines the causes of antepartum haemorrhage. It includes risk factors and clinical management of this condition.

Preterm birth/labour (PTL) is the topic of unit 3 and discusses the causes, risk factors, risk reduction, assessment and management of this condition. Unit 4 describes vaginal/perineal tears and episiotomies, including definitions, risk factors and tear-associated morbidity. The types of episiotomy incisions is described and when this procedure should or should not be performed. Possible complications are included. The last part of this unit looks at faecal and anal incontinence after pregnancy and childbirth; definition, assessment history, examination and management of this condition.

Familial risk of breast and ovarian cancer

Genetics are discussed in unit one including information, counselling and statistics for hereditary, familial and sporadic distribution of cancer. The role of genes is also examined. Unit two looks at hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and the associated genes. Referral guidelines, BRCA carrier risks, genetic counselling, identifying and managing patients who are at high risk of hereditary cancers are addressed. Genetic testing information including advances, testing processes and possible funding options are outlined in unit 3. This includes consent requirements, possible results and genetic variant classifications. The module moves on to management strategies for high risk breast and ovarian cancer patients including psychological and lifestyle choices for high risk women, communicating genetic results and informing family members. Counselling considerations are reproductive options, prenatal testing, pre and implantation genetic diagnosis and the role of IVF, and their pro’s and con’s.

Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa

This module describes eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and other specified feeding and eating disorders. The role of the medical practitioner is discussed including advocacy for changing societal norms and healthy lifestyle perspectives and targeting at risk individuals. High risk groups are noted. The module provides screening tools to be used in conjunction with behavioural, psychological and physical signs – a comprehensive list of signs for these categories are listed. The module then provides assessment information and guides and when immediate referral is appropriate. Patient engagement may be challenging and the suggested approach by the clinician is included. At the end of this module, treatment goals and guidelines are given including suggested multidisciplinary team involvement, medical practitioner management, pharmacotherapy and eligibility criteria.

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

In the first unit of this module definitions of early and premature menopause are given. Risk factors and causes of spontaneous POI are listed. Iatrogenic POI, caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery is mentioned. Information about clinical presentations of POI, diagnosis criteria, patient history, examinations, investigations and ongoing monitoring are listed in unit 2. Health consequences may include psychological distress, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, sexual dysfunction and other health concerns. Finally, management of POI from initiating care and coordinating care (may include a multidisciplinary approach. Information is provided on managing symptoms of menopause, sexual health difficulties and psychological issues. When managing patients with this condition, consideration needs to be given regarding prevention of bone loss, osteoporosis and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Did you know you can also study most of these course modules in HealthCert 365?

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.

Meet your instructors

 
debbie_kors
 
A/Prof Debbie Kors
MBBS (first class honours)

 

General practitioner and GP supervisor

Associate Professor Debbie Kors is the founder and joint owner of a private teaching general practice in Port Macquarie, Australia. She works there as a general practitioner and GP supervisor of GP registrars and medical students.

A/Prof Kors is a passionate advocate for the profession of general practice. She is a Conjoint Associate Professor in Primary Health Care at the UNSW Rural Clinical School, Port Macquarie campus and has previously worked as a senior medical educator with North Coast GP Training. In 2010, she was nominated for and won the General Practice Education and Training GP Supervisor of the Year award.

A/Prof Kors holds a MBBS (first class honours), Fellowship of the RACGP, Masters of Family Medicine (clinical), Diploma of the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Graduate Diploma of Medical Education and a Certificate of Family Planning.

 
Dr_Nelum_Dharmapriya
 
Dr Nelum Dharmapriya
MBChB(UK), MRCP, FRACGP 

 

General Practitioner at Narangba Doctors, Queensland 

Diploma of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UK (DRCOG) 2000 

Diploma of Family planning and Sexual Health Medicine, UK (DFFP) 2003 

Obtained Letter of Competence in Intrauterine Techniques by FFPRHC, 2003
 

Dr Nelum Dharmapriya was born in Sri Lanka. She graduated from the University of Aberdeen, UK, in 1995 and was a partner at Heaton Norris Medical Centre in Stockport, UK, for seven years. Nelum arrived in Australia in 2009 and established Narangba Doctors in 2012. She is married with two teenage boys and loves to spend time outdoors – running, cycling, travelling and reading. 

 
Belinda Dopita_circle_Trans
 
Belinda Dopita
BSc, MScHS, FHGSA
 

 

HGSA-Certified Genetic Counsellor, ACT Genetic Service

Master's in Genetic Counselling

ACT State Representative, Human Genetics for Australasia

Belinda Dopita is an HGSA certified genetic counsellor with over 19 years’ clinical experience. She completed her undergraduate degree at the ANU, and her postgraduate diploma in Genetic Counselling at Melbourne. She worked at the Center for Human Genetics in Boston, USA. After returning to Australia, Belinda completed her Master's in Genetic Counselling studying physician knowledge of newborn screening, while working at The Children's Hospital at Westmead.   

Belinda currently works at the ACT Genetic Service in both general and cancer genetics. She supports many cancer support groups and has presented at pink hope information days. Belinda also has a private practice which she founded in 2014. Her private practice has since grown, and she offers a combination of in-person appointments, skype and phone consultations. She is responsible for discussing high risk non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT), and reproductive carrier screening results Australia-wide. She has a particular interest in pre-pregnancy and prenatal genetic counselling as well as genetic testing for genes associated with cancer. 

Belinda is the current ACT state representative for the Human Genetics for Australasia and has a long history of service with the HGSA. Having a background in psychology and previously working with children in many areas, she is also interested in genetic counselling of children and young adults. 

Belinda has three children which keep her busy; she enjoys horse riding, dining out and any free time she can get.

 
Dr Evangelia Francis circle transp
 
Dr Evangelia Francis
FRACGP

 

Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery

Bachelor in Sciences (First class Honours in Neuroscience)

D
iploma in Child Health

D
iploma of the Royal College Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Diploma of Family Planning & Sexual Health
 
Dr Evangelia (Valia) Francis is a GP. Dr Francis enjoys all aspects of General Practice but is especially interested in skin medicine, women's health and medicine of the elderly.

Originally from the coastal town of Kavala in Greece, Dr Francis is involved in teaching medical students as a Conjoint Lecturer in the Rural Medical School of Port Macquarie as well as teaching registrars. It is a very fulfilling aspect of her work that has been greatly inspired and supported by the senior educators at her practice.

When not at work, Dr Francis tries to fight waves with surf or paddle boards (so far they always win!), is training hard to become the next MasterChef winner, and enjoys reading books and learning new languages.

 
sharon_sykes
 
Dr Sharon Sykes
MBBS

 

Bachelor of Applied Science (Med Lab Sci) and a Fellowship of the RACGP
 

Dr Sharon Sykes works in private general practice in Port Macquarie, Australia where she is also a supervisor of GP registrars and of medical students. Dr Sykes served 18 years in the Royal Australian Air Force before becoming a general practitioner. She has a special interest in medical education and has previously worked as a medical educator for North Coast GP Training.

She holds a MBBS, Bachelor of Applied Science (Med Lab Sci) and a Fellowship of the RACGP.

Study modes

Study 100% online

100% online

Study at your own pace and to your own schedule. 

  • View and replay video lectures at your convenience.
  • Participate in online case discussions with your peers.
  • Participate in webinars with experts and professional colleagues.
  • Complete your assessment online and receive your CPD hours and certificate.
HealthCert 365 - a digital CPD library

HealthCert 365

Easily meet your CPD requirements and gain valuable skills – all in one place for $83 per month. 

  • Customise your learning experience by accessing and focusing only on course modules that interest you the most.
  • Gain access to 200+ additional CPD activities and 50-hour special focus CPD programs, sourced from all HealthCert university-assured programs.

Professional Diploma of Women's Health

$1495 

 .
  • Meets the 50hr annual CPD requirement
  • 100% online 
  • Flexible start and completion time

 

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.

Example of Professional Diploma of Women's Health
This certificate meets the 50hr annual CPD requirement for medical practitioners

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

Accredited CPD activities in this certificate

This is an RACGP-approved CPD activity under the RACGP CPD program.

RACGP CPD Accredited activity
RACGP Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours Total Hours
473783 Vaginal Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence 473783 4.5 6 10.5
473822 Premature Ovarian Insufficiency 473822 4 6 10
473819 Familial Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer 473819 5 6 11
473801 Family Planning (Advanced 2) 473801 4 6 10
473792 Complimentary Medicine 473792 3.5 6 9.5
466872 Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa 466872 4 6 10
473810 Pregnancy Complications (Advanced 2) 473810 4 6 10
473805 Pregnancy Complications (Advanced 1) 473805 4 6 10
762963 Clinical Audit of Women’s Health: Pregnancy and Pregnancy Complications 762963 0 2 2
762946 Clinical Audit of Women’s Health: Menopause and Post Menopause 762946 0 2 2
Grand Total 85
HealthCert provides several options to complete your measuring outcome hours. These options are self-recorded activities and hours taken may vary depending on your focus area.

  • Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) templates that you can develop to your own focus area.
  • Clinical audits relating to specific topics within the course. 

Pre- and post-course information

Entry requirements

The Professional Diploma of Women's Health is tailored for medical doctors who wish to build on the knowledge gained from the Professional Certificate and Advanced Certificate of Women’s Health and want to improve patient outcomes by managing common women’s health issues in general practice. There will be a greater focus on difficult and complex cases in this Professional Diploma. Submission and analysis of medical practitioners’ own cases are a key feature of this course.

The courses are suitable for physicians and degree-qualified medical practitioners, including registered nurses. The prerequisite for this Professional Diploma course is the successful completion of the HealthCert Advanced Certificate of Women’s Health (or a qualification deemed equivalent) and HealthCert also highly recommends successful management of at least 30 cases of women’s health issues prior to enrolment.

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

Professional Diploma courses are at the highest level at HealthCert, so there are additional professional requirements and submission of online cases. A literature review must also be completed of journal articles.

Recognised prior learning (RPL)

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 successful completion of the exam, course participants will receive the Professional Diploma of Women's Health, and CPD hours.

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).
  • Qualifies for professional development recognition for recertification CPD towards the RANZCOG Certificate/Diploma/Advanced diplomate program.
  • Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Points 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.
  • Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
Pathways

Professional Diploma Pathway

This course is the final stage of the Professional Diploma of Women's Health. The education pathway is: Professional Certificate of Women's HealthAdvanced Certificate of Women's Health, and Professional Diploma of Women's Health. 

You might also be interested in the HealthCert Advanced Workshop of Intrauterine Systems or the Primary Certificate of Menopause and Women's Health.

Postgraduate scholarships for Women's Health 

HealthCert graduates who successfully complete the HealthCert Professional Diploma of Women's Health receive a scholarship of up to £500 (approximately $1,000) towards the Master of Science in Women's Health (to be offered in 2021). The postgraduate course is offered entirely online through DiplomaMSc in the UK and awarded by the University of South Wales. Learn more or enrol here.

Participation in research

HealthCert alumni have opportunities to participate in research projects conducted by leading experts in the field. Research projects and surveys are shared via the HealthCert blog which is available to HealthCert alumni.

University quality-assured and CPD-accredited education provider 

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

Quality assured by Bond University
RACGP Major Provider

Frequently asked questions

Don't see your question? Explore other faqs or talk to us.

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 81 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.

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