MDCS42190 Clinical Dermatology

Academic Year 2021/2022

Dermatological (skin and hair) issues can comprise up to 25% of a General Practitioner’s workload, and so the majority of skin conditions should be treated in this community general practice setting.

The Professional Certificate in Clinical Dermatology (NFQ Level 9, 10 credits) is a fully-online course (September to May) consisting of approx. 26-hours of teaching covering a comprehensive knowledge -base of Clinical Dermatology. Four lecture blocks incorporate an Introduction to skin biology and Dermatological Terminology, Cutaneous Malignancy, Infectious Dermatoses, Inflammatory Dermatoses, Cutaneous manifestations of Systemic Disease, Alopecias, and Pediatric Dermatology.

Participants will develop a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of dermatological diseases and enhance their knowledge of the scientific basis of clinical dermatology. They will also develop an understanding of the impact of dermatological conditions, referral pathways, imaging and management.

Lectures will be delivered by approximately 25 of Ireland top Specialist Registered Consultant Dermatologists, in addition to an introductory skin biology lecture by Institute director Prof. DJ Tobin. The course provides an expert-led learning experience throughout. Webinars are interactive, with a Question & Answer session after each live webinar, to allow students to further delve into the clinical aspects of disease.

Course Features:

● Fully-online interactive webinar course delivered over 4 lecture blocks to equip graduates with the knowledge and expertise required to recognise and treat skin disorders commonly encountered in general practice.
● Focuses on patient-related problems, while also developing knowledge of the theoretical background of real cases from clinical practice.
● Lectures are streamed online live (to facilitate Q&A), but also via limited playback and again during examination revision periods.
● Robust online Case-based format assessment that is e-proctored.
● Optional on-site patient-based clinical session (not credit-bearing and capped at approx. 30 students). See course flyer for further details.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will develop a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of dermatological diseases and enhance their knowledge of the scientific basis of clinical dermatology. They will also develop an understanding of the impact of dermatological conditions, referral pathways, imaging and management.

Equips graduates with the knowledge and expertise required to recognise and treat skin disorders commonly encountered in general practice.

Indicative Module Content:

This Professional Certificate covers all aspects of clinical dermatology with a comprehensive lecture schedule delivered by expert Consultant Dermatologists. Lectures will be delivered through an interactive webinar series and organised into relevant blocks. Lecture topics covered include:

Trimester 1 (September to December 2020): Precise order subject to change
● Introduction to Skin Biology (and dermatological terminology)
● Melanocytic lesions and Melanoma
● Melanoma
● Non-melanoma skin cancers
● Bacterial and parasitic
● Viral and fungal infections
● Acne
● Rosacea
● Hidradenitis Suppurativa
● Psoriasis
● Other Papulosquamous disorders – (PRP, pityriasis rosea, PLEVA, PLC, parapsoriasis CTCL)
● Atopic Dermatitis
● Contact Dermatitis
A short revision period follows, which culminates with an Assessment for each trimester (see below).

Trimester 2 (January- April 2021): Precise order subject to change
● Cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease Part I
● Cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease Part II
● Lichenoid eruptions
● Neutrophilic dermatoses (Erythema nodosum, Sweets, Pyoderma gangrenosum, Bechet’s disease)
● Itch and urticaria
● Blistering Eruptions
● Photobiology, Photo-dermatoses, Sunscreens
● Connective Tissue Disorders
● Drug Reactions
● Vulvar dermatoses
● Vasculitis
● Stasis Dermatitis and Ulcers
● Scarring and non-scarring alopecias
● Neonatal rashes and birthmarks
● Common paediatric dermatoses
A short revision period follows, which culminates with an Assessment for each trimester (see below).

Students who are selected (on a first come, first served basis) for the one-day Clinical Masterclass (which is non-credit-bearing) at the end of course will have the opportunity to observe real-life patients with common dermatology conditions at the end of course.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

250
Online Learning

28
Total

278
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures followed by case-based assessment format using MCQ at end of each trimester, which will present various clinical based scenarios, to facilitate problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

This Professional Certificate in Clinical Dermatology is a certificate for Medical Graduates and students must have a Medical Degree from a recognised Irish/EU or international Medical School .

This course is of particular relevance for
• General Practitioners
• Internal Medicine Physicians
• Paediatricians
• Plastic Surgeons
• Junior doctors who wish to pursue a career in Dermatology
• Trainees of the above


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: Multiple Choice Questionnaire End of trimester MCQ n/a Alternative non-linear conversion grade scale 50% Yes

50
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: Assessment session with multiple choice questions (MCQ) for each clinical based scenario. End of trimester MCQ n/a Alternative non-linear conversion grade scale 50% Yes

50

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat Within Two Trimesters
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Online automated feedback based on scoring of the MCQs.

Suggested Reading Texts:

Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas (8th Ed.)
Dermatology Essentials (published 2014)
Rook's Dermatology Handbook (Published 2020)
Andrew's Diseases of the Skin Clinical Dermatology (13th Edition)

Online Resources:

https://dermnetnz.org/ - World renowned online resource all about the skin

Further suggested reading/sources of knowledge will be provided throughout the module by lecturers.