ObjectivesThis programme aims to further dermatological diagnosis and management by covering the spectrum of Clinical Dermatology via a structured distance learning package comprising written and photographic units audio and visual filmed clinical material and hands- on practical clinical teaching days. The emphasis is on practical issues and is especially aimed at the Primary Care practitioner.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements Prospective candidates should hold MB BS or a basic medical degree recognised by the University of London, and possess full registration with the GMC. Prior experience in dermatology is desirable but not essential. Access to a computer with CD drive and internet connection is essential. Applicants need to have right of abode in the UK (ie have no restriction on their right to stay in the UKthis usually takes the form of UK/EU citizenship, Asylum status, Indefinite Leave to Remain or Exceptional Leave to Remain) and b) have been ordinarily resident in the UK for a minimum of three years prior to the start of the programme.
Academic titlePGDip Clinical Dermatology
Course descriptionIt is unique in offering regular clinical days throughout the year, which offer both didactic and interactive teaching in the form of lectures and clinical cases with small group consultant-led teaching and discussion.
Programme outline
The programme comprises 30 units, divided into three terms. Each unit deals with a separate clinical subject, approached from a primary care perspective, and comprises:
* Weekly Objective
* Written Discourse composed by a consultant Dermatologist with expertise in each particular area
* Photo Library
* Supplementary reading material- reviews from peer-reviewed journals
* Audio Material
* A number of Clinical DVDs accompany the programme, comprising a mixture of filmed lectures, practical demonstrations and patient cases.
This programme is aimed at UK-based General Practitioners wishing to gain experience in dermatology. Full registration with the GMC is essential. Applicants must have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years and have indefinite leave to remain.
This section is divided into:
1.
Key Features which provides an overview of the course
2.
Course content which describes the content and teaching methods of the course
3.
Assessment which describes the assessment methods and frequency
Key Features
*
6 Clinical Days with clinical cases, throughout the course of one year
*
Small group consultant-led teaching
*
Clinical DVDs to demonstrate cases and good practice.
Course Content
There are 3 terms, each 10 weeks in duration. Each of the weekly modules has been devised by one or more ‘module tutors’ with a particular interest in the topic being studied. The modules they have created all consist of written and audio material together with an assignment.
Teaching is by a blended package of distance-learning and clinical study days.
1. WebCT teaching package
This interactive learning environment provides weekly modules. It comprises:
*
Weekly written material about the subject complemented by clinical pictures
*
Slide library – an extensive collection of clinical photos with description
*
Supplementary Reading – a selection of 5 – 10 relevant journal articles, together with Patient Information Leaflets. These papers have been selected by the module tutor to supplement and reinforce the main messages of his/her audio discussion and are usually of a practical nature, although papers of a more basic scientific nature may also be incorporated.
*
Assignments - weekly formative assessments which will be completed and marked online. Assessments will comprise a mixture of EMQ and MCQ format.
*
Discussion Forum – this area of the site allows pictures and questions or messages to be posted for discussion within the group. The current students find this a useful way of interacting with other students.
2. Audio material
The module tutor has recorded a weekly CD. This discussion will cover the fundamental principles of the topic in a clinically relevant and informal manner.
3. DVDs
The DVDs will consist of lectures/demonstrations/practical sessions and patient interviews.
Subjects covered by the DVDs include:
1. Practical sessions :
*
emollients, topical steroids, and other treatments for eczema
*
topical treatments for psoriasis
*
phototherapy
*
cryotherapy
*
patch and prick testing
*
Doppler testing and leg ulcer treatment including use of multi layer compression bandaging
*
minor surgery
*
taking skin and hair samples
2. Lectures/seminars:
*
description of dermatological conditions
*
melanoma and pigmented lesions
*
non-melanoma skin cancers
*
contact dermatitis and atopic eczema
*
psoriasis
*
pregnancy dermatoses,
*
common paediatric dermatology,
*
practical management of leg ulcers
*
dermatological surgery
*
skin disease in old age
*
dermatopathology
*
the skin and systemic disease
4. Clinical Days
There are 6 clinical days throughout the year. These comprise lectures and practical demonstrations with student interaction in the morning, followed by consultant-led small group teaching on clinical cases.
Topics Covered in Term 1
*
How to Recognise and Investigate Skin Disease
*
How to Manage Skin Disease
*
Common Skin Infections
*
Red and Spotty Faces
*
Itchy Skin and Eczema
*
Allergies at Home and at Work
*
Psoriasis
*
Harmless Lumps and Bumps
*
Pigmented Lesions - the good and the bad
*
Cancerous Lumps and Bumps
Topics Covered in Term 2
*
Blistering Diseases
*
Other Inflammatory Skin Diseases including Lichen Planus
*
Urticaria
*
Drug Reactions
*
Rashes in Creases
*
Hair too much and too little
*
Body Parts connected to skin: Oral, Ocular and Aural
*
Genital Dermatology
*
The Psyche and the Skin
*
Special problems in Children
Topics Covered in Term 3
*
Dermatoses in Different Skin Types
*
Healing Wounds
*
Vasculitis and Vascular Lesions
*
Skin and Systemic Disease
*
Connective Tissue Diseases
*
Sunshine and Skin
*
Uncommon Infections
*
Surgical Solutions and Treatments
*
Cosmetic Dermatology and Non-Invasive Treatments
Assessment
Weekly assignment
MCQ style questions, based on clinical cases. The assignments are submitted on the webCT teaching package. 80% of these must be completed to pass the diploma
Dissertation
You will be expected to undertake a dissertation of approximately 5000 words on a clinical subject.
Final Examination
A final clinical examination must be passed at the end of the course.
Disclaimer
This programme is designed and intended for educational purposes only. Completion of the course and possession of the Diploma does not endorse the practitioner to consider themselves a specialist in dermatology. The current British Association of Dermatologists guidelines outline the essential requirements for fulfilling the role of GPwSI in Dermatology. The Department of Dermatology in Barts and the London NHS Trust strongly supports these guidelines.
Course Content (International Programme)
This programme is designed specifically for doctors outside the UK, wishing to gain experience in dermatology. It is also open for applications from UK-based doctors unsuitable for the other programme.
This section is divided into:
1.
Key Features which provides an overview of the course
2.
Course content which describes the content and teaching methods of the course
3.
Assessment which describes the assessment methods and frequency
Key Features
*
This programme can be studied anywhere. No travel to the UK is required
*
One-to-one tutorials enable teaching to be tailored to each student’s needs
*
A regular group tutorial is offered, facilitated by the course director
*
A discussion forum allows for discussion of cases and topics at your convenience
*
Clinical DVDs to demonstrate cases and good practice
Course Content
There are 3 terms, each 10 weeks in duration. Each of the weekly modules has been devised by one or more ‘module tutors’ with a particular interest in the topic being studied. The modules they have created all consist of written and audio material together with an assignment. Teaching is provided by an interactive web-based package, audio CDs and DVDs. There are regular tutorials and discussion groups.
1. WebCT teaching package
This interactive learning environment provides weekly modules. It comprises:
*
Weekly written material about the subject complemented by clinical pictures
*
Slide library: an extensive collection of clinical photos with description
*
Supplementary Reading: a selection of 5 – 10 relevant journal articles per week, together with Patient Information Leaflets. These papers have been selected by the module tutor to supplement and reinforce the main messages of his/her audio discussion and are usually of a practical nature, although papers of a more basic scientific nature may also be incorporated.
*
Assignments: weekly formative assessments which will be completed and marked online. Assessments will comprise a mixture of EMQ and MCQ format.
*
Discussion Forum: this area of the site allows pictures and questions or messages to be posted for discussion within the group. The current students find this a useful way of interacting with other students.
*
Chat Rooms: for synchronised discussion with other course participants or tutors.
2. Audio material
The module tutor has recorded a weekly CD. This discussion will cover the fundamental principles of the topic in a clinically relevant and informal manner.
3. On-line tutorials
There will be individual and group tutorials with a tutor. You will be informed of the cases for discussion one week before the tutorial. It is useful to have access to a headset with microphone for these sessions, to enable free ‘talk’ over the internet.
4. DVDs
Clinical hands on experience in the form of 6 Clinical DVDs which are each equivalent to one day’s clinical teaching. The DVDs will consist of lectures/demonstrations/practical sessions and patient interviews.
Subjects covered by the DVDs include:
1. Practical sessions:
*
emollients, topical steroids, and other treatments for eczema
*
topical treatments for psoriasis
*
phototherapy
*
cryotherapy
*
patch and prick testing
*
Doppler testing and leg ulcer treatment including use of multi layer compression bandaging
*
minor surgery
*
taking skin and hair samples
2. Lectures/seminars:
*
description of dermatological conditions
*
melanoma and pigmented lesions
*
non-melanoma skin cancers
*
contact dermatitis and atopic eczema
*
psoriasis
*
pregnancy dermatoses
*
common paediatric dermatology
*
practical management of leg ulcers
*
dermatological surgery
*
skin disease in old age
*
dermatopathology
*
the skin and systemic disease
Topics Covered in Term 1
*
How to Recognise and Investigate Skin Disease
*
How to Manage Skin Disease
*
Common Skin Infections
*
Red and Spotty Faces
*
Itchy Skin and Eczema
*
Allergies at Home and at Work
*
Psoriasis
*
Harmless Lumps and Bumps
*
Pigmented Lesions: the good and the bad
*
Cancerous Lumps and Bumps
Topics Covered in Term 2
*
Blistering Diseases
*
Other Inflammatory Skin Diseases including Lichen Planus
*
Urticaria
*
Drug Reactions
*
Rashes in Creases
*
Hair too much and too little
*
Body Parts connected to skin: Oral, Ocular and Aural
*
Genital Dermatology
*
The Psyche and the Skin
*
Special problems in Children
Topics Covered in Term 3
*
Dermatoses in Different Skin Types
*
Healing Wounds
*
Vasculitis and Vascular Lesions
*
Skin and Systemic Disease
*
Connective Tissue Diseases
*
Sunshine and Skin
*
Uncommon Infections
*
Surgical Solutions and Treatments
*
Cosmetic Dermatology and Non-Invasive Treatments
Assessment
Weekly assignment
MCQ style questions, based on clinical cases. The assignments are submitted on the webCT teaching package. 80% of these must be completed to pass the diploma
Dissertation
You will be expected to undertake a dissertation of approximately 5000 words on a clinical subject.
Final Examination
A 3 hour written paper based on clinical cases. This is sat at a local British Council Office.