New training package for GPs to improve skin cancer detection

A new integrated training package for GPs developed by The University of Queensland aims to upskill doctors and improve the management of skin cancer in Australia.

For what is believed to be the first time in Australia, and possibly the world, general practitioners have the opportunity to receive training by specialists in an integrated range of certificate courses in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Last year the first cohort of 327 medical practitioners participated in The University Of Queensland School Of Medicine’s Certificate in Primary Care Skin Cancer Medicine workshops across Australia and New Zealand.

Professor David Wilkinson, the Director of the Primary Skin Cancer Unit and Head of the School of Medicine at The University of Queensland, said “sell out” attendances last year confirmed the need for additional workshops focused on advanced diagnosis and surgery. These courses have been added for 2007.

Professor Wilkinson said doctors removed around 720,000 suspected skin cancers from the skins of Australians each year.

“Many patients are referred to specialists. Because the demand for specialists greatly exceeds the supply – particularly in rural and remote areas – waiting times are often long, and may sometimes be measured in months," he said.

“Of course, no amount of upskilling of GPs can remove the need for specialist advice and treatment when required. We recognise the limitations in GP training and experience, and acknowledge and support the roles of dermatologists, plastic surgeons and other specialist medical practitioners.

“However, because skin cancers are the most common cancers managed by general practitioners - there are more than 800,000 patient encounters each year - there is a clear need for specialised GP training in skin cancer diagnosis and management."

By undertaking this course, GPs would be better equipped to manage their skin cancer encounters and to give patients better treatment outcomes, Professor Wilkinson said.

The training package equips GPS to diagnose common skin cancers and associated conditions; perform skin checks and identify suspicious skin lesions; and understand, select and apply appropriate treatment options for common skin cancers.

This year’s two-day intensive workshops will be led by eminent dermatologists from Europe while surgery workshops will be conducted by noted Australian and New Zealand surgeons.They will run from May to October in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and The Gold Coast.

The three UQ School of Medicine certificates delivered in the workshops are the first university-based awards in diagnosing and managing skin cancer for GPs.

Each certificate is equivalent to two units of The University Of Queensland Masters Of Medicine (Primary Care Skin Cancer Medicine) so that students who successfully complete the certificate will receive credit towards the Masters degree, along with proportionally reduced fees.

For further information on the Certificates in Primary Care Skin Cancer Medicine visit www.skincancerworkshops.com.

Media: For further information or to organise an interview with Professor Wilkinson, please contact Marlene McKendry telephone 0401 996 847.