Introduction

The Diploma is run by the Centre for Cutaneous Research and the Department of Dermatology, Barts and the London NHS Trust and affiliated hospitals ( Broomfield Hospital and Whipp's Cross University Hospital ).

There are 2 separate programmes, one aimed at General Practitioners based in the UK and one designed specifically for physicians outside the UK .

 

1. UK Programme

The Course Director is Dr Victoria Jolliffe, Consultant Dermatologist at Barts and the Royal London Hospitals and Senior Clinical Lecturer at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry.

This programme is designed specifically for general practitioners who wish to further their knowledge of Dermatology. Successful completion of this programme does not, on its own, enable a doctor to work as a GPwSI, but the knowledge and experience gained would be highly beneficial.

 

2. International Programme

The Course Director is Dr Virginia Hubbard, Consultant Dermatologist at Homerton University Hospital and Senior Clinical Lecturer at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry.

The course is designed specifically for physicians working outside the United Kingdom who wish to develop a broad knowledge base in clinical dermatology for further specialization.

 

Course content - UK Programme

This intensive course consists of a mixture of structured distance learning, delivered electronically via a web-based system, hands-on clinical teaching, and the completion of a dissertation. We cover the entire spectrum of dermatology with an emphasis on practical aspects of dermatology and management of primary care dermatological presentations.

Specific topics are covered in a total of 29 weekly teaching packages comprising:

•  A weekly subject chapter with clinical photographs.

•  Weekly supplementary reading: a selection of articles relevant to the topic

•  An audioCD of a structured interview on the week's topic.

•  A weekly assignment.

6 Clinical Days are held during the course. Practical demonstrations or lectures take place in the morning, with the afternoon sessions devoted to small group consultant-led clinical teaching on approximately 10 patients followed by discussion of the clinical cases. Candidates are also expected to gain additional experience by attending dermatology outpatient clinics.

 

Course content - International Programme

This intensive course consists of a mixture of structured and interactive distance learning, DVD-based clinical teaching, and the completion of a dissertation. We cover the entire spectrum of dermatology with an emphasis on practical clinical issues.

Specific topics are covered in a total of 29 teaching packages comprising:

•  An audio CD structured interview on the week's topic

•  Weekly reading: a selection relevant to the topic

•  A weekly written assignment

•  Three synchronised on-line tutorials with a tutor during the course

•  Regular on-line discussion groups

Clinical DVDs cover many practical issues in demonstration/lecture format with clinical patient scenarios. Candidates are also expected to gain additional experience by attending dermatology outpatient clinics locally.

 

Assessment - both UK and International Programmes

•  Each of the weekly teaching packages includes a written assignment, of which 80 per cent must be successfully completed.

•  A 5,000-word dissertation must be submitted

•  An examination must be passed at the end of the course.

 

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements for the course are MBBS or equivalent. Candidates should have postgraduate medical experience/qualification and evidence of experience/interest in dermatology. Access to broadband internet is essential. For the International Programme, evidence of English language to level of TOEFL 6.5 is required.

 

For further information see www.londondermatology.org

 

Or contact:

Ms Sam Matthew
Centre for Cutaneous Research
Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science
Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry
4 Newark Street
London E1 2AT
Tel: +44(0)20 7882 7173
Fax: +44(0)20 7882 7171
email: s.matthew@qmul.ac.uk