Continuing Medical Education is a the aim of this Melbourne-based organization. Apart from medical conferences, there are lectures, work shops and self-directed learning modules aimed at improving the skills of doctors and medical students. Most medical conferences are about dermatology. These conferences cover skin cancer, common skin diseases, skin signs of internal diseases, and what the latest treatments are. Physicians and surgeons can benefit from these because they often come across skin diseases. The workshops have a large component of "hands on" where doctors can improve their surgical skills using pig skin as a substitute for human skin. Athough the conferences are designed to improve the skills of general practitioners, any doctor who sees patients, and the patients mention a skin problem, will benefit from attending. Other conferences are designed to improve the knowledge of medical practitioners who see refugees and immigrants from the Third World; and venereologists. Rural general practitioners who attend the skin cancer conferences may qualify for government assistance under the Commonwealth Government procedural skills training grant for rural and remote GPs.
The lecturers are all experienced trainers and practising Dermatologists. Our courses are limited to 20 participants and embrace a very practical, hands-on approach to learning. The two-day confernces typically begin with an introductory lecture and participants then break into smaller groups for further lectures, case studies and practical demonstrations. We believe this is the best way for lecturers and participants to learn from each other, and ensures everyone can fully participate in discussions and practical exercises. The conferences usually take place at family-friendly resorts with plenty of activities for accompanying partners and children. Many are held in exciting destinations that are well worth visiting (see the articles in the section NEWS for pictures from recent destinations. |
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