Which Dermoscopy Training Course is Best for You?

As someone who remembers the "early days" of dermoscopy training, I can assure you that we've come a long way! In fact, there are now so many course options that it can even be a bit overwhelming trying to decide which one is best.

Below are the most popular options - a few of which are available exclusively online or exclusively "live." Luckily, most provide the option for either online or "live" training.

I wanted to start this list with the excellent (and FREE) Dermoscopy Made Simple. Just head over to YouTube where you'll find a series of online lectures hosted by Dr. Ian McColl. It's designed to equip medical professionals with the knowledge and skills to perform dermoscopic examinations and make accurate diagnoses. The series includes video tutorials and clinical videos to help physicians gain the necessary experience and confidence to competently and accurately perform dermoscopic examinations. 

The American Dermoscopy Meeting is an annual event (available both "live" and "virtually") that brings together dermatologists and other healthcare professionals who have an interest in dermoscopy. The meeting is directed by Ashfaq A. Marghoob, MD. The primary focus of the meeting is to provide education and training on the use of dermoscopy in clinical practice.

The American Dermoscopy Meeting features lectures, workshops, and hands-on sessions that cover various topics related to dermoscopy, including basic and advanced techniques, the use of dermoscopy in the diagnosis of skin cancers and other skin conditions, and the use of dermoscopy in the management of skin lesions.

The meeting attracts attendees from around the world, including dermatologists, primary care physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. It provides a forum for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas and best practices in the use of dermoscopy.

The American Dermoscopy Meeting also provides opportunities for attendees to earn continuing medical education (CME) credits, which are required for many healthcare professionals to maintain their professional licenses and certifications.

Did you know this interesting fact? The ADM is always held in close proximity to well-known scenic state/national parks. So while the "official" focus is on dermoscopy, an added benefit is that you can rest assured that plenty of "extracurricular activities" will be available for both you and your family to enjoy.

The Mayo Clinic Dermoscopy Training Meeting is an annual event that provides education and training on the use of dermoscopy in the diagnosis and management of skin conditions. The meeting is organized by the Mayo Clinic Department of Dermatology and is designed for dermatologists, primary care physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who have an interest in dermoscopy.

The meeting features lectures, case presentations, and hands-on sessions that cover various topics related to dermoscopy, including basic and advanced techniques, the use of dermoscopy in the diagnosis of skin cancers and other skin conditions, and the use of dermoscopy in the management of skin lesions. The meeting also covers practical issues related to the use of dermoscopy in clinical practice, such as documentation and follow-up.

The annual meeting typically takes place over the course of several days and includes both didactic and practical sessions. Attendees have the opportunity to practice their dermoscopy skills on real patients under the guidance of experienced instructors. 

The Mayo Clinic Dermoscopy Training conference is a highly regarded event in the field of dermatology and attracts attendees from around the world. The meeting provides an opportunity for attendees to earn continuing medical education (CME) credits, which are required for many healthcare professionals to maintain their professional licenses and certifications.

The meeting's organizers provide information on the program, registration, and other details on the Mayo Clinic Department of Dermatology website and through other communication channels. The meeting's dates, location, and registration fees may vary from year to year.

The annual (live) course provided by Memorial Sloan Kettering is designed to educate clinicians on the morphologic features seen with dermoscopy that help differentiate skin cancer from benign lesions. 

Lectures will be dispersed with Interactive tests and games throughout the program to help reinforce content learned.

By attending this course, learners will be able to:

• Outline a logical and easy to follow framework for the dermoscopic evaluation of cutaneous lesions.
• Identify the features of both melanocytic and non-melanocytic lesions.
• Describe a management approach, based on dermoscopic findings, to correctly identify lesions requiring biopsy.

The International Dermoscopy Society (IDS) provides comprehensive dermoscopy training for healthcare professionals. The IDS is a global organization that is dedicated to promoting the use of dermoscopy in the diagnosis and management of skin conditions.

The IDS provides a variety of dermoscopy training opportunities, including:

1. Online Dermoscopy Course: The IDS offers an online dermoscopy course that provides an interactive learning experience with comprehensive dermoscopy training for dermatologists and primary care physicians. The course includes lectures, case studies, and quizzes to enhance learning.
2. In-Person Dermoscopy Training: The IDS provides in-person dermoscopy training through workshops, courses, and conferences. These events provide hands-on training and expert instruction in the use of dermoscopy.
3. Dermoscopy Certification: The IDS offers a certification program for healthcare professionals who have completed dermoscopy training and are proficient in the use of dermoscopy. The certification program includes a written exam and a practical exam.
4. Dermoscopy Research: The IDS supports research on the use of dermoscopy in the diagnosis and management of skin conditions. The organization provides funding for research and hosts conferences to promote collaboration and the exchange of ideas among researchers.

The IDS is recognized as a leader in the field of dermoscopy, and its training programs are highly regarded. The organization has members from around the world, including dermatologists, primary care physicians, and other healthcare professionals. The IDS provides a valuable forum for networking, collaboration, and continuing education in the field of dermoscopy.

Dermoscopy Excellence hosts both online/digital training as well as intensive annual Masterclass.
It’s a high-quality course that aims at the entertaining training of the participant through a new way of teaching.

The digital course is structured in 10 modules that address all the aspects of skin tumors, diagnostic techniques and strategies (like monitoring), plus the application of dermoscopy in general dermatology.

Each module includes two topics, presented and discussed alternatively by Prof. Aimilios Lallas, current President of the International Dermoscopy Society (IDS) and Prof. Giuseppe Argenziano, previous President of the IDS. 

At the end of each lesson, the tutors will deepen the topic with a final discussion, sharing thoughts and doubts, so that the attendees will be given the opportunity to verify their ideas and clarify their possible concerns and perplexities.

The friendship and professional relationship of the two tutors make the course easy to follow, never boring, giving fun moments but always with the aim of making more effective transferring knowledge and skills.

HealthCert Education is an online provider of healthcare education, including courses on dermoscopy. HealthCert Education offers a variety of dermoscopy training courses for healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians, nurses, and dermatologists. Here are some of their dermoscopy courses:

1. Professional Certificate of General Dermatology: This is a comprehensive course that covers various aspects of general dermatology, including dermoscopy. The course includes both online and in-person components, and provides an opportunity for attendees to practice their dermoscopy skills on real patients under the guidance of experienced instructors.

2. The Advanced Certificate of Dermoscopy is the second course in the three-part HealthCert Certificate and Diploma program in Dermoscopy. The course has been designed to meet the needs of medical practitioners who already use dermoscopy and are interested in taking their skill-set to a more advanced level. The course will provide the participants with a range of knowledge in the management of nail lesions, mucosal lesions, difficult benign lesions and melanomas, pink tumors, rare skin tumors, and the broad spectrum of BCC and keratinocyte skin cancer. 

3. The Professional Diploma of Dermoscopy has been designed to meet the needs of medical practitioners who wish to acquire near-expert level in the use of dermoscopy. The course will provide the participants with a range of knowledge in the management of screening children, young adults and older patients, lesions in different skin types, different types of lesions, and patients with multiple moles. Recognized and developed by members of the International Dermoscopy Society, no other program brings together such a diverse and accomplished team of globally renowned dermatologists and dermoscopy experts.

HealthCert Education's dermoscopy courses are highly regarded and provide comprehensive training for healthcare professionals. The courses are designed to be flexible and accessible, and they offer an interactive learning experience with video lectures, case studies, and quizzes. 

The courses also provide an opportunity for attendees to earn continuing medical education (CME) credits, which are required for many healthcare professionals to maintain their professional licenses and certifications.

The cost of the courses varies depending on the level of the course and the format. Information about the courses, including the cost and how to register, can be found on the HealthCert Education website.

The Primary Care Dermatology Society (PCDS) is a UK-based organization that provides education and support to physicians in the diagnosis and management of dermatological conditions. The PCDS was established in 1994 and has become a leading organization for primary care physicians with an interest in dermatology.

The PCDS provides a wide range of both online and "live event" dermoscopy training options.

Although membership is only open to primary health care practitioners working in the UK, enrollment in their courses is open to all interested practitioners throughout the world.