Certificate Programs

IGCS Certificate programs are self-guided educational programs and available to all IGCS Members through the IGCS Education360 Learning Portal. The learner may set their own pace to complete the course work, required readings, and post-tests in easy-to-follow modules. At completion, the learner will be provided with a certificate and may access the materials at any time.

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Nursing Certificate Program

Program provides nurses with the necessary knowledge to provide evidence-based nursing care to patients with gynecologic cancers and empowers them to advocate for best possible health outcomes.

 

Palliative Care Certificate Program

Program equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide compassionate and effective care for patients facing gynecological cancer at all stages of their journey.

EBM on the GO Certificate Program

Evidence based medicine (EBM) is defined as the process of systematically finding, appraising, and applying current research to make clinical decisions. EBM integrates clinical expertise with the best available evidence and patients’ values & preferences.

Preinvasive Disease Program

Program provides a framework for basic training in preinvasive disease of the female lower genital tract and is an educational tool to enhance clinical knowledge and skills in preinvasive cervical disease management for all health care providers.

Nursing Certificate Program

This curriculum equips nurses everywhere with the necessary knowledge to provide evidence-based nursing care to women with gynecologic cancers and empowers them to advocate for best possible health outcomes.

Designed for professionals at every stage of their career, this curriculum is ideal for nurses currently practicing or aspiring to specialize in gynecologic oncology. The learning modules are relevant for all levels of practicing nurses in low-, middle- and high-income countries, irrespective of practice setting or geographic location.

While the program is primarily designed for nurses, physicians and all health care providers looking to elevate their clinical expertise are welcome to complete the program. Physicians are encouraged to invite their nursing and interdisciplinary team members to explore this learning opportunity developed by IGCS experts. Free for IGCS Members, our new Nursing Certificate Program demonstrates our deep commitment to serving all members of the interdisciplinary gynecologic cancer care team, recognizing the need for a collaborative approach to advance patient care.

The program consists of 13 educational modules designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of caring for women with gynecologic cancer. These modules include a range of educational resources, including written curriculum, videos, podcasts, and slide presentations, providing learners with diverse options for their educational experience.

This curriculum offers learners the ability to move at their own pace. Upon completion of the modules, a certificate of completion will be issued.

Chairs:
Anne Mellon, RN, Australia
Noriko Fujiwara, RN, PhD, CRN-BC, OCNS, CCRP, Japan
Chrissy Donovan, RN, USA

Authors:
Rozlyn Ali, RN, New Zealand
Sarah Belton, RN, Ireland
Dona Chakroborty, RN, India
Robert Coleman, MD, USA
Raimundo Correa, MD, Chile

Lois Eva, MD, New Zealand
Keiichi Fujiwara, MD, PhD, Japan
Bronwyn Jennings, RN, Australia
Claudia Main, RN, New Zealand
Kris Maloney, MD, Australia
Anisa Mburu, MD, Kenya
Joe Ng, MD, Singapore
Joseph Noh, MD, South Korea
Michael Pearl, RN, USA
Michael Quinn, MD, Australia
Raquel Ramos, RN, Brazil
Kasia Wydrzynska, RN, USA

 

Palliative Care

The IGCS Education360 Palliative Care Certificate Program has received a significant update, and we're thrilled to announce a brand-new release.

This program is designed to equip healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, pharmacists and social workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide compassionate and effective care for women facing gynecological cancer at all stages of their journey.

It covers a wide range of topics, including the principles and goals of palliative care, pain and symptom management, psychosocial and spiritual aspects of care, ethical dilemmas, advanced care planning, grief and bereavement support, and the role of interdisciplinary teams. Each section provides a comprehensive overview of the subject matter, incorporating real-life case studies, practical tools, and insightful perspectives from experts in the field.

To access the new release and all its benefits, simply log in to your Education360 account. Whether you've already completed the first version or are considering enrolling, now is the perfect time to explore these updated modules presenting a multidisciplinary approach to palliative care, emphasizing collaboration and teamwork for the holistic support of patients and their families. By focusing on evidence-based practices, ethical considerations, and communication strategies, you will enhance your competence and confidence in delivering compassionate care.

Thank you for choosing IGCS for your learning journey. We're committed to your continuous improvement, and we can't wait for you to explore what's new.

We gratefully acknowledge the work of Drs Michael Pearl, Raimundo Correa and Peter Grant for their leadership in ensuring a high-quality revision of the first series of modules.

Learning Objectives

After completing the training, the participant will be able to:

  • Describe the scope of knowledge, attitudes, and skills that comprise the core palliative care competencies needed throughout the trajectory of comprehensive cancer care.
  • Incorporate the described treatment recommendations and approaches into clinical practice.
Authors
Lee-may Chen, MD
Raimundo Correa, MD
Chrissy Donovan, RN
Linda R. Duska, MD MPH
Keiichi Fujiwara, MD, PhD
Noriko Fujiwara, RN, PhD, CRN-BC, OCNS, CCRP
Annekathryn Goodman, MD, MS, MA, MPH
Peter Grant, MD
Katherine D. Hicks-Courant, MD
Thomas Konney, MD
Carolyn Lefkowits, MD (Version 1)
Kristina Lindemann, MD, PhD
Amita Maheshwari, MD
Anisa Mburu, MD
Tashanna Myers, MD
Michael Pearl, MD
Shahana Pervin DGO, FCPS
Julia Zarina Ridley, MD, M.Ed, CCFP(PC), FRCPC
Michael Quinn, AM MGO
Reviewers
Rose Ihuoma Anorlu MD, MPH
Lynette Denny, MD, PhD
Lynn Hallarman, MD
Lois Ramondetta, MD
Paul Cohen, MD
 
Medical Editor
Jenifer Levin
 

Learners who earned a certificate for Version 1 of the Palliative Care Certificate Program have been given access to review the updated curriculum. Existing certificates remain valid.  

Evidence-Based Medicine for Gynecologic Oncology Certificate Program

Evidence based medicine (EBM) is defined as the process of systematically finding, appraising, and applying current research to make clinical decisions. EBM integrates clinical expertise with the best available evidence and patients’ values & preferences. As new evidence is generated it is essential to stay up to date with research in our field - but how do we do this during our busy schedules and how do we know which evidence to rely on?

EBM on the GO is a learning opportunity originating from the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer’s Editorial Fellowship which provides opportunities for trainees and early career faculty to gain experience in the peer review process and scientific communication. EBM on the GO will enhance your skills in critical appraisal and provide you with tools to incorporate the best evidence in gynecologic oncology into everyday practice. The curriculum is for gynecologic oncologists, medical and radiation oncologists, trainees, nurses, allied health professionals, physicians and physician assistants, and anyone who cares for patients with gynecologic cancers.

EBM on the GO consists of online video tutorials by international experts on how to critically appraise a manuscript, how to interpret studies of new diagnostic tests, how to search the literature effectively and efficiently, how to appraise clinical practice guidelines and systematic reviews, and how to incorporate EBM into your daily practice among many others! The curriculum uses specific examples from the gynecological cancer literature so that it is highly relevant to the learner. You will receive a certificate upon completion of the curriculum.

Contributors
Emma Allanson
Erick Estrada Zaldaña
Andreína Fernandes
Christina Fotopoulou
Rosalind Glasspool
Jorge Hoegl
Fernando Heredia
Aarthi S. Jayraj
Humberto Martinez-Cordero
Alexander Melamed
Florencia Noll 
Andreas Obermair
Lina Paez 
René Pareja
Angelica Viviana Fletcher Prieto
Pedro T. Ramirez
Ana Tatiana Palacios Torres
David Viveros

Preinvasive Disease

The IGCS Preinvasive Disease Program provides a framework for basic training in preinvasive disease of the female lower genital tract. It is a learning opportunity originating from the needs of the trainees enrolled in the IGCS Global Curriculum and Mentorship Program but it’s also a great educational tool to enhance clinical knowledge and skills in preinvasive cervical disease management for all health care providers in any setting

Aims and Objectives

  • To provide an important educational tool that will help train clinicians so that we can meet the goals and objectives of the WHO Global Strategy to eliminate cervical cancer
  • To build and enhance the knowledge and skills of medical providers all over the world on HPV, HPV vaccination, cervical screening methods and strategies including the diagnosis and treatment of preinvasive cervical disease
  • To equip IGCS members with evidence-based knowledge for preventing, screening, diagnosing, and treating patients with preinvasive cervical diseases regardless of the setting they work in

Target Audience
Physicians including gynecologic oncologists, gynecologists, family medicine doctors, general doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, and other healthcare providers who are already involved or keen to be involved in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer and other HPV related diseases.

Phases
The program will be delivered in three phases:

  • Phase 1: Basic Theory (self-guided education)
  • Phase 2: Advanced Theory (self-guided education)
  • Phase 3: Practical/Competence Assessment (hands-on training)

All three phases must be completed before the learner will receive a certificate of completion for technical competency in colposcopy and treatment of preinvasive cervical disease. Learners who complete only phases 1 and 2 will receive a certificate of knowledge that does not certify technical competency.

View additional details and requirements about the preinvasive disease curriculum.

Leads
Mila Pontremoli Salcedo, MD, PhD
Ida Ismail-Pratt, MBChB, MRCOG

Contributors
Ellen S. Baker, MD, MPH
James Bentley, MBChB, FRCSC
Julia Brotherton, PhD
Maggie E. Cruickshank, MD
Gustavo Ruvino De Azevedo Focchi, MD, PhD
Suzanne Garland, AO, MBBS, MD, FRCPA, FRANZCOG Ad Eundem, FAChSHM, FASM, FACOG Hons

Jose Jeronimo, MD
Rachel Masch, MD, MPH
EJ Mayeaux, Jr., MD, DABFP, DABPM-CI, FAAFP
Jane R. Montealegre, PhD, MSPH
Joseph Ng, MD, FACOG, FAMS
Katina Robison, MD
Kathleen Schmeler, MD
Erich Madison Sturgis, MD, MPH
Melissa Lopez Varon M.Sc.
Alan G. Waxman, MD, MPH

"These certificate courses demonstrate IGCS’s commitment to global health equity. We hope that our members take advantage of these curriculum to enhance their learning and understanding of topics that may have an immediate impact on the health and wellbeing of women in the communities they serve.

Designed for practitioners in high- middle- and low-resource settings, these online courses are an excellent way to deliver comprehensive education that our members can complete at their own pace, from any location."

Dr. Michael Pearl
IGCS Education Committee Member who has been a driving force behind IGCS’s palliative care education.

Join IGCS for access to all educational resources

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