Dermatology

ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)

Small Animal Dermatology Online Learning

Explore the latest dermatologic developments from an online perspective!

Skin disorders are a very common clinical presentation in small animal practice – but that doesn’t mean their diagnosis and treatment are easy to determine. Through interactive online learning materials and case discussions, this program will help you to confidently approach dog, cat and exotic patients presenting with the various manifestations of skin disease in a logical and scientific manner.

This global 100% online CPD program includes 14 modules with up-to-date information in veterinary dermatology. You will have a chance to revisit basic topics, such as the anatomy and physiology of the skin, and to develop your knowledge in common conditions including pruritus, infections and ulceration. You will also cover more complex and unusual disorders like immune-mediated skin disease, neoplasia, and infectious conditions.

Each program module is spread over a month, giving you plenty of time to study and explore our innovative learning resources (such as videos from the tutors, real-world clinical cases, notes and quizzes).

Please note you will be joining a global program run out of the United Kingdom, giving you the opportunity to network with peers from around the world.

Gain a Postgraduate Qualification

This program is accredited with the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) meaning you can work towards the following globally-recognised qualifications while you study:

General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) 

By attending the full online structured program and following successful assessment, including an exam, you can gain a General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) awarded by the ISVPS.

Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) 

A route to a PgC is available through our partnership with Harper Adams University (HAU). The PgC is a recognised higher education qualification demonstrating that you have achieved the required standard within a designated subject. Additional assessments will be necessary to apply for this route.

Please note that ISVPS registration and examination fees are not included in the course fees.
For all enquiries about ISVPS requirements, contact [email protected].

Course Highlights

  • 14 Varied Modules covering key clinical dermatology topics
  • Specialist Support from your module tutor (a registered specialist in their field)
  • Discussion Forum: Ask questions and discuss cases with your specialist tutor and peers from around the world
  • Course Director: Peri Lau Gillard DVM Cert VD DipECVD MRCVS EBVS oversees the program
  • Dedicated Program Coordinator: To help you every step of the way
  • 100% Online: Interactive and engaging modules include presentations, written notes, case studies, interactive quizzes and exercises test your knowledge
  • Regular Assessments: To track your progress and reflect on your learning
  • ISVPS Accredited: Work towards a globally-recognised postgraduate qualification (GPCert in Dermatology)
  • RACE Accredited: 168 CPD points
Dermatology
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Learning Modules

May 2026

Module Speaker:

Dr Mary Fraser BVMS PhD CertVD PGCHE FHEA FRSPH CBiol FRSB FRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • Explain the function and properties of the skin of companion animals
  • Outline the skin and hair follicle morphogenesis
  • Recall gross skin anatomy and physiology
  • Discuss the microscopic skin anatomy and physiology
  • Review the pathological processes occurring in skin disease
  • Explain how pathological processes relate to clinical signs and the diagnosis of disease
  • Revise hypersensitivity reaction types I, II, III, IV in the skin and examples of specific skin diseases involving these processes
  • Explain the response of skin to physical, chemical and microbiological insults
  • Develop basic knowledge of the pathogenesis of skin neoplasia

June 2026

Module Speaker:

Dr Mary Fraser BVMS PhD CertVD PGCHE FHEA FRSPH CBiol FRSB FRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • Know how to take an accurate clinical history and understand its interpretation in the diagnosis of skin disease
  • Become adept at performing a general physical examination
  • Be able to carry out a detailed examination of the skin
  • Be capable of accurately identifying and describing skin lesions
  • Familiarise yourself with the key diagnostic tests and their use
  • Improve your diagnostic skills and ability to manage common skin diseases
  • Explain the pros and cons of intradermal testing and allergen serology in the management of atopic dermatitis

July 2026

Module Speaker:

Dr Rosario Cerundolo DVM CertVD DiplECVD FRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • Describe techniques to collect skin biopsies, their sample processing, storage and recording
  • Understand the basic cytology of samples collected from the skin including masses and discharging sinuses
  • Interpret the clinical laboratory medicine information in relation to skin disease, including:haematology, biochemistry and endocrine tests, fluid and electrolyte disorders and cytology
  • Know the diagnostic tests for viral, fungal, protozoal and bacterial diseases – techniques and interpretation
  • Have an understanding of the principles of the use of pattern analysis by histopathologists in dermatohistopathology as it relates to pathogenesis, disease and diagnosis
  • Be able to interpret histopathology reports

September 2026

Module Speaker:

Dr Rosario Cerundolo DVM CertVD DiplECVD FRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • Alopecia:
    • Describe the pathogenesis of alopecia
    • Appreciate the clinical features of alopecia
    • Recall the differential diagnosis of alopecia and have knowledge of specific conditions which cause alopecia
    • Outline how to investigate alopecia using a problem-solving approach
    • Be conversant with treatment of alopecic conditions
  • Keratinisation disorders
    • Describe the pathogenesis of keratinisation disorders/scaling
    • Appreciate the clinical features of these disorders
    • Recognise the differential diagnosis of these disorders and have knowledge of specific
    • Conditions which cause keratinisation disorders
    • Outline how to investigate scaling diseases using a problem-solving approach
    • Be familiar with the treatment options
  • Pigmentary disorders
    • Describe the pathogenesis and clinical features of pigment changes, genetic or acquired
    • resulting in hypo- or hyperpigmentation
    • Recall the differential diagnosis including specific conditions causing pigmentary disorders
    • Outline how to investigate pigment changes using a problem-solving approach
    • Gain knowledge about treatment options

October 2026

Module Speaker:

Dr Debbie Gow BVM&S PhD Dip.ECVD FHEA FRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • Describe the physiology of the endocrine system
  • Explain the underlying pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnostics and treatment options of the more common endocrine diseases
  • Be familiar with metabolic diseases, their aetiology, how to diagnose and how to treat these diseases

November 2026

Module Speaker:

Dr Sofia Carvalho DVM MVetMed MRCVS DipACVIM (Oncology)

Key learning objectives:

  • Explain the biology of tumours
  • Recognise common neoplastic presentations – localised, diffuse and systemic
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the following types of neoplasia: neoplasia of skin structures – benign, malignant, mast cell tumours, lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma and their variants, mammary tumours, testicular tumours
  • Recognise neoplasia of other structures with involvement of the skin
  • Understand and recognise paraneoplastic syndromes
  • Formulate an approach to the diagnosis and staging of disease
  • Be aware of those conditions that could be confused with neoplasia eg autoimmune diseases
  • Be familiar with the treatment options available and the prognosis for different neoplasms

January 2027

Module Speaker:

Dr Nao Hensel MRCVS, Dipl.ACVD, Dipl.ECVD (Dermatologie)

Key learning objectives:

  • Review the anatomy of the pinna, external ear canal, bulla and inner ear including specialised glands and normal microbial flora and microbiome of the ear canal
  • Describe the diseases affecting the pinnae in dogs and cats
  • Discuss the aetiology, clinical signs, diagnostic approach and therapy of infectious, parasitic, immune-mediated, and neoplastic eyelid disease

February 2027

Module Speaker:

Dr Debbie Gow BVM&S PhD Dip.ECVD FHEA FRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • Gain knowledge of the immune system and immune response by the skin
  • Consolidate your knowledge of urticaria and angioedema, allergic contact dermatitis, flea bite hypersensitivity, canine cutaneous adverse food reaction (CAFR), canine CAFR with concurrent atopic dermatitis, canine atopic dermatitis, feline atopic syndrome and feline atopic skin syndrome
  • Review the underlying pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnostics and treatment options
  • Recall the different treatment modalities for canine and feline allergic skin diseases

March 2027

Module Speaker:

Dr Debbie Gow BVM&S PhD Dip.ECVD FHEA FRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • Deepen your understanding of the structure and function of the skin immune system and the current theories of mechanisms that may lead to autoimmune disease
  • Be able to explain the innate and adaptive immune response
  • Recognise the revised classification of auto-antibody-mediated autoimmune skin diseases in dogs and cats from 2018
  • Be familiar with the current (recommended/suggested) classification of lymphocyte-mediated autoimmune skin diseases in dogs and cats
  • Explain the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostic approach and treatment options of immune-mediated diseases in which a dysregulated immune-response to exogenous – but not self-antigen(s) – develops or fails to abate
  • Be familiar with immunosuppressive and immunomodulating drugs and their application to the management of canine and feline immune-mediated disease. Gain knowledge about their properties, their synergistic immunosuppressive effects, their potential side effects and potential drug interaction

May 2027

Module Speaker:

Dr Rosario Cerundolo DVM CertVD DiplECVD FRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • Know the clinical pathology of the major bacterial, viral, protozoal, fungal and parasitic diseases (mites, insects and ticks) affecting the skin of companion animals in the UK and Europe including vector borne diseases such as leishmaniosis
  • Recognise zoonotic diseases and their health and safety concerns and precautions to be taken
  • Demonstrate knowledge of preventative healthcare measures that can be implemented for infectious or parasitic skin conditions
  • Demonstrate knowledge of treatment measures for bacterial, viral, protozoal, fungal and parasitic skin conditions

June 2027

Module Speaker:

Prof. Simon Girling BVMS (Hons) PhD DZooMed DipECZM(ZHM) EurProBiol CBiol FRSB FRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • Describe the normal skin anatomy of exotic species (rabbits and rodents, reptiles and cage birds)
  • Recognise the importance of husbandry – housing, environment, nutrition on the dermatological health of these species
  • Gain knowledge about ecdysis/dysecdysis in reptiles
  • Be familiar with the common conditions seen in rabbits and rodents, reptiles and cage birds and their pathogenesis, clinical features, differential diagnosis, investigation and treatment of them

June 2027

Module Speaker:

Dr Jevgenija Kondratjeva

Key learning objectives:

  • Review the nutritional supply to the skin and how deficiencies or excess in nutrients can lead to skin diseases
  • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the role of nutrients (including essential amino acids, EFAs, vitamins and minerals) in metabolism and their importance to skin biology and pathology
  • Discuss the pathophysiology of nutritional skin disorders, the breed predispositions, mode of inheritance if known, the clinical signs associated with these diseases, diagnostic test to confirm diagnosis and treatment options
  • Explain the pathogenesis and clinical features of genetic, congenital and hereditary skin conditions
  • Appreciate the differential diagnosis of these conditions and the approach to the investigations and treatment
  • Identify diseases due to physical agents, chemical agents, ultraviolet radiation, temperature change, and trauma, their clinical features and treatment options
  • Gain knowledge of the aetiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of unusual and rare skin conditions

September 2027

Module Speaker:

Dr Guillaume Chanoit DEDV PhD DECVS DACVS FHEA FRCVS

Key learning objectives:

  • Be familiar with different type of wounds and wound healing (Dressings / topical treatment options)
  • Improve your knowledge of the medical and surgical management of wounds
  • Perfect your knowledge of surgery of the anal sacs
  • Be able to explain why some dermatological conditions become surgical (skin fold dermatitis, otitis externa/media, pododermatitis) or may benefit from laser therapy
  • Describe the principles of ear surgery (which techniques to use and when)

October 2027

Module Speaker:

Dr Nao Hensel MRCVS, Dipl.ACVD, Dipl.ECVD (Dermatologie)

Key learning objectives:

  • Explain the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostic approach and treatment options of diseases affecting the interdigital skin and/or footpads
  • Study the pathophysiology, clinical signs, investigations and therapy of diseases affecting the claws and/or claw bed
  • Demonstrate knowledge about anal sac diseases including inflammatory and neoplastic processes as well as the entity anal furunculosis in dogs
  • Be aware of investigations needed to accomplish a diagnosis and be familiar with therapeutic options

*Please note: Module order may be subject to change

Course Speakers

Guillaume Chanoit
Dr Guillaume Chanoit
DEDV PhD DECVS DACVS FHEA FRCVS
Prof Simon Girling
Prof. Simon Girling
BVMS (Hons) DZooMed DipECZM(ZHM) EurProBiol CBiol FRSB FRCVS
Dr Rosario Cerundolo
Dr Rosario Cerundolo
DVM CertVD DiplECVD FRCVS
Dr Diana Ferreira
Dr Diana Ferreira
DVM MSc MRCVS Dipl. ECVD
Dr Debbie Gow
Dr Debbie Gow
BVM&S PhD Dip.ECVD FHEA FRCVS
Dr Mary Fraser
Dr Mary Fraser
BVMS PhD CertVD PGCHE FHEA FRSPH CBiol FRSB FRCVS
Dr Nao Hensel
MRCVS Dipl.ACVD Dipl.ECVD (Dermatologie)
Dr Sofia Carvalho
Dr Sofia Carvalho
DVM MVetMed MRCVS DipACVIM (Oncology)
Dr Jevgenija Kondratjeva
European Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology, DiplECVD

Payment Options

FAQ

All applicants must:

  • • Hold a qualification that allows you to practice as a veterinary surgeon
  • Have spent a minimum of one year in veterinary practice, with a clinical caseload

Please note: It is each delegate’s responsibility to ensure you meet the program entry criteria.

You can enrol directly via the Improve Veterinary Education website. The Team will invoice you for the program and once agreed fees are paid, you will be able to join the program. You can reach out to the Team at [email protected] if you have any questions on how to do this

You will spend on average 3-4 hours per week, working through the supplied online content and materials at your own pace. Some candidates spend significantly more, if they are engaging on the forums and reading and researching additional content. 

In working towards the General Practitioner (GPCert) or Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) qualifications for the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS), additional time will be required for assessments.

The full OL program must be completed within 12 months of the final module being delivered. For example, in a two-year program, you will have 3 years of access in total. 

Candidates for the ISVPS Certifications are able to complete their assessment requirements and sit for the qualifications for a set time, after program completion with Improve Veterinary Education. Contact ISVPS directly for these guidelines on [email protected].

The Online Learning Programs are designed to be worked through at your own pace and time. For each program module, a specialist is available to answer questions on the discussion board.

The specialist is available for the month their module runs and this interaction is one of the most valuable parts of the program.  You are strongly encouraged to participate if possible and ask questions, even if you have not fully completed the module, to take advantage of the ‘live’ board.

All the discussion boards Q&A are available to review after the module is complete and for the length of the program. Candidates are also encouraged to discuss cases and ask their colleagues questions on earlier modules, if they have not had the opportunity to ask the specialist.

Any deferral requests are considered on a case by case basis by the Improve Veterinary Education Team administering the Program.  If deferral is agreed, it will include additional administration fees and charges. Specific modules of the program can not be deferred.

Yes, we do accept limited late admissions (subject to availability). If you join late, you will be required to catch up on the module content that you have missed. Please be aware that although discussion forums can be access after the module is finished, the Specialist Tutors are only available for questions during the month their module is being delivered.

The GPCert is a middle-tier postgraduate qualification awarded to veterinary surgeons who successfully complete a dedicated modular training program accredited by International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) and sit the associated ISVPS assessments, including online examinations.

Only registered veterinary surgeons who have been qualified for a minimum of one year can apply to undertake a General Practitioner Certificate.

To find out more about the ISVPS assessments please contact the team at [email protected] or visit the ISVPS website for more detail www.isvps.org.

The PgCert is a further postgraduate qualification that can be achieved either during or after your study for your GPCertificate.

Yes, there are additional assessment criteria from both ISVPS and Harper Adams University (HAU). There are also additional fees for the PGCert. Contact ISVPS directly at [email protected] for further information on how to achieve your PGCert.

Yes. Location of study does not affect/change this global program. We can accept delegates across Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific region, and you will join the same global program. Additionally, all program content is pre-recorded so can be viewed at any time of day (i.e. time zone differences will not impact your access to content). 

As this program is accredited by ISVPS, you are also eligible to obtain the GPCert or PgCert qualifications.

Registration is made directly to ISVPS (for the GPCert) and HAU (for the PgC)once you are enrolled in the Online Learning Program.  You will be provided with contact details allowing you to complete their registration forms and pay additional fees as required.

ISVPS registration fees are NOT included in the program fee.  GPCert registration are fees payable are made directly to  ISVPS – you will be provided with contact details allowing you to complete their registration form. 

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