Graduate Certificate in Advanced Surgery (Breast Surgery)
Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Surgery (Breast Surgery) from the University of Sydney is a 2-year part-time online program designed for breast surgeons. It provides advanced training in breast oncology, surgical techniques, and oncoplastic breast surgery, preparing students for a career in the field. The program is delivered in collaboration with Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand Inc. (BreastSurgANZ) and is ranked among the top 20 universities globally for Surgery.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Surgery (Breast Surgery) is a 2-year part-time program offered online by the University of Sydney. It is designed to provide breast surgeons with the latest knowledge of breast oncology and breast surgical and oncoplastic techniques. The program is delivered in collaboration with Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand Inc. (BreastSurgANZ).
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Develop clinical judgment in breast management, including the complexities of multidisciplinary breast cancer care.
- Equip students with specific surgical decision algorithms and surgical options for malignant and in situ disease.
- Provide a thorough understanding of Level 1 and 2 oncoplastic breast surgical techniques.
Outline:
The program consists of 24 credit points of surgery selective units of study, completed in sequence, one each semester:
- Basic Sciences and Benign Disease: This unit covers the fundamental science behind breast disease, including anatomy, physiology, and pathology. It also explores the diagnosis and management of benign breast conditions.
- Malignant Breast Disease & MDTs: This unit focuses on the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of malignant breast disease. It covers multidisciplinary team approaches to breast cancer care, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and endocrine therapy. It covers the surgical techniques and planning involved in oncoplastic breast surgery.
- Oncoplastic Breast Surgery II: This unit builds on the knowledge gained in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery I, providing advanced training in oncoplastic breast surgery techniques.
Teaching:
The breast surgery coursework and assessments are delivered online with lectures and podcasts, surgical videos, and other educational resources supplemented by online discussion and webinars.
Careers:
The course provides advanced postgraduate training for students who intend to pursue a career in breast surgery.
Other:
- The program is directed by Professor Andrew Spillane.
- The University of Sydney is ranked 1st in Australia for Surgery (US News Best Global Universities by Subject 2023) and is a top 20 university globally (QS World University Rankings 2024).
- The program is the first formal educational credential for specialist breast surgery in Australia and New Zealand and has been endorsed by BreastSurgANZ.
- The knowledge developed in this course complements the practical experience gained during post-fellowship training offered by BreastSurgANZ.
