Why does SCCA have a compulsory SCPD Program?
At the beginning of 2020, SCCA introduced a Skin Cancer Professional Development (SCPD).
The primary goal of the SCPD program is to underpin the legitimacy of primary care skin cancer medicine as a clinical discipline and the professionalism of SCCA Accredited Skin Cancer Doctors (ASCDs) and SCCA Fellows (FSCCA).
SCPD is a mechanism to negate potential criticism from regulators and/or other medical colleges that ASCDs and FSCCAs do not hold legitimate, robust or current skin cancer skills and qualifications. Patients also expect Accredited Skin Cancer Doctors to have up-to-date clinical skills and knowledge. SCPD demonstrates how SCCA members deliver on these expectations.
The SCCA SCPD program is a compulsory requirement for all Accredited Skin Cancer Doctors and SCCA Fellows. You are already required to meet the mandatory CPD requirements for all doctors in Australia or New Zealand. The SCPD program requirements fit into the CPD activities you are already doing.
The SCCA SCPD program does not apply to all members, only ASCDs and Fellows.
What are the SCPD requirements in 2023?
With the introduction in 2023 of new CPD frameworks in Australia and New Zealand, we have simplified the requirements for SCPD.
What do you need to do?
In 2023, there is no need to upload or send anything to SCCA! Simply focus on meeting the applicable CPD requirements for GPs in either Australia or New Zealand.
Early in 2024, we will ask you to send us a copy of your 2023 CPD statement issued by RNZCGP, ACRRM or RACGP. If you are self-directing your CPD, you can send us a copy of your Professional Development Plan (PDP).
You don’t need to do any additional CPD hours, and there is no expectation that you limit your CPD activities exclusively to skin cancer medicine or to activities offered by SCCA. The only requirement is to ensure at least half of your 50 CPD hours are focused on activities which support your skin cancer scope of practice. For example, training in wound management, dermatology, practice management, cultural awareness, skin imaging, or data management, are all relevant to your scope of practice. Likewise, mentoring colleagues, peer review groups, practice team meetings and patient case reviews are also sources for CPD hours. This will help ensure you maintain your ASCD status.
