Practical Information

II. PREREQUISITES FOR CANDIDATES TO CERTIFICATION:

• Certification of specialist in dermatology by the relevant national authority (Board Certification) OR status of resident in dermatology in the final year of training
• Completion of 12 months of practical clinical training in systemic dermato-oncologic therapy
• Attendance of at least one ESDO course
• Successfully sustain the EADO Examination for the Certification in Medical Tumor Therapy in Dermato-Oncology

III. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

In order to be eligible to sit the EADO Examination the candidates should complete a theoretical and practical training program with the following characteristics:

Content of the training program:
The acquisition of knowledge, experience and skills in the selection, administration and monitoring of the systemic anti-neoplastic therapies for skin cancers, including targeted, immunomodulatory, and cytostatic therapy, in adjuvant, neo-adjuvant and curative setting, in the subsequent monitoring and follow-up of patients receiving these therapies, in the management of complications and side-effects related to antineoplastic therapies, and the use of best supportive care in advanced cases.

Training duration:

The candidates must provide proof of completion of a total of 12 months of clinical practical training, involved in direct patients care, in the following conditions:

• Under the supervision of a recognized trainer with competence in medical tumour therapy in Dermatooncology, or expert in the field.
• In a Clinical Center with expertise and national accreditation to administer systemic therapies for skin cancers (e.g. Departments of Dermato-Oncology, Medical Oncology, Haematology-Oncology or equivalent accredited at national level).
• The period of total 12 months can be completed continuously or in several separated time blocks, in one or more centres fulfilling the criteria above, within a period of 5 years prior to the application to EADO Examination

For orientation, a list of EADO -affiliated Dermato-Oncology centers who offer fellowships and training eligible towards the acquiring of the EADO Certification in Medical Tumor Therapy in Dermato-Oncology can be found here. This list is not exclusive.

Theoretical knowledge to be acquired during training:

• The indications for therapy for advanced, non-operable or metastatic skin cancers, including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy
• The indication and role for adjuvant and neo-adjuvant therapy in melanoma and skin cancer patients
• The mecahnisms of action, complications and toxicity of each type of therapy and their management
• The risk–benefit ratio for treatments
• The use of molecular, immunohistological, and imaging markers for guiding the treatment choice and for monitoring the success of therapy/side effects.

Theoretical knowledge should be updated, according to the European guidelines of best practice valid at the date.

Practical skills to be acquired during training:

• Ability to actively contribute to multidisciplinary discussions establishing the diagnosis, stage and treatment plans
• Ability to identify and manage conditions (stage, performance status, comorbidities, prior therapies, family history) that will influence therapeutic and care strategies
• Ability to identify emergent/urgent conditions such as brain metastases, carcinomatous meningitis and bowel obstruction and to develop treatment approaches
• Ability to discuss options for therapy by stage and to discuss with patients and their family the complications of targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery as well as the role of investigational agents
• Ability to rapidly identify specific toxicities related to oncologic therapies and to apply appropriate management guidelines
• Ability to use molecular and immunohistochemical biomarkers in orienting therapy strategies
• Ability to address risk and benefits with the patient
• Ability to evaluate treatment outcomes, toxicity and the management of these complications, including decision to change or end therapy
• Ability to manage clinical trials, including a certificate for a GCP training

IV. EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

Examinations for obtaining the European Certificate for Medical Tumour Therapy in Dermato-Oncology will take place at the end of the annual European School of Dermato-Oncology (ESDO) course each year. The examination will test the knowledge and skills described above. It will consist of a written examination under the form of 100 Multiple Choice Questions over a duration of 120 minutes. The bibliography for the examinations include the latest published updates of the European guidelines of practice for the management of the skin cancers.

Applications will be accepted until May 15 each year, for the Examination in June.

Candidates can apply by sending the following documents to info@eado.org:

• Application form, filled out and signed (download form here)
• Copy of the Board Certificate in Dermatology OR Confirmation of the status of final year resident in dermatology, signed and stamped by the Residency Program Director
• Logbook of training activities* performed, signed and stamped by the supervisors of each training institution (download form here)
• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of the diploma of attendance of an ESDO course, or the proof of registration for the upcoming ESDO course during which the Examination will take place

*Should include detailed information about training periods and fields of activity. Scientific projects and special training courses in the field of dermato-oncology should be described.

The cumulative duration of training periods should reach a minimum of 12 months, completed no earlier than 5 years prior to the application date.

Applications will be accepted until May 15 each year, for the Examination in June.

The completed files will be verified for conformity by the EADO Certification Committee. The applicants will be notified regarding their eligibility for the Examination by May 31. If necessary, the Committee may require additional documents from the applicant, to clarify the eligibility. Eligible applicants will be invited to take the examination after settling the examination fee of 200€.