This practical workshop provides participants with the knowledge and technical skills required to perform common skin procedures and basic wound closure in primary care, rural, and remote clinical settings.

The workshop includes instruction and hands-on practice in:

• Basic wound assessment and primary wound closure using simple interrupted and mattress sutures.

• Elliptical excision of skin lesions

• Shave biopsy techniques, including appropriate lesion selection, procedural technique, and clinical applications.

• Punch biopsy techniques, including biopsy selection, procedural technique, specimen handling, and wound closure where indicated.

Participants will also review appropriate patient selection, procedural planning, informed consent, aseptic technique, instrument handling, and post-procedure wound care.

This workshop is suitable for General Practitioners seeking to refresh procedural skills, GP Registrars, Resident Medical Officers, Medical Students, Remote Area Nurses, Allied Health Practitioners involved in procedural care, and other interested healthcare learners.

Please note: This workshop focuses on basic skin procedures and superficial wound closure. It does not cover deep tissue closure, advanced flap techniques, complex laceration repair, or advanced skin excisions.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Assess acute wounds and determine their suitability for primary closure in primary care and rural practice settings.

2. Select appropriate suturing materials and perform basic wound closure using simple interrupted and mattress suturing techniques with appropriate aseptic technique.

3. Demonstrate safe and effective elliptical excision of common skin lesions, including procedural planning, specimen handling, and wound closure.

4. Demonstrate appropriate shave biopsy and punch biopsy techniques, including selecting the most suitable biopsy method based on lesion characteristics and clinical indication.

5. Apply principles of patient selection, informed consent, wound care, and recognition of complications, including situations requiring referral or escalation of care.

This workshop will be is accredited by RACGP for 2 reviewing performance hours.

To attend, register via the Compass Conference registration site at: Begin Registration: Compass Conference 2026