Both courses are open to health and allied health professionals to develop skills in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients.
The clinical topics are offered in 5-day intensive in-service blocks with a specific vocational bias and may also be taken on a non-award basis.
Admission requirements
Applicants who do not hold the Graduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Medicine must hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification in a health-related area, eg medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, and have a minimum of two years' clinical experience in
their relevant field.
Course aims
By participating in the topics that constitute this course, medical and other health professionals will:
- Further extend and utilise their knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, pathology and biomechanics associated with the functions and disorders of the musculoskeletal system
- Further develop their understanding of the impact of biological, psychological and social factors on musculoskeletal health, work and social engagement
- Efficiently diagnose patients' needs, and develop and evaluate appropriate courses of investigation and treatment that facilitate a return to normal function and participation
- Further their ability to locate their own practice within the broad professional community associated with the care of patients requiring treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders, and prevention of these injuries and disorders.
Learning outcomes
At the completion of the course the candidates are expected to be able to:
- demonstrate a sound knowledge of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system; demonstrate a sound knowledge of common and dangerous diseases and trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system; distinguish the numerous aetiologies of musculoskeletal disease; understand the interrelation between the biological, psychological and social aspects of injury, disease, treatment, rehabilitation and long term recovery.
- systematically examine all aspects of the musculoskeletal system and identify possible sources of pain/dysfunction; assess the evidence for different clinical practices and analyse examining procedures of the musculoskeletal system; integrate a knowledge of the musculoskeletal system with a knowledge of biomechanics, occupational factors, and mechanisms of injury.
- arrive at a rational functional diagnosis of the patient and devise appropriate further cost effective investigations and management; suggest and where necessary implement a course of treatment which will hasten return of normal function and occupation; assess effectiveness of treatment and alter treatment if necessary.
- understand the role and impact of medical, surgical and non-surgical treatments; know how and when to refer to appropriate specialists in a cost-effective, efficient and informative manner; have a clear understanding of the extent and limits of their professional competence; be able to interpret the needs of patients who have been referred by other professionals; write a comprehensive medico-legal report and be prepared to give expert evidence.
- critically evaluate their practice through systematic audit and reference to published guidelines; investigate the evidence base for particular approaches to diagnosis, investigation, treatment and rehabilitation; search the existing literature on a specific topic and present an analysis that could be developed for publication in a relevant refereed journal; develop skills and experience in communicating with colleagues and other professionals.
Program of study
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine, a student must complete the 36 units as set out below with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic.
Not all topics are necessarily available in a given year.
Except with permission of the Faculty Board no topic may be attempted more than twice.
Core - Year 1 topics
MSKM8011 Management of Upper Limb Dysfunction (4.5 units)
MSKM8012 Management of the Lower Limb Dysfunction (4.5 units)
MSKM8013 Management of Vertebral Column Dysfunction (4.5 units)
MSKM8014 Evidence-Based Medicine Practice Portfolio (4.5 units)
MSKM8015 Management of Upper Limb Dysfunction: Advanced (4.5 units)
MSKM8016 Management of Lower Limb Dysfunction: Advanced (4.5 units)
MSKM8017 Management of Vertebral Column Dysfunction: Advanced (4.5 units)
MSKM8018 Evidence-Based Medicine Practice Review, Audit and Research Project (4.5 units)