Objectives
The program is designed to increase the skills of medical practitioners in diagnosing, assessing and treating musculoskeletal dysfunction. Emphasis is on vocational education. The graduate certificate provides students with the scientific and biomechanical basis to comprehend the functioning of the musculoskeletal system and enables practitioners to have better insight into the diagnosis and treatment of dysfunction of backs and necks which are common presentations in general practice. The graduate diploma enables practitioners to expand their field of expertise to other musculoskeletal areas, as well as being involved in aspects of occupational health and rehabilitation. Graduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Medicine - Learning outcomes At the completion of the course, students are expected to be able to: * demonstrate a sound knowledge of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system, examine all aspects of the musculoskeletal system and identify possible sources of pain/dysfunction, assess critically biomechanical research methodology and its relevance to clinical practice, analyse critically accepted examining procedures of the musculoskeletal system especially in relation to the biomechanics; * examine all aspects of the musculoskeletal system; to arrive at a functional diagnosis of the presenting problem, suggest a course of treatment which will hasten return of normal function, assess effectiveness of treatment and to alter treatment if necessary; to write a comprehensive medico-legal report; * diagnose and manage common dysfunctions of the vertebral column; to know how and when to use selected mobilisation and manipulative techniques and assess patients for Surgical or Pain Clinic referrals. Graduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine - Learning outcomes At the completion of the course, students are expected to be able to: * demonstrate a sound knowledge of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system, examine all aspects of the musculoskeletal system and identify possible sources of pain/dysfunction, assess critically biomechanical research methodology and its relevance to clinical practice and analyse critically accepted examining procedures of the musculoskeletal system especially in relation to the biomechanics; * examine all aspects of the musculoskeletal system; to arrive at a functional diagnosis of the presenting problem; to suggest a course of treatment which will hasten return of normal function; to assess effectiveness of treatment and to alter treatment if necessary; to write a comprehensive medico-legal report; * diagnose and manage common dysfunctions of the vertebral column; to know how and when to use selected mobilisation and manipulative techniques; to assess patients for Surgical or Pain Clinic referrals; * demonstrate a sound knowledge of the more common diseases and trauma effecting the appendicular skeleton; to examine patients with dysfunction of the appendicular skeleton and devise appropriate management; to distinguish the numerous etiologies of appendicular disease and devise cost effective investigations; * search the existing literature on a specific topic; to write a paper to a standard which is acceptable for publication in a relevant refereed journal, plan an approach to analyse critically treatment techniques and modalities and gain an insight into the specific areas which may need further investigation to establish credibility.
