Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine)

Semesters 1 and 2

Distance and Online Learning

Distance and online learning allow students to develop their expertise in the full range of musculoskeletal medical conditions in these semesters. In addition, full-day workshops held every six weeks allow students to put into practice their examination techniques, develop expertise in MSK injections using anatomic and ultrasound-guided techniques, and develop proficiency in early trauma management.  

Online resources allow students to work at their own pace during the semester. This flexible, practitioner-focused approach to course delivery takes account of and caters for time and work pressures experienced by busy clinicians.

In addition to the clinical course content, students will also complete a module of medical scholarship allowing them to:

• - Develop their research skills, allowing them to successfully complete a research project (review literature, plan and enact a project, analyse and interpret findings, disseminate their work).
• - Review own practice and improve patient care through clinical audit and quality improvement initiatives
• Critical thinking, analysis and problem solving.

Semester 3 & 4

Clinical Placement

Students will have the opportunity to undertake clinical placements (80 hours over 2 weeks) with Consultants in Orthopaedic Surgery and Rheumatology in the out-patient (OPD) setting, allowing them to broaden their clinical exposure and hone their diagnostic skills. In addition, students will gain a deeper understanding of the use of diagnostic modalities, clinical decision making and treatment options at secondary and tertiary levels of care.

Module Options include:

• Sports
• Spine
• Joint Replacement: Hip & Knee
• Shoulder & Upper lImb
• Hand
• Foot and Ankle Surgery
• Paediatrics
•  

Research Dissertation

Students undertake to plan, enact, and disseminate an original piece of research in the area of primary care orthopedics under the supervision of faculty. The dissertation should demonstrate the following:

• - Enhanced critical thinking, analysis, and problem solving.
• - Ability to review their own practice and improve patient care through clinical audit and quality improvement initiatives.

MSc Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine) (X875) Part Time
EU          Year 1 - € 9330
nonEU    Year 1 - € 14550
EU          Year 2 - € 4820 ^aa
nonEU    Year 2 - € 9650 <sup>aa

aa</sup>Second Year Fee applies to Students in 2nd Year in 2024 and who were a 1st Year Student on the programme in 2023/24
***Fees are subject to change

• Have relevant clinical experience in orthopaedics, primary care or physiotherapy, and be working in active clinical practice.

AND

• Hold an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Medicine, and be in good standing with the Irish Medical Council; or
• Hold a BSc in physiotherapy and are registered with CORU.

Applicants who do not meet the above academic or experience requirements may also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) after the school of medicine's faculty review their individual qualifications and experiences.

Please note that Garda Vetting may also be required.

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No

This course is targeted towards:

Doctors working in clinical practice wishing to develop a special interest in musculoskeletal medicine.

Physiotherapists working in clinical practice wishing to enhance their knowledge and skills in musculoskeletal medicine.

Physicians Assistants, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, and other relevant Allied Health Practitioners working in clinical practice wishing to develop a specialist interest in musculoskeletal medicine.

All candidates may be subject to an interview process once all necessary documents are submitted.