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.