Musculoskeletal medicine deals with patients who have musculoskeletal and neural dysfunction of both an acute and chronic nature.
Patients with these problems constitute up to 20 per cent of a general practitioner’s caseload, and those with back and neck pain, in particular, impose a heavy economic and social burden on the community.
Musculoskeletal medicine is based on biomedical and psychosocial knowledge, and utilises a range of skills. These include appropriate history taking and physical examination, the use of pharmacotherapy, diagnostic and therapeutic interventional techniques, and applied biomechanics, as well as manual medicine, myofascial and needling skills. Psychosocial management and the use of appropriate referral is emphasised.
This programme is the only one of its kind in Australia and New Zealand.
Who is it intended for?
The postgraduate musculoskeletal medicine qualifications are aimed at registered medical practitioners in both primary and allied musculoskeletal specialties, such as rheumatology, orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine.
Current medical registration is an admission requirement, and students must be registered as medical practitioners in the country in which the programme is taught.
Where will it take me?
Graduates of the Musculoskeletal Medicine qualifications have gone on to:
- Assume clinical leadership and clinical specialist positions
- Undertake specialist advisory and health management roles
- Successfully gain funding for service initiatives
- Become skilful consumers of clinical research
- Complete diplomas, master’s and PhDs in rehabilitation
Qualifications
Postgraduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Medicine (PGCertMSM)
What does it involve?
The Postgraduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Medicine aims to provide a combination of musculoskeletal theory and principles integrated into clinical practice, for medical practitioners wanting to extend their knowledge and skills at a postgraduate level. Clinicians who complete the programme will have gained a clear understanding of musculoskeletal diagnosis and intervention, an ability to analyse information critically and will have demonstrated how to integrate that information and skill into their practice.
How long will it take?
The Postgraduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Medicine can be completed by studying part-time over a one-to-three year timeframe.
Requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Medicine (PGCertMSM)
Postgraduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine (PGDipMSM)
What does it involve?
The diploma combines clinical and academic material from a biopsychosocial perspective, making this course unique. Musculoskeletal medicine aims to integrate the biomedical and psychosocial knowledge and skills pertinent to the treatment of those patients experiencing musculoskeletal pain problems.
How long will it take?
The Postgraduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine can be studied part-time over a two-to-four year time frame. Extensions of time to complete the course may be granted when there are exceptional circumstances.
Requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine (PGDipMSM)
Musculoskeletal Management
See also qualifications in Musculoskeletal Management
What do our recent students say?
“As a GP in a regional emergency department I saw a variety of musculoskeletal cases comingthrough the doors, and I wanted to improve my skills and knowledge in the management of these patients. I’ve always wanted to re-specialise in sports and exercise medicine, and I felt that through this diploma I would gain a clearer picture of whether I really wanted to pursue another fellowship. The programme at the University of Otago offered a qualification from a respected institution with quality teaching provided by leaders in the field.”
— Dr Andriy Boyko
Sports Physician (Australia)
Postgraduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine
Contact details
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine
University of Otago, Christchurch
Tel +64 3 364 0469
Email msmandpainstudies.uoc@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/msm-pain-management
Papers
See the full list of Musculoskeletal Medicine (MSME) papers
Programme requirements
Postgraduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Medicine (PGCertMSM)
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Notes: Two papers are taught on campus (MSME 701, MSME 709) and the remainder by distance learning. |
Postgraduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine (PGDipMSM)
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Note: Some papers may have an on-campus component. |
