Professional Diploma of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine

Acquire expert-level knowledge in musculoskeletal and sports medicine, including issues such as drug use, nutrition, the role of a team doctor, and more.

As musculoskeletal conditions account for over 14 per cent of general practice encounters, this online course will enable you to better meet patient demand and improve outcomes.

This course is for medical doctors, International Medical Graduates, registered nurses, and degree-qualified health professionals.

CPD-accredited and university-assured.

CPD requirements

Fulfils 50 hrs for medical professionals in Australia

Study modes

100% online

Course fee

$1595
Special rates available

Study duration

107.5 hrs
Self-paced

Become a trusted source of support for your physically active patients, from weekend sportspeople to high performance athletes and even children.

Provide comprehensive advice to your patients regarding sport nutrition, drug use, and exercise as medicine.

Provide your patients with immediate care by addressing common ailments in general practice, and provide long-term support for those with ongoing joint and musculoskeletal pains and sporting injuries.

Judge when to refer on a patient, and learn how to work collaboratively with specialists and physiotherapists.

Inflammatory arthritis

Arthritis is an umbrella term for over 100 diseases and conditions affecting the bones, muscles and joints1. More than 30 of these are inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The steps of early assessment and diagnosis are outlined commencing with symptoms, patient history and test options. This information is supported by two clinical cases. The first case considers septic arthritis and the second case discusses polymyalgia rheumatica. Inflammatory arthritis aetiologies are outlined before discussing gout and pseudogout in detail.

The course then considers rheumatoid arthritis covering the facts, aetology, history, stages, tests, clinical features and extra-articular manifestations. A case study is included. Pharmacotherapy, DMARDS, non-pharmacological options and complications are outlined. Information is provided on Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and pregnancy, and RA and vaccination.

Unit five discusses ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis in detail including aetiology, symptoms, investigations, tests to assist with diagnosis, differential diagnoses and management information.

Unexplained symptoms: Symptoms with no firm diagnosis

The aim of this course is to consider patients who have symptoms where it is difficult to make a firm diagnosis, but who still need care, support and in some instances, symptomatic treatment. Content commences with the challenges facing a practitioner when dealing with these patients. These patient presentations are common and symptoms are variable. Information is provided in how to manage these patients including cultural factors, common symptoms, syndromes, the patient perspective and diagnoses. Information on electromagnetic hypersensitivity is detailed.

A patient centred approach aims to combine evidence based diagnosis and treatment with what patients experience. Six components of patient centred care are outlined. Treatment should aim to establish an effective physician-patient relationship, help develop strategies for coping and encourage patients to lead a normal work/social life. History, examinations, investigations and self help strategies are discussed. Unit five discusses three patient cases.

Nutrition for sport and musculoskeletal health

This course focuses on athletes and the role of sports nutrition to maximise health and performance. Understanding athletes and their goals will lead to developing and maintaining practical strategies. Investigations and screening options are included to provide tools for use in clinical practice. Key information on energy intake and energy balance, body composition, when to consume carbohydrates, high fat diets and protein requirements are outlined. The roles of micro and macro nutrients, vitamins and minerals and superfoods are included. Hydration, replacing fluids and sport supplements including the AIS Sports Supplement Framework are covered. Case studies within the content demonstrate the practical application of information to specific cases.

Children's health: Sport and exercise

This course guides the practitioner to develop clinically appropriate management plans for children undertaking higher level sports participation. A focus of this course is the identification and management of apophyseal injuries. Topics discussed include high level sports participation and injury data, apophyseal injuries generally and then injuries and management of injuries to the hip, knee, ankle and foot. Appropriate identification of apophyseal injuries include investigation options, physical examinations and imaging choices. Severs disease is discussed in detail. Anatomical images are used to demonstrate common injury sites. Clinical management with reference to the AMSC Joint Position Statement and online tools assist with developing management plans. Course information on how to minimise growth disturbance from sport participation, strength and conditioning techniques and injury prevention strategies are included.

GP cases: Managing the weekend sportsperson

This course informs the practitioner on managing ‘the weekend sportsperson’. People are advised to be active at all ages and to live a healthy lifestyle. The cost of sports injuries to the person and the health system are considerable. The flip side is that participation in physical activity saves the health system millions of dollars. Types of injuries are outlined including severity levels. Assessment of musculoskeletal injuries include history, symptoms, pain, mechanism of injury, visible symptoms, initial treatment and physical examinations. Imaging options are detailed including x-rays, ultrasound, MRI and CT scans. Prevention strategies and techniques are discussed across all ages. Diagnosis, pain relief, immediate post injury management and referral options are included. a comprehensive case study demonstrate the practical application of information to a specific case.

The role of Sports Team Doctor

This course provides a comprehensive guide to the varying aspects that relate to the role of the Team Doctor. Topics include the match day role, management and prevention of injuries (and illness) in the team, anti-doping and an update on concussion: management, prevention & long-term problems. Match day preparation includes emergency action planning, equipment, medicines, personnel, communication and availability of medical rooms. Guides are listed to manage the more common injuries on match day including joint and muscle injuries, the winded player, concussion, cuts and abrasions. Sport doping and the team doctor role in anti-doping education and strategies are featured. Content includes additional information relating to female athletes. The course concludes with possible mental health issues and screening tools.

High performance athletes and medicine

This course provides comprehensive information on managing common medications in high performance athletes including some medications specifically used in sport. A detailed application of medications in high performance athletes include the use of analgesics, NSAIDs, antibiotics, gastro-intestinal drugs and mental health medications. Course content includes supplements and guidelines for GPs relating to drugs and doping in sport. The course concludes with a unit on medications for night sedatives, diabetes mellitus, vitamin D and iron supplementation and corticosteroids in high performance sport.

Legal and illegal drugs in sport

This course looks at the multiple reasons why both legal and illegal drugs are used in sport. Performance-enhancing drugs are substances used to improve any form of activity performance in people. This form of drug abuse in sports is known as doping with the aim of increasing body mass and building muscle and capability. The highly recognised World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) classifications and definitions are discussed in detail. Sport Integrity Australia is the national anti-doping organization. Australia is a signatory to the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport and is required to implement anti-doping arrangements in accordance with the principles of the WADA Code (the Code). Sports Integrity Australia provides educational resources for athletes, parents, teachers, coaches and support personnel on anti-doping, match fixing, illicit drugs and ethical decision making. The ultimate responsibility for using illegal drugs remains with the athlete.

Dr Huddy Fuller
MBBS

General practitioner

A native Queenslander, Dr Huddy Fuller graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2012, and spent his hospital years in Launceston then Hervey Bay. He went on to complete GP Fellowship in NSW, choosing general practice because he believes it is the most important medical speciality for the betterment of people’s lives.

Dr Fuller has a background as an exercise physiologist and enjoys bringing this knowledge to general practice. He is experienced in skin cancer screening and management, musculoskeletal medicine, and chronic disease management especially type 2 diabetes. Dr Fuller focuses on an education and shared decision making approach to general practice.

He is heavily involved in the team sport Ultimate Frisbee.

Dr Joe Kosterich
MBBS

Doctor, speaker, author, media presenter and health industry consultant

Dr Joe Kosterich is a doctor, speaker, author, media presenter and health industry consultant. Wanting you to be healthy and get the most out of life, Dr Kosterich writes for numerous medical and mainstream publications and is a regular on radio and television. He is often called to give opinions in medico legal cases, is clinical editor of Medical Forum Magazine, adjunct professor (teaching) at UWA and a lecturer at Curtin Medical School. Medical Advisor to Medicinal Cannabis company Little Green Pharma and Chairman of Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association, Dr Kosterich has self-published two books: Dr Joe’s DIY Health and 60 Minutes To Better Health, and maintains a website and blog with health information and commentary. Previously he held senior positions in the Australian Medical Association and sat on numerous industry and government boards. He has extensive corporate experience in the setting up and management of medical centres and in helping businesses maintain a healthy workforce. Through all this he continues to see patients as a GP each week.

Dr Alice Lam
MBChB, FRACGP

General practitioner

Dr Alice Lam is a general practitioner passionate about evidence-based medicine and education for medical professionals and their patients. She has over 23 years of medical experience in Australia and overseas. Dr Lam graduated from the University of Manchester, UK and practised both as a locum and partner. Since 2008, she has worked as a GP in Melbourne, Australia. Her other interests include digital health, health writing and education for health professionals and patients.

Dr David Pugh

Senior Lecturer, Exercise Physiology, School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales

Dr David Pugh is a Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology within the School of Sport and Health Sciences at Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales. His global research agenda focuses on how regular exercise and physical activity can effectively prevent and treat cardiovascular and metabolic diseases across the lifespan.

Mr Ronnie Bateman
BPhysio, BPodiatry, Masters Musculoskeletal Physio

Podiatrist & physiotherapist

Ronnie Bateman attained his professional qualifications from LaTrobe University, Melbourne. In 1995, he graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and returned to study a Bachelor of Podiatry and a Masters of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Mr Bateman has worked in several sectors including elite sport, aged care and disability, occupational, public health, and private practice.

As a clinician, he promotes treatment pragmatism, and concedes that there are exceptions to most supported clinical and research-based beliefs.

As a podiatrist, he enjoys the challenge of complex foot/ankle conditions, in addition to assisting more proximal pathologies (such as knee pain) by altering distal biomechanics. Podiatric interventions he adopts can include one or more of the following: shoe alterations, insole alterations, over-the-counter orthotics, hand-made insoles/orthotics, strapping, padding, and off-loading. He continues to make devices from casting to fitting where necessary.

As a physiotherapist, Mr Bateman will consider evidence-based research and “old-school” manual therapy options in an attempt to make maximum improvement in the shortest timeframe.

As a lower-limb musculoskeletal practitioner, he can apply top-down (physiotherapy based) and bottom-up (podiatry based) approaches.

Principles and philosophies supported include:

Mechanical problems have mechanical solutions.
Maximal healing occurs in an environment of minimal symptoms.
Rather than “no pain, no gain”, the preference is “more brain, less brawn”.
Like bread, chronic soft-tissue scar invariably does well with a knead.
“Trial and error” in musculoskeletal therapy is valuable if risks are understood and mitigated. Results-based therapy is about assessing, intervening with low-risk and re-assessing effect.
The positive effect of braces in the acute phase are generally underrated and are invariably dispensed with too soon.

Professional Diploma of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine

$1595

Meets the 50hr annual CPD requirement
100% online
Flexible start and completion time

ENROL NOW

HealthCert courses have become the standard by which you gauge all others.

Dr K. Abolarinwa

Good, courses with excellent speakers. I particularly enjoyed the case study scenarios which helped to integrate the knowledge gained.

Dr A. Tucker

This is the pathway to improve your confidence and evolve into the GP you aspire to be.

Dr S. Shinwari

RACGP Activity Number	ACRRM Activity Number	Activity Title	Education Hours	Performance Hours	Outcome Hours
788339	32771	Inflammatory arthritis	788339	32771	5.5	6	0
788419	32772	Unexplained symptoms: Symptoms with no firm diagnosis	788419	32772	5	6	0
788436	32773	Nutrition for sport and musculoskeletal health	788436	32773	4.5	6	0
788455	32774	Children's health: Sport and exercise	788455	32774	5	6	0
788466	32775	GP cases: Managing the weekend sportsperson	788466	32775	4.5	6	0
788470	32776	The role of Sports Team Doctor	788470	32776	4.5	6	0
788480	32777	Performance athletes and medicine	788480	32777	4.5	6	0
788486	32778	Legal and illegal drugs in sport	788486	32778	4.5	6	0
763902	32398	Clinical Audit of Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine: Arthritis	763902	32398	0	2	19.5
763923	32399	Clinical Audit of Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine: Sports Injuries	763923	32399	0	2	19.5
766233	32437	Professional Knowledge, Skills and Networking	766233	32437	6	0	0
		Total hours	44	52	39

RACGP Activity Number	ACRRM Activity Number	Activity Title	Education Hours	Performance Hours	Outcome Hours
448427	31143	Rheumatoid arthritis	448427	31143	4	6	0
448705	31147	Degenerative joint diseases	448705	31147	4.5	6	0
448438	31144	Neck injuries in sport	448438	31144	3.5	6	0
448711	31150	Low back pain	448711	31150	4	6	0
448717	31152	Recurrent musculoskeletal and sports injuries in men	448717	31152	5	6	0
448689	31145	GP Cases- Acute musculoskeletal and sports	448689	31145	5	6	0
448419	31142	Musculoskeletal Pain	448419	31142	4.5	6	0
448692	31146	Physical and Biomechanical assessment of lower limb and gait problems	448692	31146	7	6	0
802660	32987	Low back pain Outcome Improvement Activity	802660	32987	0	0	8.5
		Total hours	37.5	48	8.5

Entry requirements

The Professional Diploma of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine is for degree-qualified medical professionals who wish to learn how to improve patient outcomes, especially those patients with musculoskeletal conditions commonly seen in general practice.

This course is for physicians and degree-qualified medical professionals. Participants must have successfully completed the HealthCert Advanced Certificate of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine (or a qualification deemed equivalent). Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing English is assumed.

Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.

Recognised prior learning (RPL)

Professionally recognised qualifications and prior studies may be recognised for entry into this course if the learning outcomes match exactly. Please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience.

Certification

This certificate course meets the minimum 50 hours CPD annual requirement across all three mandatory CPD activity types.

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, participants will receive the Professional Diploma of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine, and CPD hours.

This certificate course:

Is quality-assured by Bond University.
Qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
Qualifies for CPD hours from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
Is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP).
Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses
endorsed by the RACGP. Points are calculated differently.
Is a self-submitted activity in Dubai. The number of CPD hours must be stated on the certificate. Please contact PLD@dhcr.gov.ae for more information.
Is a self-submitted activity in the UK. CPD events overseas, applicable to a doctor’s scope of practice, may be submitted for revalidation. Please confirm with your Responsible Officer.
Is a self-submitted activity in Canada through the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.
Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
Has been independently developed with subject experts and does not receive education grants from any pharmaceutical company.

To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas, please visit our FAQs.

Pathways

Professional Diploma Pathway

This course is the final stage of the three-part professional diploma pathway. The full pathway is Professional Certificate of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine, Advanced Certificate of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine, and Professional Diploma of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine.

Postgraduate Pathway

Graduates of the HealthCert Professional Diploma of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine qualify for a scholarship into the Master of Science: Sports & Exercise Medicine, or the Master of Science: Rheumatology. These are online courses from the UK designed for medical practitioners. Please contact our UK partner directly regarding these scholarships: https://www.diploma-msc.com/s/healthcert

What are the costs and payment options of the course?

Fees will vary based on the program and study option selected (fully online vs online + optional practical workshop). Payments can be made upfront or in monthly instalments. Special rates and various payment options are available. GP registrars and doctors in training enjoy a scholarship of up to $500. Talk to us to learn more.

What is the Alumni Support Program?

Completion of any HealthCert course or attendance at an event will enable you to access the HealthCert Alumni Program which includes:

Access to special alumni rates for new courses when they are released.
Special alumni price for HealthCert Conferences.
Exclusive advanced access to HealthCert events.
Regular Alumni Webinars pertaining to the course(s) you have attended. These will provide content review of the course and an opportunity to discuss case studies.
Access to the video lectures as seen during the course(s) that you have attended.

How will I receive my certificate?

HealthCert Education is pleased to issue digital credentials for alumni. Digital credentials are a permanent online record of your successful completion of a HealthCert course and are issued to all course participants in addition to PDF certificates. If you are based in Australia, you also have the option to order a hard copy of your digital certificate for a small additional fee.

How long will the course take to complete?

The recommended study duration of this certificate course is 107.5 hours, which includes study of the pre-course activities and readings, online lectures, live tutorials, and online assessment. This self-paced course offers the flexibility of 100% online study in your own time, at your own pace, in your own home or office, with no mandatory face-to-face requirements. You are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience.

Is this course recognised in my country?

All HealthCert courses meet World Federation of Medical Education standards. This certificate course qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in Australia. It is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) in New Zealand. It is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) in China. It is a self-submitted activity in Dubai and the United Kingdom. It is a self-submitted activity through the College of Family Physicians in Canada. If you live or work outside one of the above-mentioned countries, please contact us on admin@healthcert.com to discuss whether this course can be recognised in your country.