Admission and Unit Information - Master of Podiatric Medicine

This is the first unit to introduce Master's entry students to some basic theoretical and practical components related to podiatric practice with an emphasis on clinical competencies in patient communication and management that will be reinforced in the one week clinical placement in either a private practice or public sector setting. In addition, a clinical component will introduce students to skills required to treat basic skin conditions and evaluate the functional anatomy, gait and cursory examination as well as communication skills which are necessary components for the Podiatric Practice clinical units. Furthermore, general clinical treatment techniques will be covered such as chair side devices, strapping and removable pads to more complex skills such as the manufacture of non-cast orthotic devices will be covered.

This unit will introduce students to clinical (practical hands on) and theoretical foundations of human biomechanics of the foot and lower extremity and the mechanics, diagnosis and treatment of pathological conditions. The unit consists of coordinated lectures and practical components to cover the introductory theory of gait analysis, relevant physical examinations (joint, muscle testing to therapeutic options), diagnosing conditions such as shin pain, foot pain (plantar fasciitis, heel spur syndrome or digital deformities) and related treatment options.

This unit will introduce students to clinical and theoretical foundations of the musculoskeletal system conditions that will impact on the function of the lower extremity. Disease processes that affect the joint structure such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, arthropathies, gout, osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, systematic disorders and tumours will be covered. Advanced assessment evaluation will be taught that will include diagnostic techniques, eg. x-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and computer tomography. This will assist in the application and clinical interpretation of presenting disease processes in podiatric settings.

This unit will introduce students to the first clinical unit in the series of 4 where students will demonstrate basic competencies in patient assessment, communication and management skills. The student will also be introduced to basic skills in mechanical therapy as part of the clinical therapies unit. In this unit students will participate in clinics as informed and guided observers, and will commence elementary assessment and diagnostic skills. The activities will be divided into four areas: new patient clinics, clinical tutorials, clinical therapies and a one-week external clinical placement at the end of semester.

This unit will introduce students to local anaesthesia, the theory of surgical procedures and the practice of skin and nail surgical techniques. As such, this unit allows students to assess patients suitability for administration of local anaesthesia; understand procedures involved in obtaining voluntary consent, appreciate, reasonably predict and describe the possible adverse effects of administering local anaesthesia. Surgery will focus the medico-legal requirements, principles of theatre protocol, peri-operative and post surgical management of the patient and nail and skin surgery, in preparation for student undertaking surgery during Podiatric Practice 3 and 4.

This unit will introduce students to the principles of pharmacology in podiatry and further develop the understanding of drug prescription issues, with particular focus on drugs of importance to podiatry patients, drug interactions and poly pharmacological issues.

In this unit, students incorporate previous research and biostatistics knowledge to develop new skills for using evidence to inform all aspects of their professional practice. Evidence-based practice uses an enquiry led approach to manage expanding and uncertain knowledge by formulating answerable questions, effectively searching literature, critically appraising evidence validity and results, and to assess its significance in clinical practice and healthcare decision-making.

This unit will further develop students assessment skills encouraging the student to make the appropriate selection of techniques (biomechanical assessments) and to introduce the student to the diagnosis and management of a variety of simple foot pathologies. In this unit, the second of the four clinical practice units, students will participate in assessments of patients under supervision and continue with the management of foot pathologies. Clincial activities will be divided into five areas: General Medicine Clinic, Biomechanical Assessment Clinical, Tutorial, Clinical Therapies and External Clinical Placement.

This unit will introduce students to clinical and theoretical foundations of biomechanical alignment, trauma, psychological and behavioural factors leading to pain and restricted function of the foot and lower extremity affecting daily living activities. Particular focus will be placed on the mechanics, diagnosis and treatment options of problems experienced in special populations or different age groups in normal daily activities or the sporting arena. Furthermore, this integration will enhance the previously taught assessment and diagnostic techniques in the development of appropriate management and treatment programs of the lower extremity in different populations.

This unit will introduce students to clinical and theoretical foundations of dermatology including the function and structure of the skin, assessment, diagnosis, aetiological factors and the management of disorders of the skin, with particular emphasis on common foot conditions.

This unit will introduce students to clinical (practical hands on) and theoretical foundations of the management of the high risk foot. The unit consists of coordinated lectures and practical components to cover the overview of systemic conditions covered in pathophysiology and will explore the management of the foot and lower extremity manifestations associated with vascular, endocrine, neurological and immunosuppression. Particular emphasis will be placed on the foot at risk and podiatry assessment, diagnosis and management in context of a health profession team management approach. Diagnostic assessment techniques, both clinical and laboratory based will be covered. Infection control, wound classification and wound care management will be discussed in detail.

This unit will further develop students assessment skills encouraging the student to make the appropriate selection of assessment techniques to diagnose, treat and provide long term health outcomes. In this unit, the third of the four clinical practice units, students will continue to participate in clinical activities under supervision to manage foot pathologies with increased scope of treating special population groups. Clincial activities will be divided into four areas: Clinic-general, biomechanical and surgical assessments, Tutorial, Clinical Therapies and External Clinical Placement.

This unit will introduce students to the principles of professional development and appropriate requirements to function as a registered podiatrist. As podiatrists may work as a primary provider, as part of a multidisciplinary team, in the public or private health care setting, they require extensive knowledge of many aspects of the management of a practice or business. During a one week conference, students will be introduced to a gumut of principles specific to professional, ethical and legal issues associated with working as a podiatrist and practice and workplace administrative policies and procedures.

This unit will further develop students assessment skills encouraging the student to make the appropriate selection of assessment techniques to diagnose, treat and provide long term health outcomes especially in the public / community based patients. In this clinical unit, students will continue to participate in clinical activities under supervision in public sector placements to manage foot pathologies with increased scope of treating special populations (the high risk foot). Supporting workshop activities will be divided into two areas: Lecture / tutorial format to prepare the student for the block placement and a final feedback session at the end of the placement.

This unit will further develop students assessment skills encouraging the student to make the appropriate selection of assessment techniques to diagnose, treat and provide long term health outcomes. In this final clinical unit, students will continue to participate in clinical activities under supervision in both the Uniclinic and public sector placements to manage foot pathologies with increased scope of treating special population groups. Clincial activities will be divided into four areas: Clinic-general, biomechanical and surgical assessments, Tutorial, Clinical Therapies and External Clinical Placement.