Physiotherapy Specialisation

7/30/2019 Physiotherapy Specialisation

1/22

Physiotherapy

SpecialisationGlenn Ruscoe

Specialist MusculoskeletalPhysiotherapist


2/22

What is Specialisation?

Clinical version of a PhD

Fellowship of the Australian Collegeof Physiotherapists

Also Fellowship by Monograph


3/22

What is a Specialist?

Attained the highest level ofexpertise in their particular field ofphysiotherapy via a rigorous training

and examination processContribute to the professional education

of colleagues

Actively engage in their own

professional developmentHas had involvement in research

activities


4/22

Why did I become a Specialist?

To learn all that I could


5/22

When did I decide to become a

Specialist?

1990

25th September

10.30amAPA (WA Branch) State Conference

Mulligans MWM and SNAGs


6/22

Australian College of

Physiotherapists

The body within the APA that isultimately responsible for

setting the standards and criteria forspecialisation, and

administering the clinical examinations

Only members of the College have

the right to use the words SpecialistPhysiotherapist


7/22

Types of Specialisation

Cardiorespiratory

Continence & Womens Health

Gerontology

Musculoskeletal

Neurology

Occupational health

Paediatrics

Sports


8/22

Specialisation Process

1. Graduate

2. Titling

3. Specialisation


9/22

1) Graduate

Physiotherapy qualification

Join APA

Join clinical interest group as a Level1 member

Undertake professional development

activities


10/22

2) Titling

a) Academic Pathway, or

b) Experiential Pathway


11/22

a) Academic Pathway

Successful completion of anapproved Masters course

At least 2 years clinical experience inphysiotherapy, with evidence ofworking in the relevant field


12/22

b) Experiential Pathway

5 years clinical/practical experience,with evidence of a period of at least3 years in the relevant discipline

area.Evidence of having engaged in a

variety of programs of education toadvance their knowledge in therelevant field of physiotherapy

Written examination/Portfoliosubmission & Practical

Examination/Viva


13/22

3) Specialisation

Two-year training program whichincludes clinical experience andfacilitated clinical development to

attain an advanced level of clinicalpractice

Evidence of a commitment to

education and active participation ina research activity

Final clinical and oral examinations


14/22

Alternative Pathway

Clinical Doctorate

Final clinical and oral examinations


15/22

Specialisation and the Profession

Over 20 000 physiotherapists

Approximately 100 Specialists


16/22

Costs

Masters

Specialisation $12,000


17/22

Benefits

Self-actualization

Better treatment outcomes

Recognition of expertiseNew opportunities

Collegiate relationship

Reward


18/22

Specialisation and the Future

Registration

Differential insurance rates

Private Health Insurance

Third Party Insurance

Medicare recognition

Medical Specialist Referrals

Diagnostic Imaging, eg, NR type X-rays,CT, Ultrasound, MRI


19/22

What is Fellowship? - President

As a qualification conferred upon therecipient following detailed peerassessment it represents the pinnacle ofachievement.

It means the Fellow has sought andattained, through experience andeducation, the highest level of expertise.

As such it is something of which to be dulyproud, an enormous achievement andsignificant career milestone.


20/22


With Fellowship comes responsibility. As recognised leaders in our respective

fields it is incumbent upon all Fellows toembrace this responsibility.

Fellows have an obligation as leaders tolead the profession, to take on leadershiproles, to help advance physiotherapy usingthought leadership, skills and experience

through education for the greater benefit. Others naturally look to leaders for

example and guidance.


21/22


The pendulum of the Fellows role inprofessional development swingstowards that of educator rather than

student.While Fellowship may represent the

beginning of a career as a leader, abalance is required between this andcontinued pursuit of individualprofessional development.


22/22


Attainment of Fellowship bynecessity must be accompanied by amature attitudinal shift away from

the expectation of receipt andtowards one of responsibility andproactive leadership.

Then, and with perseverance, will thebenefits become apparent andabundant.

Documents

Physiotherapy Specialisation