OSTEOPATHY

OSTEOPATHY Bachelor of Science (Clinical Science) Masters of Health Science (Osteopathy) VU is one of only three universities in Australia that offer niche program of Osteopathy • Five year double degree • Low student attrition rate • High student satisfaction with teaching • Specialised & experienced staff • Emphasis on evidence-informed practice • Leading to AHPRA registration

What is an Osteopath? • Primary care health professionals

– Trained to assess people who have medical conditions

– Registered practitioners

• Commonly treat patients with – Spinal pain – Headaches – Arm & leg pain – Sports & work injuries – General health complaints

What makes Osteopathy different?

Holistic approach

“Structure & function are inter-related” Look for the causes of current problem (postural, biomechanical, environmental, occupational, social, psychological)

A Brief History of Osteopathy

• Osteopathy is one of the oldest manual therapy professions

• Andrew Taylor Still, American Civil war surgeon

• First school in 1892

• Osteopathy now practiced widely in the USA (Osteopathic Physicians), UK and Europe

Students learn a wide variety of hands-on techniques and approaches

Soft Tissue Techniques

Joint Articulation

Students learn a wide variety of hands-on techniques and approaches

‘Muscle Energy Technique’ Using controlled resisted muscle effort

Students learn a wide variety of hands-on techniques and approaches

Spinal Manipulation Gentle manipulation to improve joint mobility and pain

Students learn a wide variety of hands-on techniques and approaches

Prescribe and manage exercise programs Advise on home & workplace ergonomics Provide nutritional and lifestyle advice Promote healthy living And more ...

Students learn a wide variety of hands-on techniques and approaches

How is the Osteopathy Course @ VU organised?

Five-Year Program

Three-Year Bachelor Degree

Two-Year Masters Degree

+

Both are required for registration as an osteopath

Year 1 Students – transition support

• Orientation Week activities

• Peer Mentoring support groups

• One on one meetings with subject coordinators

• Ongoing social activities

Bachelor Degree content – the first three years

Clinical Sciences • Osteopathic Science • Clinical Diagnosis & Management • Clinical Practicum Basic & Medical Sciences • Anatomy • Biochemistry • Physiology • Pathology • Biomechanics • Psychology & Social Sciences

Bachelor Degree content – the first three years

• Small class sizes for individual attention • Multiple qualified staff for assistance in practical

subjects

Learn human anatomy in state-of-the-art Anatomy laboratory wet lab

Dissection of cadavers allows a truly 3-dimensional appreciation of anatomy

Expert clinical and manual technique instruction throughout the 5 year program

Clinical Teaching Expertise – Osteopathic Medicine

Experienced, registered & practicing Osteopath staff members teach osteopathic technique and management

Dr Brett Vaughan

Dr Edwina Ryan Dr Kylie Fitzgerald

Dr Kate Blackmore Dr Della Butigieg Dr Chris MacFarlane Dr Denise Cornall

Dr Carla Kleverlaan A/Prof Gary Fryer

Bachelor Degree content – the first three years

3 years of Osteopathic Manual Skills classes

• Medical Examination techniques

• Disease Processes (Pathology) • Psychology

Bachelor Degree content – the first three years

Clinical Teaching Expertise – Osteopathic Medicine

Staff Medical Practitioners teach medical sciences, diagnosis &

management

Dr Annie Carter MB,BS, Grad Dip Occ Health,

Grad Dip Tert Ed, MA

Dr Jim Kiatos MB,BS, ND

Dr Maja Husaric MB,BS

Staff expertise in specialist fields, such as Biomechanics

& Psychology

Dr Patrick McLaughlin PhD Biomechanics & Research

Dr Jane Mulcahy PhD Clinical Psychology

Clinical Training in VU teaching clinics for osteopathy students from Year 3 – Year 5 to consolidate skills needed for clinical practice

Masters Degree content – the final two years

• Clinical Support & Peer discussion groups • Two years of Advanced Osteopathic Skills classes • Problem based learning for deeper understanding, problem

solving and critical reflection

• Diagnostic Imaging • Pharmacology

• Nutrition • Ergonomics

Masters Degree content – the final two years

Clinical Training Learning in the Workplace and Community (LiWC)

• Public access College clinics at City & St Albans campuses • Year 4 & 5 treat patients under qualified osteopathic supervision • Specialist Paediatric clinic • Growing emphasis on Inter-Professional Practice

VU is a world leader in osteopathic research • learn research methods, learn to critique and interpret relevant

research, and have direct involvement in a research project

Masters Degree content – the final two years

Research by our staff and students has been presented at international conferences and published in international

journals

Masters Degree content – the final two years

Research Expertise – Osteopathic Medicine

Assoc. Prof. Gary Fryer PhD, BSc(Osteo), ND Discipline Leader, Osteopathic Studies • Over 40 articles in peer-reviewed

journals, many book chapters Areas of expertise • Osteopathic manipulative treatment • Evidence-based practice • Neurophysiological measures

Dr Patrick McLaughlin BAppSci, MAppSci, PhD Senior lecturer • Strong links with industry groups,

using these contacts to generate research projects and learning opportunities for VU students

Areas of expertise • Biomechanics • Data analysis • Pressure measurement • Technique analysis

Dr Brett Vaughan Lecturer, Clinic Coordinator Areas of expertise • Osteopathic manipulative

treatment • Clinical education • Manual therapy education • Musculoskeletal injury

rehabilitation

As well as other staff in the Discipline …

Student Placements – UK, USA, Europe

Senior student short-term clinical placements with international osteopathic colleges

• British School of Osteopathy, London

• Oxford Brookes University, Oxford

• European School of Osteopathy, Kent

• Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pennsylvania

• Norge College of Osteopathy, Oslo

• And more…

The Social Side: Student Osteopathic Medicine Association

• SOMA organise discount/free academic events/seminars for students • Organise social events for all osteopathic students • Osteopathic students are a supportive, cohesive group

Student Osteopathic Medicine Association

• Two Annual Balls • First Year Three-day Orientation Camp • Regular social events throughout semester

Are Osteopaths Registered Practitioners?

• Yes! • Osteopaths Registration Board (AHPRA) • Recognition by third party payers & health

insurance

• Must complete all five years of the program (Bachelor + Masters) to be eligible for registration

Where can Osteopaths work?

Registered Osteopath

Private Practice – for yourself

Academic Opportunities

Government & Private Sector Employment

Private Practice – for others

Ergonomic Consulting

Registered in Australia & NZ; eligible to practice in UK & Europe

Where is the Osteopathy course @ VU located?

• City Flinders campus, in the heart of the CBD

• In the first three years, at least one day per week at St Albans for anatomy labs

How do I Apply for Osteopathy?

ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY THROUGH VTAC

www.vtac.edu.au

Exceptions • Current VU students (Internal Application) • International students • Direct applications

Year 12 Applicants

• ATAR of 85 or better – Varies year to year (80 in 2014)

• Subject pre-requisites (VCE 3 &4)

– English – One of Chemistry or Biology – Either Physics or any Mathematics

Non Year 12 Applicants

Based largely on previous academic performance

– Grade Point Average (GPA)

• GPA ≥5.5 (out of 7)

– ATAR will also be considered

– Personal information (PI) form

– Year 12 prerequisite studies still apply

What if I haven’t done….

• Chemistry or Biology? • Mathematics or Physics?

– Foundations Studies @ VU offer some courses – Open Learning Chemistry, 80 hours, web-based

courses – Unilearn – TAFE / university – Needs to be completed before offer can be

made

What if I haven’t done….

Well enough in year 12?

– Do other University study (such as SBBS Biomedical Sciences)

– Do as well as possible – Area of study is less important than academic

success

→ aim HIGH to increase GPA

OSTEOPATHY