MEDIC ST 7402HO - Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine

Teaching Hospitals - Semester 1 - 2025

Students build their knowledge and skills base in Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine through experiential learning opportunities and organised teaching sessions. To experience a variety of care paradigms and a range of patient presentations students undertake placements in both in-patient and out-patient settings, including hospital wards and rehabilitation clinics, with teams working in the relevant disciplines. Placements (typically 8 weeks surgery; 6 weeks orthopaedics and rheumatology; 2 weeks introduction to scholarship, and domain teaching) allow students to build collegial relationships with teams of health care professionals and to observe and participate in a range of clinical activities including operating theatres, recovery wards and specialised out-patient clinics. Throughout the course students will participate in teaching sessions and engage with resources that cover topics in general surgery, orthopaedics, rheumatology and pain management (acute, chronic and post-operative). Students participate in a variety of formats including online learning, simulation, work integrated learning and workshops. Assessment will comprise a mix of written assignments, oral presentations, clinical placement assessments, multiple choice question test and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).

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Course Details

Course Code	MEDIC ST 7402HO
Course	Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine
Coordinating Unit	Medical Studies
Term	Semester 1
Level	Postgraduate Coursework
Location/s	Teaching Hospitals
Units	12
Contact	37 hours
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	N
Prerequisites	MEDIC ST 3501, MEDIC ST 3052 and MEDIC ST 3503 OR MEDIC ST 3000BHO
Restrictions	Available only to Doctor of Medicine students and MBBS students
Assessment	In rotation assessment, MCQ & OSCE.

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Adrian Anthony

To contact the Course Coordinator please email: medicst7402@adelaide.edu.au

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

1	Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the impact of pathological, environmental and psychosocial processes on surgery and musculoskeletal medicine presentations.
2	Demonstrate skills in patient-centred history taking, physical examination and mental state assessment in the context of surgery and musculoskeletal medicine.
3	Formulate differential diagnoses for individual patients in the context of surgery and musculoskeletal medicine.
4	Explain the value, strengths and limitations of key investigations for patients, including the appropriate sequence, timing and application of results to confirm or refute diagnostic hypotheses in the context of patients in surgery and musculoskeletal medicine.
5	Demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based treatments and patient management skills, and the use of screening and risk assessments for important and commonly seen conditions in surgery and musculoskeletal medicine.
6	Demonstrate safe prescribing skills for a limited range of health conditions in patients, in surgery, orthopaedics and rheumatology, and in relation to acute, chronic and post-operative pain management for patients.
7	Perform simple therapeutic interventions and procedures within the scope of practice that are relevant relevant to surgery and musculoskeletal medicine.
8	Present clear and concise written and oral clinical case presentations in a variety of contexts.
9	Display ethical and professional behaviours including integrity, compassion, self-awareness, empathy, discretion and respect for all in interactions with patients, relatives, colleagues and staff.
10	Describe/demonstrate a systems approach to improving quality and safety in healthcare in the context of surgery and musculoskeletal medicine.
11	Apply health advocacy skills to a healthcare issue relevant to patients and communities in the context of surgery and musculoskeletal medicine.
12	Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical dimensions of medical practice presented by biotechnology and digital innovation in healthcare in the context of surgery and musculoskeletal medicine.
13	Communicate effectively with patients, their families and carers and other healthcare professionals regarding the options and implications of ethical issues related to patient care.
14	Demonstrate a beginning understanding of the roles Research, Audit and Quality, Medical Education and Innovation and Entrepreneurship can play in Medical Scholarship.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10.
Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.	3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12.
Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.	2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.
Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.	2, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.
Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.	1, 2, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13.
Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.	1, 2 13.
Attribute 7: Digital capabilities Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.	10, 12, 14.
Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.	2, 8, 9, 11, 12.

Learning Resources

Required Resources

All students should factor in the cost of their own laptop device. Required learning resources and readings will
be provided on-line via the learning management system (MyUni). There are no prescribed textbooks, but
students will need to access various online resources.

Recommended Resources

Digital resources will be provided through MyUni. Recommended and prescribed readings will include peerreviewed
articles which can be accessed via the MyUni Course Readings tool and/or via the University library
website pages. Students will submit written assignments via a Turnitin digital submission portal which can be
accessed through learning management system (MyUni).

Online Learning

The learning management system (MyUni) will be used as a digital platform to:
- host online teaching activities, resources including supporting documents, videos, and external web-links.
- help students navigate learning pathways through the course.
- communicate course and program related announcements to students.
- promote student discussion and communication via Discussion Boards.
- enable students to access and complete formative and summative quizzes and submit assignments.
These resources will be released at appropriate time points during the semester and available for the duration
of the course.
Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

Experiential learning is the predominant learning approach used in this course. Experiential learning activities
include observation of, and participation in, surgical and clinical teams. Students will have opportunity to
observe and participate within health care teams in both in-patient and out-patient settings. Placements over
the 20-week semester (8 weeks surgery; 6 weeks orthopaedics and rheumatology; 2 weeks introduction to
scholarship, and domain teaching). In addition, there is a three week period at the beginning of the semester
where students are provided with general classroom-based learning opportunities and the final week of
semester concentrates on assessment activities.Students’ clinical performance will be observed, and they will
be required to prepare and deliver case presentations in both oral and written formats.

Learning resources and activities will include online modules (incorporating videos and various written
resources) and participation in tutorials, anatomy practicals, workshops and simulations. These are designed to
reinforce key concepts and important professional and clinical skills relating to surgery, orthopaedics,
rheumatology, pharmacotherapeutics and pain management.

By engaging with the research literature - for example, to investigate the rationale for current best practice -
students will have opportunity to further develop research and academic literacy skills introduced in the
preceding Bachelor of Medical Studies program.

Students will also be required to reflect on their experiences during placements and their participation in the
formal learning activities.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

Workload for the individual students will vary from week to week but students can assume that on average they will work a 48 hour week which will include clinic sessions, seminars, workshops, tutorials and private study but does not include after hours call.

Learning Activities Summary

Tutorials (face to face)
Workshops (face to face)
Clinical Work-Integrated Learning (including placements) (face to face)

Specific Course Requirements

All students must comply with the clinical placement requirements as outlined on the Faculty of Health and
Medical Sciences website and the incidental fee schedule (e.g. criminal history check, police clearances,
immunisations). All students must be registered with AHPRA.

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Task Type	Hurdle Requirement	Learning Outcome
Clinical placement supervisor reports	Summative	Yes	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13
Clinical Logbook Assessment	Summative	Yes	2, 7, 11
Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs)	Summative	Yes	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13
Surgical Case Study	Summative	Yes	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 13
*Week 3 Knowledge test	Summative	Yes*	1, 3, 4, 5
MSK clinical examination and workshop assessments	Summative	Yes	7, 9
MSK case presentations	Summative	Yes	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 13
Advocacy Project	Summative	Yes	11
MSK Knowledge Quiz	Formative	Yes**	1, 3, 4, 5
Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Workshop Assessments	Summative	Yes	12
*Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE)	Summative	Yes*	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9
*End of Course MCQ Test	Summative	Yes*	1, 3, 4, 5
Assessment of Professional behaviours including completion of online module	Summative	Yes	9, 12, 13
Completion of Good Clinical Practice Module	Summative	Yes	14

*To pass the semester, a student must pass the hurdle of the combined score in the Week 3 Knowledge test, End
of Course MCQ Test and OSCE exam. See assessment-related requirements for further explanation.
** Participation in MSK Knowledge Quiz is a hurdle task.

Assessment Related Requirements

Students must have access to a personal electronic device capable of running all required assessment software applications and maintaining a minimum of 3 hours of battery operation. Students are responsible for ensuring devices are fully charged prior to assessments.

To successfully complete this course students must demonstrate competence in three distinct domains of
assessment. Each comprises a “hurdle” assessment for progression:

Rotation Assessment Students will be assessed via a variety of methods. These will include placement
attendance, logbook completion, workplace-based assessments (Entrustable Professional Activities, ward
supervisor reports, assessment of clinical skills), case reports and case presentations. Students will need to
demonstrate overall competence in each of these activities. Any behaviours of concern noted by AMS tutors,
staff or ward supervisors will be disclosed to the course coordinator and managed according to the notification
of behaviours of concern process (refer to Assessment of Professional Behaviour in the Doctor of Medicine).
Students will be provided with the opportunity to remediate tasks, where appropriate.

Course Assessment Students will be required to successfully complete knowledge- and performance-based
assessment of their ability to apply knowledge of key concepts in Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine
across all Domains (Clinical Practice, Professionalism & Leadership, Health & Society, and Science &
Scholarship). The knowledge tests will be in the form of MCQ tests, where the performance-based test will be
in an OSCE format. The Knowledge test component and the OSCE will be weighted equally, with 20% of the
Knowledge test component coming from the Week 3 Knowledge test, and 80% from the End of Course MCQ
test. Satisfactory performance across both components (a standard set score of at least 50), and within each
component (a standard set score of at least 45) is necessary for satisfactory progression.

Domain-based Assessment Students will need to demonstrate competence in assessments related to
specific Domain-based assignments and assessment in the course. These may be comprised of assessments
of professional behaviour, assignments or presentations.

Students will be provided with opportunities for additional assessments, where appropriate, in each of the
assessment domains.

Assessment Detail

Clinical placement supervisor reports - These comprise allocation of scores for performance in the 3
domains (Professionalism and Leadership; Clinical Practice; Science and Scholarship); and a global
assessment component incorporating assessment of a clinical logbook. Reports will be submitted for each of
the placement blocks (2 reports during 8 weeks Surgery; 1 report for 6 weeks Musculoskeletal Medicine inpatient
& out-patient settings.

Logbook of Health Encounters – the logbook is kept across all placements and documents health encounters
with patients, families and other health professionals.

Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) (2 x clinical cases) – EPAs are opportunities to
receive feedback about important clinical tasks. Students will present two clinical case EPAs looking at their
ability to conduct a clinical assessment of a patient.

Surgical Case study – Students work collaboratively in assigned small groups to complete a written case
study of up to 1500 words with a 250-word clinical scenario and to develop three accompanying multiple choice
questions.

MSK workshop assessments – Students are assessed during workshops on clinical examination, plastering,
injection, aspiration and anatomy.

MSK case presentations (2 x rotation) – Students are assessed on both a Sports Medicine case
presentation and a Rehabilitation case presentation during the MSK rotation. These are marked according to a
rubric, which builds on expected competencies from MEDIC ST 3501 and MEDIC ST 3502including evidencebased
management.

Advocacy Project - students will work on an advocacy project during the course based on the skills they learn
during a workshop. The advocacy project will be based on a situation, condition or issue they have
encountered during the clinical attachment.

Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Workshops Students will be exposed to emerging themes on the use of
Artificial Intelligence in Medicine to achieve an understanding of how AI can be used to aid clinical decision
making. Students will be assessed via their attendance and active engagement including their contribution to
an in-class debate.

Knowledge tests – Students will receive multiple opportunities to have their knowledge assessed. This will
include a test in week 3, at the end of the initial teaching block, and tests during the rotations. The purpose of
these tests is to provide students with opportunities to assess their acquisition of learning. The outcomes of
these tests will be combined with the results of the End of Course MCQ Test (see below) to make an overall
assessment of a student’s knowledge.

Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) – In the Objective Structured Clinical Exam students are
required to demonstrate competencies in history taking, examination, management (including prescribing skills)
and counselling for patients in the context of Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine. Students will be assessed
against a rubric of expected performance in professionalism, clinical practice and clinical reasoning. Students
must attain a satisfactory score (as determined by appropriate standard setting) in order to pass the course.

End of Course MCQ Test – This exam will assess knowledge of Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine as
well as all four domains (Professionalism and Leadership, Clinical Practice, Health and Society and Science
and Scholarship). Students must attain a satisfactory score (as determined by appropriate standard setting) in
order to pass the course.

Assessment of Profession Behaviours: Students will be required to comply with the expectations of
Professional Behaviours as set out in the document “Assessment of Professional Behaviour in the Doctor of
Medicine”. In addition, students will be required to complete an online module outlining the principles of the
Professional Behaviour prior to attending clinical placements.

Submission

e-submission, e-marking of assignments

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

GS8 (Coursework Grade Scheme)
Grade	Description
CN	Continuing
FNS	Fail No Submission
NFE	No Formal Examination
F	Fail
NGP	Non Graded Pass
P	Pass
C	Credit
D	Distinction
HD	High Distinction
RP	Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator