Graduate Certificate in Medical Acupuncture

This course is designed for registered general practitioners who wish to gain an understanding of the history and philosophy of acupuncture, and to see clearly its interlocking role in modern medical care. The knowledge and skills gained from the course, in addition to the practical guidance provided, should enable general practitioners to practice medical acupuncture with confidence with their own patients in appropriate clinical conditions. They will acquire the skills to address the facets of illness which are important in an acupuncture diagnosis and be able to begin practising medical acupuncture with confidence on their own patients in appropriate clinical conditions. Non-pharmacological pain management strategies are also covered. The program is supported by the Australian Medical Acupuncture College. The four core units cover history and philosophy, channels and points in acupuncture, physiology and assessment of pain, acupuncture techniques and therapeutics and clinical practice. On completion of the course, students should be able to: • understand the history and philosophy of acupuncture • demonstrate an understanding of its interlocking role in modern medical care • explain the mechanisms of action of acupuncture in scientific terms • demonstrate how to include a diagnosis relevant for acupuncture treatment within the standard western medicine model of care • utilise medical acupuncture safely and confidently as in integral part of medical care in general practice • develop non-pharmacological pain management strategies and promote self appraisal of drug prescribing and referral patterns for patients with pain • use and appraise validated outcome measurements following acupuncture treatment, and audit results to improve individual clinical practice
Minimum entrance requirements Applicants must have a minimum of two years postgraduate experience and be currently registered by the medical board in their respective state, or have a qualification which is eligible to be registered in a state of the commonwealth. Preference will be given to applicants who are currently employed and have been in active general practice for a minimum period of two years. Special application requirements Statement outlining number of years working as a GP