FSEM MSK Diploma study plan

Map the major regional musculoskeletal assessment sequences for shoulder, hip, knee, and spine, listing the key history elements and physical tests for each region.

Derive a concise differential-diagnosis framework that separates articular, periarticular, neurological, and referred pain patterns.

Practise three focused examination routines on a peer or mannequin and record which manoeuvres change your pre-test probability.

Write five self-contained case vignettes that require selecting and interpreting examination findings without relying on images.

Compare the diagnostic accuracy of common special tests by extracting sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios from primary studies.

Construct a red-flag screening checklist for spinal, joint, and soft-tissue presentations and apply it to 10 written scenarios.

Rehearse integrating imaging and laboratory findings into a provisional diagnosis, stating when each test is indicated or unhelpful.

Generate a one-page uncertainty log that records ambiguous diagnostic decisions and the evidence needed to resolve them.

Build a phased rehabilitation plan for a post-operative knee case, specifying load progression, range-of-motion targets, and criteria for advancing.

Design a progressive tendon-loading programme for a lower-limb tendinopathy using pain-monitoring rules and objective strength endpoints.

Select and justify outcome measures for function, pain, and participation, ensuring each measure has a stated recall period and scoring method.

Demonstrate two motor-control retraining exercises and document coaching cues, common errors, and regression options.

Appraise three clinical practice guidelines on musculoskeletal rehabilitation and extract recommendations that are strong, conditional, or consensus-based.

Construct a shared decision-making script that presents benefits, harms, and alternatives for a common musculoskeletal intervention.

Audit your week-3 protocol against guideline recommendations and revise any unsupported components.

Draft a measurable self-management plan that a patient could follow independently for four weeks.

Differentiate inflammatory, mechanical, and central sensitisation pain patterns using history, examination, and laboratory features in 8 written cases.

Explain the biopsychosocial model to a simulated patient in plain language, avoiding reassurance that contradicts the evidence.

Construct a graded activity and pacing plan for a patient with persistent low back pain and high fear-avoidance.

Identify when to escalate suspected inflammatory arthritis for urgent rheumatology assessment and state the supporting features.

Apply pre-participation screening principles to three recreational athletes with different risk profiles, documenting clearance or modification decisions.

Design a progressive return-to-sport pathway after hamstring strain, including strength, speed, and sport-specific criteria.

Prescribe exercise for a sedentary adult with cardiometabolic risk, applying frequency, intensity, time, type, and progression principles.

Evaluate the evidence for load management in adolescent sport and state two practice implications.

Formulate a focused clinical question and search strategy for a musculoskeletal uncertainty, recording databases, terms, and inclusion criteria.

Appraise one systematic review and one randomised trial for risk of bias using explicit domain-based criteria.

Translate the appraisal into a one-paragraph evidence summary that states applicability, limitations, and a practice recommendation.

Draft a reflective note on how you would manage a conflict between patient preference and guideline recommendation.

Integrate assessment, rehabilitation, and professional-practice reasoning in six timed, self-contained case vignettes.

Re-test the week-1 assessment matrix and correct any diagnostic gaps identified by the case vignettes.

Rehearse concise verbal handovers that state diagnosis, uncertainty, management plan, and review criteria.

Produce a personal revision schedule for the next 12 weeks targeting the two weakest domains identified by your scores.