Course description
This course introduces foundational principles that underpin effective clinical reasoning in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, with a focus on applicability across patient presentations, practice settings, and experience levels.
Participants engage in an 8-week, structured online learning experience that integrates weekly self-paced modules with embedded 1:1 and group mentorship, live discussion, and applied case-based learning.
Key components include:
Clinical reasoning as a core professional skill:
Understanding clinical reasoning as the foundation of effective and individualized care, intentionally developed and refined over time.
Organizing clinical thinking:
A structured framework to support working hypothesis generation, prioritization of clinical information, and decision-making throughout assessment and treatment.
Asking better clinical questions:
How purposeful questioning guides examination choices, supports differential reasoning, and informs treatment planning.
Cognitive bias and uncertainty in practice:
Identifying common sources of bias and developing strategies to manage uncertainty and complexity in real-world clinical scenarios.
Integrating evidence and context:
Applying research evidence alongside patient values, goals, and contextual factors without compromising clinical efficiency.
Case-based application through mentorship:
Structured group mentorship sessions and individual 1:1 mentorship provide opportunities for collaborative case discussion, peer learning, and direct application of course concepts to real clinical scenarios.
The course emphasizes reflection, discussion, and practical application, supported by weekly modules, full-text literature access, live virtual Q&A sessions, a community discussion forum, and direct access to mentors throughout the program.
Mentorship is provided by Canadian-trained FCAMPT physiotherapists who are registered mentors with the Orthopaedic Division of the CPA. Participation may count toward direct mentorship hours required by advanced MSK programs.
Details
Format: Online, 8-week structured mentorship-based program
Instructors:
Meghan Curle
MClSc(MT), MPT, FCAMPT, CAFCI, CGIMS
Lead Instructor + Mentor
Kerri-Ann Swartz
MPT, BKin, FCAMPT, CGIMS
Instructor + Mentor
Mentorship Model:
Weekly live group mentorship and case discussions
Built-in 1:1 mentorship sessions
Ongoing access to mentors throughout the program
Course Structure:
Weekly self-paced learning modules
Live virtual Q&A sessions (1 hour weekly)
Community discussion forum and resource library
Dates: Spring 2026: 27 March – 22 May 2026 – Register before February 20*
*Enrollment is limited to 20 participants
Time Commitment: Approximately 3-5 hours per week (self-paced learning + live sessions)
Who this is for? Physiotherapists practicing in musculoskeletal care across diverse settings, including early- and mid-career clinicians seeking to strengthen clinical reasoning and decision-making
Eligible Mentorship Hours: Mentorship sessions are provided by Canadian-trained FCAMPT physiotherapists registered with the Orthopaedic Division of CPA and may count toward direct mentorship hours required for Advanced MSK programs.
