Master of Sports Medicine (MC-SPMED) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

Sports Medicine Theory & Practice

• Critically discuss principles and frameworks of professional and ethical practice in the sports health and exercise environment; integrating interdisciplinary practice models within own professional and ethical practice frameworks
• Construct an evolving "Sports Medicine Master" professional development portfolio; including critical appraisal of own Sports Medicine skillset and experience relative to relevant published National Standards and career goals*
• Critically evaluate and synthesise information from a complex body of knowledge in the provision of advice, injury management, rehabilitation and training interventions to athletes of all ages and abilities
• Critically integrate evidence in the provision of advice and promotion of safe physical activity participation in different sporting and population contexts
• Critically utilise technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse and theorise about developments that contribute to advancement of practice in diverse sports, health and exercise contexts
• Plan and manage independent learning and develop sustainable strategies for lifelong learning and reflective practice

Clinical Practice in Context

• Critically evaluate the scope of practice and expertise of other professionals, leading to appropriate referral, communication of information and a high standard of professional and ethical practice
• Design and implement advanced interdisciplinary clinical management plans for injury prevention, management, restoring optimal function, and the enhancement of sports performance
• Research and organise evidence-based theory in clinical case management
• Integrate theory, evidence and clinical reasoning in astute clinical decision making in athletes of all ages and abilities in different sporting contexts
• Systemically advance the teaching, research, OR practice of a given scholarly or academic field of study through rigorous inquiry or project application
• Contribute to Leadership in Sports Medicine; including contribution to the learning of others and in the role of advisor; interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences

Evidence and Innovation

• Critically evaluate research methodology and evidence quality in the context of sports, health and exercise science; including critically analyse practice and research evidence; identification of questions for further investigation; synthesis of current evidence for best practice in service delivery and resource management
• Analyse, synthesise and evaluate literature in addressing questions relevant to the management of the athlete
• Explain the application of research and evidence to clinical practice in the field of sports, health and exercise science
• 19. Critically engage complex decision-making processes, emphasising evidence-based practice and critical discussion relating to the potential for incorporating new developments into practice

Academic distinction

• This degree provides graduates with in-depth knowledge and skills in examining interdisciplinary issues within clinical sport, science and exercise health. Graduates are critical, creative thinkers with strong clinical reasoning skills. They can apply knowledge, information and research skills to complex athlete and health management in a range of contexts and are effective oral and written communicators. The Melbourne educational experience prepares graduates to be entrepreneurial and innovative thought-leaders. Melbourne graduates bring research and inquiry skills to challenges in their workplaces, communities and specific professional practice domains. They are adept lifelong learners who generate bold and novel ideas by critically evaluating alternative possibilities and viewpoints.

Active citizenship

• Melbourne graduates have engaged with contemporary local, national and global issues, with a high regard for human rights, social inclusion, ethics and the environment. They have developed an appreciation of social and cultural diversity that influences sport, health and exercise clinical practice and can work collaboratively with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds; equipping them to be active, well-informed citizens and have the potential to be leaders in their professions and communities. Through advocacy and innovation they are able to lead change for a sustainable future in health and their profession.

Integrity and self-awareness

• Graduates of the Master of Sports Medicine are motivated, self-directed and well-organised for life-long learning. They are also highly self-aware and reflective practitioners, with skills in self-assessment. They place great importance on their personal and professional integrity and are confident of their knowledge, yet flexible, adaptable and aware of their role and responsibilities within an interdisciplinary professional network.