|
In addition to chiropractors, many medical practitioners provide
care for the muscles and skeleton. It follows logic that these
providers, particularly medical doctors (MDs) and physical
therapists, should therefore master the basics of musculoskeletal
treatment, which requires a broad knowledge of conditions
and symptoms related to the bones, muscles, ligaments, and
tendons. Based
on a recent study in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery,
however, medical students may not be studying the skeletons
hanging in their classroom closets.
The authors of this study previously reported that 82% of
85 recent medical school graduates failed to show even basic
knowledge of musculoskeletal medicine, based on a written
examination scored by orthopedic program directors. This follow-up
study was designed to evaluate if the more than 400 program
directors of internal medicine departments in the U.S. would
similarly rate the importance of the exam questions and required
passing score.
 Over half of the program directors responded to the exam
questionnaire; they suggested an average passing score of
70%. The mean score of the medical-school examinees had been
59.6%, however. Therefore, a full 78% of the examinees would
have been unable to demonstrate "basic competency" on the
exam, based on review by the internal medicine program directors.
The majority of medical students, who have received all of
their scholastic training required to be medical doctors,
may lack basic competency in musculoskeletal medicine upon
graduation. Chiropractors often treat different conditions
than MDs, but are an excellent source of information when
it comes to your spine, joints, and other "moving" body parts.
Chiropractors have all completed a minimum of four years of
education with an emphasis on muscle and skeleton management
and care.
Reference:
Freedman KB, Bernstein J. Educational deficiencies in musculoskeletal
medicine. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 2002:84-A(4),
pp. 604-608.
For more information about musculoskeletal conditions, go
to https://www.chiroweb.com/find/archives/musculoskeletal.
|
