Advanced Certification in Veterinary Neuroacupuncture
Do you have a basic certification in veterinary acupuncture but want to understand more and increase your skills and knowledge to an advanced level?
The advanced certification in Veterinary Neuroacupuncture will bridge the gap between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and conventional veterinary medicine through a contemporary exploration and integration of the neurophysiological application of acupuncture in small animal clinical practice.
The course will demonstrate the connection between certain TCM theories & practices and current scientific explanations or theories of acupuncture and how it works. You will be able to incorporate current scientific acupuncture theory and biomedical science in its application and approach to patient assessment and treatment, along with the application of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory.
This course will focus on the application of what is learnt and collaborative learning opportunities through discussion and sharing of information. Problem-solving case studies are included and active forum discussions will provide a range current clinical conundrums to consider. Your mentors will be alongside you every step of the way.
RACE accredited (49 CE points)
IVAS accredited (45 CE points)
Course mentors
Dr Michelle Schraeder DVM MEd FAAVA
Dr Neal Sivula DVM PhD FAAVA
Course lecturers
Dr Susan Wagner DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology)
Dr Pedro Rivera DVM FACFN DACVSMR FCoAC Fellow of the American College of Functional Neurology Diplomate of the American College of Functional Neurology
Dr Barbara Fougere BSc BVMS (Hons) MODT BHSc (CMed) MHSc (Herb Med) Grad Dip VA Grad Dip VCHM Grad Dip VWHM
Dr Michelle Schraeder DVM MEd FAAVA
Dr Neal Sivula DVM PhD FAAVA
Dr Janice L Huntingford DVM DACVSMR (Canine) CVA CVPP CCRT
Dr Dietrich Graf von Schweinitz BSc DVM MRCVS Cert Vet Ac
Dr Bonnie Wright DVM DACVAA
Dr Rick Palmquist DVM GDVCHM
Dr Patricia Baley DVM PhD
Course structure
The course is comprised of three modules:
Module 1 – Veterinary Clinical Neurology
Neurology may seem complicated, and it doesn’t have to be that way. Many veterinarians are afraid of neurology, yet are brilliant diagnosticians, surgeons and medical practitioners. Fear often keeps us from seeing what we need to see, and limits our ability to move forward in all aspects of life. Neurology is no different. One of the most important goals of this class is to remove the fear from neurology, and help you enjoy treating your neurological patients. This first module of the Advanced Certification in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture is the foundation stone of your understanding and further training in this course.
Module 2 – Evidence Basis for Acupuncture and Practical Application to Common Conditions
The western world has been working to put its own scientific explanations to the why and how acupuncture works and translate Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theories into modern western understanding of how the body works. There is no single explanation or theory on how it works, but acupuncture seems to stimulate a number of physiological effects that seem to activate the body’s own homeostatic regulatory systems.
This module explores acupuncture from a modern, evidence-based perspective, with discussion of the use of acupuncture, explained through a neuro-physiological perspective, for a range of common veterinary medical conditions. In this rapidly developing area, effective evaluation and validation of research is important and will also be discussed.
Module 3 – Pain Management
For many years chronic pain in dogs and cats was managed with a single pharmaceutical agent when the clinician determined the animal was suffering. Recently it has been realized that pain is a very complex process and involves signaling molecules, pathways, substances, receptors and transmitters with different modes of action. It is unrealistic to think only one pharmaceutical could be effective in eliminating chronic pain. It is equally unrealistic to think that drugs alone can manage pain effectively for the life of the animal. A multi-modal and individualized approach to the treatment of pain in the geriatric dog is necessary and the most effective approach. It is important to discuss several things with owners once they understand that their pet has chronic pain. For example, degenerative joint diseases are not curable, so the goals are to keep the pet comfortable and enjoying a good quality of life; this requires a financial and time commitment. Achieving specific goals will most likely require some trial and error which will be result in some triumphs and disappointments for the owner.
This module provides detailed information on the mechanisms of pain and advanced information on techniques and options to manage pain effectively. Your journey in Pain Management is guided by lecturers who are experienced specialist practitioners in this field.
SEE CURRICULUM
Course duration
The course is designed to be completed in 1 year (3 to 4 months per module), however when and how often you study is flexible and driven by the needs of the individual. While there is provision for an extension of time, there will be a fee.
Resources
Approximately 50 hours of recorded lectures
Detailed lecture notes developed by specialist in each area
Mentor support throughout the course – clinical help
Approximately 100 relevant scientific papers
Assessment
Examination questions throughout the course – testing in each of the 3 modules; 75% pass rate.
Referenced case study.
Please note that this is an industry-recognised, evidence-based course delivered by qualified and experienced practitioners but is not an Australian government-accredited qualification.
Apply for this course
Who is it for
Course Outcomes
Modules