To chose the best arthroscopy courses, it may be helpful to consider the level you have reached in your medical education. For example, if you are in medical school, the best courses will be those approved by your academic adviser. Individuals who have already earned the proper licensing and degrees to practice as orthopedic surgeons or in a related field, however, may benefit more from workshops and experience courses offered by organizations such as the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA), or similar organizations in other parts of the world. In most cases, the best arthroscopy courses may be those that you are qualified to attend and which are easy for you to access.
Arthroscopy is a procedure performed on patients who often are suffering from joint pains. A thin tube, known as an arthroscope, is inserted through the skin and into a joint. An arthroscope contains optic fibers that allow surgeons to observe the insides of joints and to make diagnoses of joint conditions. Arthritis is a common joint condition.
Medical students often prefer to take arthroscopy courses that allow them to engage in clinical work. In some cases, they may have the opportunity to work on real patients under the supervision of an experienced surgeon. Sometimes students practice instead on cadavers.
Licensed surgeons who wish to learn about new techniques may choose arthroscopy courses called experience courses. In these cases, medical professionals may be encouraged to bring their own assistants. When choosing the best experience courses, medical professionals may consider factors such as faculty prestige and access to cutting-edge equipment.
A trained medical professional might be interested in applying for a position, such as an arthroscopic surgery fellowship. In this scenarios, the best arthroscopy courses are those that allow him or her to earn the necessary qualifications. Completion of the proper courses, along with a certain amount of experience, can allow a medical professional to earn his or her desired certification.
In some instances, individuals who are not medical professionals may also decide to take arthroscopy courses. When this is the case, they may be more interested in acquiring information about this surgical procedure than in receiving surgical instruction. Only qualified surgeons and medical students often are allowed to participate in instructional courses.
To receive basic information about arthroscopy, a good choice for many may be to go online and find self-guided tutorials and multimedia workshops. You also may want to consult a medical specialist whom you trust. He or she might be able to recommend an educational workshop that fits your needs.