Postgraduate Certificate in Integrative Medicine (Pain Management)

Causes of pain are usually complex. Proper diagnosis and treatment is challenging and has become a topic of concern within the global medical community. In today’s healthcare landscape, the integration of Chinese and Western medicine has gained recognition for its ability to address pain management comprehensively. By merging the strengths of both systems, practitioners can offer patients a broader range of treatment options, enhanced diagnostic insights, and a more personalised approach to pain management. This course highlights the importance of integrating these medical traditions to optimise patient outcomes and improve overall wellbeing.

This comprehensive course offers a unique opportunity to delve into the multi-dimensional approach of combining these two medical systems. This helps provide holistic care for individuals experiencing pain disorders. You will also gain a deep understanding of integrated pain management practices in China and explore the benefits, principles, and techniques that arise from this synergistic approach.

You’ll be guided by teachers who possess a wealth of practice and research experiences from both Chinese and Western medicine. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to advance in your career with your understanding of integrative pain management.

Understand the study and management of pain in Western medicine

Pain is influenced by both physiological and psychological factors, complicating its diagnosis and treatment.

On this microcredential, you’ll explore how we feel pain, and how it impacts us. Experts will also guide you in covering the pain assessment process and pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches in various speciality domains.

Gain a comprehensive introduction to the principles of pain management in Chinese medicine

With a basic understanding of Western medicine practice, you’ll explore the fundamental concepts of Yin-Yang theory, Five Elements theory and the role of Qi in pain management. Specifically, you’ll learn the core diagnosis and how Chinese medicine methods of treatments like acupuncture, Tuina, and compound formulae tackle pain.

Compare diagnosis and treatment in different pain conditions

With a strong foundation of knowledge in Chinese and Western medicine, you’ll compare diagnosis and treatment options between these two disciplines for conditions such as headaches, neck and shoulder pain, lower back pain, and more.

Understand the importance of cooperation between Chinese and Western medicines

Integrative Medicine embraces a holistic perspective, recognising the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and energetic aspects of health. This course highlights the importance of treating the whole person rather than solely focusing on symptoms. You’ll explore the principles and philosophies that underpin Chinese and Western medicine and learn how to integrate them seamlessly into their clinical practice. Understand the holistic approach of Chinese medicine and how it complements the reductionist approach of Western medicine.

Gain an understanding of integrated pain management practice in China

Guided by medicinal experts, you’ll gain insights into the unique approaches and techniques used in China. Discover how the integration of Chinese and Western medicine has shaped the field of pain management in China and its relevance in a global context.

Learn from the experts at HKU SPACE

Throughout the microcredential, you’ll be guided by specialists from HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE) and the Hong Kong Pain Society. With their expertise, you’ll complete this advanced study of pain and gain accreditation to certify your skills in integrative pain management. Through case studies and interactive discussions, you’ll gain insights into the diverse perspectives and treatment modalities available within an integrative framework.

How will this help my career?

This microcredential will help you upskill and advance your knowledge to apply to different medical specialities. You’ll add valuable expertise to your work as you gain skills in pain diagnosis, assessment, and pain management with both Western and Chinese medicine.

As a healthcare professional, you can gain a broader understanding of the roles and contributions of different healthcare professionals in the field of pain management and learn how to work together as a team to optimise patient care.

What will I receive?

Upon successful completion of the microcredential, you’ll be awarded with a Postgraduate Certificate in Integrative Medicine (Pain Management) within the HKU System through HKU SPACE.

Chinese medicine practitioners registered in Hong Kong who have completed this programme can obtain no more than 100 points of Continuing Education in Chinese Medicine (CME).

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed during each module of the microcredential to help cement your learning. This will be in the form of:

1. Quiz (30%)
2. Reading report (30%)
3. Online discussion (P/F)
4. Examination (40%)

A completion rate of 70% for each module is required. You also need scores of 50 or above in the quiz, reading, and examination, and achieve a pass in the discussion assessment in each module.

Courses under this program:
Course 1: Clinical Basis in Western Medicine
-Unveil the key aspects of pain assessment and effective treatment strategies in Western medicine.

Course 2: Pain from Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
-Delve into traditional Chinese medicine to discover how it can be used to improve pain treatment.

Course 3: Pain Disorders: Diagnosis and Management
-Unpack different pain disorders to understand how to best diagnose and treat pain.

Course 4: Pain in Integrative Medicine
-Unlock the synergy of integrative medicine by blending the best of Chinese and Western medical approaches.