Our first Orthopalooza was a success!

Our inaugural Orthopalooza MSK skills weekend was a hit. Usually part of our blended learning Orthopedic Primary Care Courses, we broke out the weekend workshop as a standalone two-day workshop event April 8 & 9.

Held at Creekside Commons in Lafayette, California, the workshop, valued at 15 contact hours, quickly sold out and we're already planning our next Orthopalooza event for September 9-10.

Led by our instructors Kathleen Geier, DNP and A.J. Benham, DNP, we had 19 students participate.

Day One of Orthopalooza offered a bird's eye view of musculoskeletal fundamentals with an introduction to focused assessments and a chance to practice basic MSK exam skills. 

Day Two focused on musculoskeletal injection techniques, including intra-articular injection theory and practice using specially designed extremity models with alarms.

Feedback from students was positive:

• "The hands on injection lab was really helpful."
• "The hands-on experience and videos were helpful."
• "Very prepared instructors, knowledgeable."
• "Great resources, videos, books, and presentations"
• "I really enjoyed reviewing MSK exams, especially the special tests. A good refresher. I also really enjoyed practicing injections. I feel a bit more comfortable."
• "The program is well structured and presented. Please continue to provide such a great experience and safe environment to learn."
• "Great class. We need this since MSK is not fully represented in the NP program"
• "Really enjoyed the hands-on."
• "Excellent feedback and demonstration techniques from the instructors."
• "I feel like I can better assess and treat patients as well as gain confidence with injections."
• "Very practical info and applicable to practice."
• "Fun, interactive, casual"

Here's a gallery of photos from the two-day event:

Thanks to our students
​We can't thank our students enough for their energy and enthusiasm to learn at this inaugural event. We look forward to keeping up with you in your careers and we know your patients will certainly enjoy the benefits of your new clinical skills and confidence.

Learn more about our full catalogue of online and blended-learning Orthopedic Primary Care courses here.