Education Overview
Unique training and accreditation programmes
MEDSAC provides comprehensive training for nurses and doctors working in sexual abuse assessment and treatment services (SAATS) throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. The clinicians trained by MEDSAC are the primary providers of forensic and medical sexual assault care.
We also provide training for general practice team members on the Recognition and Response to Partner Abuse in addition to an international speaker programme available to all professionals involved in addressing the psychosocial needs of people affected by sexual assault/abuse and family violence.
An additional MEDSAC training and accreditation programme is available for medical practitioners in best-practice medical management of non-fatal strangulation (NFS).
Initial and refresher training programme
Completion of an initial and refresher training course is required in order to become a fully accredited member of MEDSAC. See here for more details on our accreditation pathway. To apply for a place in the next intake, please complete the applicable Expression of Interest form.
The following course is provided once a year:
Programme
Medical/Forensic Management of Adult Sexual Assault
Description
A course for clinicians to learn the skills of medical examinations for adults affected by sexual assault/abuse for the purposes of working under the Sexual Abuse Assessment and Treatment Service (SAATS) Contract.
Location
Auckland
Advanced training programmes
Our programmes attract applicants from throughout Australasia. To apply for a place in the next intake, please complete the applicable Expression of Interest form.
The following advanced education is provided once a year:
Programme
National Medical Forensic Update & Case/Practice Review Meeting
Description
A conference-style course for clinicians who have attended previous MEDSAC medical training courses (or equivalent) and who are currently seeing referred patients for alleged sexual assault/abuse. This conference provides opportunity for peer review of cases.
Location
Wellington
International speaker programme
MEDSAC regularly hosts international speakers delivering seminars for all professionals involved in meeting the psychosocial needs of people affected by sexual assault/abuse including social workers, psychologists, counsellors, doctors, and nurses. Please contact us if you would like to be added to our international speaker seminars mailing list.