Head and neck

1. Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level 7 bachelor's qualification in a health degree or recognised equivalent, and/or an accredited Australasian Lymphology Association Practitioner.
2. Current registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or international equivalent, and/or current/eligible registration on the ALA's National Lymphoedema Practitioners Register (NLPR).
3. Current Professional Indemnity Certificate of Currency (held personally or by the student’s place of work) or a letter from current employer confirming insurance coverage.
4. This unit is taught in English, so all students must be proficient in English. For more information, students can visit Macquarie University’s guidelines on English Language Requirements.
5. Successfully complete the online foundational units (for speech pathologists doing Accreditation) OR be an accredited lymphoedema practitioner.

At the successful completion of this training program you will be able to:

1. explain the anatomy of the lymphatic system
2. apply knowledge and skills to plan a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan for a person living with head and neck lymphoedema
3. interpret assessment findings and use clinical reasoning to develop an evidence-based person-centred intervention plan
4. explain the revised anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system and teachings from ICG lymphography
5. discuss individual and societal impact of head and neck lymphoedema models of care and how latest imaging assessments can change clinical practice
6. demonstrate evidenced based best practice management skills for the assessment and management of treating lymphoedema of the head and neck region
7. demonstrate safe, effective, patient-centred skills and competencies in delivering high standard of lymphoedema assessment and management strategies for treating lymphoedema of the head and neck region
8. adapt assessment and intervention plans to meet needs of individuals from distinct social and/or cultural groups to ensure culturally respectful care for people with lymphoedema
9. use feedback from teachers, clinicians, peers and patients to inform self-evaluation and critical reflection of knowledge and skill development.

Fiona Tisdall Blake

BAppSc(Phty) LaTrobe

Fiona is a physiotherapist with more than 30 years of experience in a broad range of clinical settings including private practice, occupational health and hospital settings in Australia and the United Kingdom. As an accredited lymphoedema practitioner, Fiona brings extensive experience in orthopaedic, neurological and spinal surgery rehabilitation to her management of lymphoedema.

Fiona joined the ALERT Program in 2017 after becoming an accredited lymphoedema practitioner in 2016 through the ALERT Level 1 Lymphoedema Accreditation Training Program. Fiona’s role involves the conservative management of all types of lymphoedema and chronic oedema. Fiona works in the Diagnostic Assessment Clinic, performing ICG imaging of lymphoedema. This role has been particularly important in informing her management of lymphoedema and more importantly in educating her clients how to best self-manage their lymphoedema.

Fiona forms part of the ALERT teaching staff and is also the lead trainer delivering the face-to-face practical learning and assessment of the Lymphoedema Practice for the Head and Neck Region unit.

In 2020 Fiona was appointed an Honorary Conjoint Associate Lecturer at Macquarie University. Fiona is a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association, the Australasian Lymphology Association and the NSW Lymphoedema Practitioners Group.

Robbie Blackwell

BAppSc(OT) USyd

Robbie is an occupational therapist and lymphoedema practitioner and is a team leader in the ALERT Lymphoedema Treatment Clinic, where she has worked since 2017. Along with providing conservative management recommendations to patient with lymphoedema, lipedema and other chronic oedemas, Robbie performs ICG lymphography imaging and has coordinated the ALERT ICG Diagnostic Assessment Clinic since 2020.

Robbie continues to contribute to the expanding body of research describing common patterns of morphological change observed in the lymphatic system, when lymphatic impairment is identified.

Robbie forms part of the ALERT Education teaching staff and is also the lead trainer delivering the Contemporary Evidence in Lymphoedema Management unit via zoom.

In 2020 Robbie was appointed an Honorary Conjoint Associate Lecturer at Macquarie University. Robbie is a member of the Australasian Lymphology Association, Occupational Therapy Australia and the NSW Lymphoedema Practitioners Group.

Dr Belinda Thompson

BExSpSc UON, MClinExPhys CSU, PhD UON

Belinda Thompson joined the ALERT program in 2019. In her role as lecturer, Belinda forms part of the ALERT education teaching staff and has led the development of the new online interactive content. She also conducts and supports research into methods for early detection, diagnosis and intervention for lymphoedema and lipedema. In 2020 Belinda became an accredited lymphoedema practitioner having completed the ALERT Level 1 Lymphoedema Accreditation Training Program.

Belinda has been involved in research since 2012 and has completed a PhD in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Newcastle. She has also completed Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Rehabilitation) and is an accredited exercise physiologist with more than six years of experience providing exercise interventions in a clinical setting. Belinda combines her research experience and clinical skills to provide evidence to support best practice to improve outcomes in patients with lymphoedema.

Belinda is a member of Exercise and Sports Science Australia, Australasian Lymphology Association, International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry, and Sports Medicine Australia.

The unit fee is $1100 plus GST. Fees must be paid in Australian dollars by credit card or by invoice on request to alerteducation@mq.edu.au.

Note: It is mandatory to successfully complete the online learning and assessment prior to attending the face-to-face practical learning and assessment days.

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are provided. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when you complete the registration survey.

1. Click on the 'register here' link to make the payment.
2. Once we have received the payment, students will receive a registration survey email. Students are required to uplod their current AHPRA Certificate and current Professional Indemnity Certificate of Currency ((held personally or by the student’s place of work) as part of this process.
3. Once we have received the completed registration survey, students will receive their official registration letter and their ProLearn login instructions to commence the online learning.

Cancellations more than three weeks before the face-to-face practical learning and assessment, when a student has not yet begun their online learning units, will incur a non-refundable administration fee of $100 plus GST, which will be deducted from the student’s refund. No refund will be given if cancellation is made within three weeks of the start date of the face-to-face practical learning and assessment days. Requests for refund will exclude any online units which have been commenced.

In the case where minimum numbers are not reached, the ALERT Program reserve the right to cancel a training program six weeks prior to the delivery of the face-to-face practical learning and assessment component. Students will then be offered alternate  face-to-face practical learning and assessment dates.

Note: If a student has not successfully completed the required online learning prior to the face-to-face practical learning and assessment days, and wish to transfer to another program, the student will incur a transfer fee of $250 plus GST.  This transfer fee will be waived if  a student can produce a medical  certificate and/or suitable evidence.

This training session will be conducted in the Department of Health Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences (ground floor of 75 Talavera Road, Macquarie University). Learn more about:

• Accommodation
• Transport
• Parking

New Zealand and Western Australia program venues TBA.

The ALERT Program appreciates the ongoing support of our corporate partners, vital to the success of delivering ALERT Education training programs. We thank you for your commitment.

• Haddenham Healthcare
• Jobskin
• Thusane (Mobiderm)