International Guest Lecture by Dr. Prasath Jayakaran on Musculoskeletal System: An Overview and Clinical Implications

The Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology class had the privilege of hosting an International Guest Lecture by Dr. Prasath Jayakaran, a distinguished academic and physiotherapist. Dr. Jayakaran holds an undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy from the Tamil Nadu Medical University, Chennai, and a Master’s in Sports Physiotherapy from Hamdard University, New Delhi. He furthered his postgraduate studies at the University of Otago, New Zealand, where he now serves as a Lecturer and the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies.

Dr. Jayakaran’s lecture focused on the joints of the human body and the clinical conditions that can affect them. His engaging session included insights into how physiotherapists palpate and diagnose various joint abnormalities. Through live demonstrations, he showcased essential diagnostic techniques, allowing students to practice on their classmates under his guidance.

The lecture became especially memorable when “Skelly,” the class skeleton, made an appearance. Using Skelly, Dr. Jayakaran provided detailed visual demonstrations, enhancing the understanding of joint anatomy and movement. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where students posed insightful questions on topics ranging from osteoporosis and slipped discs to prosthetics and the role of physiotherapists in managing diabetes-related joint and foot disorders.

Dr. Jayakaran’s expertise and practical demonstrations made the session not only informative but also highly interactive, leaving students inspired and better equipped to apply their learning in the field of physiotherapy.

Speaker Contact

Dr. Prasath Jayakaran

University of Otago, New Zealand

prasath.jayakaran@otago.ac.nz