Health Professional Education
AOWA Education Courses
Our learning sessions are taught by industry experts in musculoskeletal care and pain management.
Presentations include:
- Clinical updates: Delivery of clinical and research information about arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions.
- Pain management strategies: Presentation of helpful information and strategies for clinicians, in pain management, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.
Our courses are flexible and available free of charge to provide you with accessible, continuous professional development.
Enrol in our courses today to learn about arthritis and other chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Course Overview
In this learning session, Dr Joe Kosterich discusses the role of medicinal cannabis in treating symptoms of arthritis.
The session is 1.5 hours, provides approximately 1.5 CPD hours of learning and covers the basics of medicinal cannabis, the prescription process, and the clinical use of medicinal cannabis as a treatment for arthritis.
The Medicinal Cannabis course will cover the following topics:
- Introduction to medicinal cannabis and its active compounds
- The current evidence around medicinal cannabis and chronic pain
- Potential side effects, drug interactions and contraindications for use
- The prescription pathway and practicalities
- The clinical use of medicinal cannabis in treating pain, including dosing and monitoring
The course will also include a case study and a knowledge check to reinforce learning. Participants will also have access to additional resources, including articles and videos, to supplement their learning.
Upon completion of the course, you will have a solid understanding of the role of medicinal cannabis in medical practice, the prescription process, and the clinical use of medicinal cannabis in treating pain arthritis.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this learning session you will be able to:
1) Describe the potential role of medicinal cannabis in pain management.
2) Outline basic considerations in prescribing medicinal cannabis, where clinically appropriate, and within your professional scope of practice.

Dr Joe Kosterich MBBS
Doctor, speaker, author, media presenter and health industry consultant
Dr Joe is a contributor to various medical and popular publications. He is a sought-after expert in medico-legal cases and frequently provides opinions on radio and television. Additionally, he serves as the clinical editor for Medical Forum Magazine and holds teaching roles as an adjunct professor at UWA and a lecturer at Curtin Medical School.
In addition to his editorial work, Dr Joe is the Medical Advisor for Little Green Pharma, a company specialising in medicinal cannabis. He also serves as the Chairman of the Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association.
Dr Joe has authored two self-published books, namely "Dr Joe's DIY Health" and "60 Minutes To Better Health." Previously, Dr Joe held high-ranking positions within the Australian Medical Association and served on several industry and government boards. He has significant corporate experience, particularly in establishing and managing medical centres.
Frequently asked questions
Medicinal Cannabis: A Crash Course in What You Need to Know
When is the date and time of the session?
This is an on-demand session, so you can access it online anytime.
How much time should I set aside for this?
The session is 1.5 hours and covers the basics of medicinal cannabis, the prescription process, and the clinical use of medicinal cannabis as a treatment for arthritis.
Who is this session for?
The course is aimed at GPs and health professionals in WA's metro or regional areas who wish to gain a wider understanding of medicinal cannabis.
Who can I talk to if I want more information?
For any enquiries related to Health Professional education, please email education@arthritiswa.org.au or call us on (08) 9388 2199