Expand the below training options to learn more information and register for individual courses.
Designated doctor certification training is required every two years. All training is provided online through prerecorded video presentations and live interactive webinars.
Participants must register for the two-day training before viewing the prerecorded video presentations. An attestation must be submitted stating the prerecorded video presentations have been viewed.
Prior to viewing these presentations, DWC recommends participants download and complete the pre-course cases using the Guide to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Fourth Edition, published by the American Medical Association (AMA Guides).
Prerecorded presentation videos
- Texas Workers' Compensation Designated Doctor Process Overview | Presentation slides
- Extent of Injury | Presentation slides | EOI packet
- Return to Work and MDGuidelines | Presentation slides | Pre-course cases
- Maximum Medical Improvement and Official Disability Guidelines | Presentation slides | Pre-course cases
An optional live interactive webinar, "Q&A for Prerecorded Video Presentations" is offered to review information from the prerecorded video presentations and answer any questions. CME credit are not offered for the Q&A webinar or for viewing the prerecorded video presentations.
Certification training day 1
- Q&A for Prerecorded Video Presentations (optional)
- Upper Extremity MMI and IR Presentation slides | grayscale printer friendly slides | Pre-course cases | Figure 1 | Upper Extremity ROM tables and figures
- Spine MMI and IR Presentation slides | grayscale printer friendly slides | Pre-course cases
Certification training day 2
- Lower Extremity MMI and IR Presentation slides | grayscale printer friendly slides | Pre-course cases
- Non-Musculoskeletal MMI and IR Presentation slides| grayscale printer friendly slides| Pre-course cases
For registration visit the Workers' Compensation Designated Doctor Events & Training Calendar and view the Training Agenda to get more information.
Doctors of Medicine (MD), Doctors of Osteopathy (DO), and Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) earn continuing medical education (CME) credits for webinar attendance.
Additional resources
- Designated doctor sample test questions
- Designated Doctor Narrative Report and Form Requirements
- Supplement information packet
- PSI candidate bulletin
Training instructors
- David Alvarado, D.C.
- James Bales, M.D.
- Karrn E. Bales, D.O.
- David Bauer, M.D.
- Simon J. Forster, D.C., DABCO, Cert MDT
- Martin B. Jones, M.D.
- Calvin W. Plumb, D.C.
- Michael S. Sheppard, D.C.
- Lori B. Wasserburger, M.D.
Post certification course evaluation forms
Certifying doctor training for doctors and other health care practitioners, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and non-licensed technicians who assist certifying doctors is required every two years.
Prior to attending the live interactive webinars, DWC recommends participants complete the pre-course cases using the Guide to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Fourth Edition, published by the American Medical Association (AMA Guides).
Certification training day 1
- Q&A for Prerecorded Video Presentations (optional)
- Upper Extremity MMI and IR Presentation slides | grayscale printer friendly slides | Pre-course cases | Figure 1 | Upper Extremity ROM tables and figures
- Spine MMI and IR Presentation slides | grayscale printer friendly slides | Pre-course cases
Certification training day 2
- Lower Extremity MMI and IR Presentation slides | grayscale printer friendly slides | Pre-course cases
- Non-Musculoskeletal MMI and IR Presentation slides| grayscale printer friendly slides| Pre-course cases
For registration visit the Workers' Compensation Designated Doctor Events & Training Calendar and view the Training Agenda to get more information.
Doctors of Medicine (MD), Doctors of Osteopathy (DO), and Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) earn continuing medical education (CME) credits for webinar attendance.
Additional resources
Training instructors
- David Alvarado, D.C.
- James Bales, M.D.
- Karrn E. Bales, D.O.
- David Bauer, M.D.
- Simon J. Forster, D.C., DABCO, Cert MDT
- Martin B. Jones, M.D.
- Calvin W. Plumb, D.C.
- Michael S. Sheppard, D.C.
- Lori B. Wasserburger, M.D.
Post certification course evaluation forms
An introduction to the designated doctor’s role in the workers’ compensation system and fundamental concepts of their work. MDs, DOs, and DCs will earn CME credits by participating.
View the designated doctor 101 webinar Presentation slides | Pre-course cases | Figure 1 | Upper Extremity ROM tables and figures | EOI packet
Visit the Workers' Compensation Designated Doctor Events & Training Calendar for registration or to get more information.
This five-part webinar series focuses on understanding maximum medical improvement (MMI) and impairment rating (IR) concepts. MDs, DOs, and DCs earn CME credit.
Module 1 - Maximum Medical Improvement Presentation slides | Pre-course cases
Module 2 - Spine MMI/IR & Extent of Injury Presentation slides | Pre-course cases | EOI Packet
Module 3 - Upper Extremity MMI/IR Presentation slides | Pre-course cases | Figure 1 | Upper Extremity ROM tables and figures
Module 4 - Lower Extremity MMI/IR Presentation slides | Pre-course cases
Module 5 - Non-Musculoskeletal MMI/IR Presentation slides | Pre-course cases
Module 6 - Non – Musculoskeletal Traumatic Brain Injury Presentation slides | Pre-course cases
Visit the Workers' Compensation Designated Doctor Events & Training Calendar for registration or to get more information.
A detailed introduction to the designated doctor’s role in addressing the issue of Extent of Injury. MDs, DOs, and DCs earn CME credit.
View the designated doctor extent of injury webinar Presentation slides part 1, part 2 | Pre-course reports | EOI packet
Visit the Workers' Compensation Designated Doctor Events & Training Calendar for registration or to get more information.
This is an interactive hands-on training for designated doctors and doctors certifying maximum medical improvement (MMI) and impairment rating (IR). Instructors will demonstrate common musculoskeletal procedures used for determining impairment that attendees may then perform and practice during the training.
- Driving and free parking instructions will be provided prior to the event.
- Dress in comfortable clothing suitable for performing exam procedures, both as the examiner and examinee.
- Come prepared to work case samples.
- It is recommended you bring your own copy of the Guide to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Fourth Edition, published by the American Medical Association (AMA Guides).
- You may also want to bring your own relevant musculoskeletal examination equipment including inclinometers, goniometers, reflex hammers, etc.
Note: This course does not fulfill any training or testing requirements for certification or recertification as a designated doctor.
View the designated doctor extent of injury webinar presentation slides.
DWC has amended qualification requirements for designated doctors to examine traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Effective 6/5/23, additional board specialties will qualify doctors for these exams. See 28 TAC Section 127.130(b)(9)(B). This training will provide details on TBI diagnoses, and related additional testing that may be required.
View the designated doctor traumatic brain injury presentation slides | references
Appeals Panel Decisions (APDs) for Designated Doctors
Designated Doctor Events & Training Calendar
Self-Study - extended 2015 presentations
- Upper Extremity MMI/IR (2015)
- Lower Extremity MMI/IR (2015)
- Spine MMI/IR (2015)
- Non-Musculoskeletal MMI/IR (2015)