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City St George’s is proud to announce the launch of a pioneering new e-learning course that marks a major milestone in medical education.

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Developed by Professors Pia Ostergaard and Kristiana Gordon from the School of Health and Medical Sciences, the course is the first-ever Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) dedicated to the lymphatic system and lymphoedema. Hosted on the FutureLearn platform, the course titled ‘The Lymphatic System and Lymphoedema: The Essentials’ is designed to provide accessible, high-quality education to healthcare professionals, students and anyone with an interest in lymphatic health. It offers a comprehensive introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, the causes and impact of lymphoedema, and current approaches to diagnosis, treatment and patient care.

The course has been developed by a team recognised internationally as world-leaders in lymphatic and lymphoedema research. City St George’s has long been at the forefront of advancing knowledge in this specialised field, with its researchers contributing to major breakthroughs in lymphatic genetics, diagnostics, and clinical care.

The launch of this MOOC reflects the university’s commitment to sharing its expertise with a global audience and improving outcomes for patients worldwide.

Professor Kristiana Gordon, Consultant in Dermatology and Lymphovascular Medicine, launched the course during her invited talk at the British Lymphology Society Annual Conference on Tuesday 7 October. She said:

We’re thrilled to be launching this course and sharing it with the wider lymphatic community. Our goal is to make lymphatic science more accessible and to support healthcare professionals in delivering better care for people affected by lymphoedema.

The course is structured over several weeks and includes interactive content, expert interviews, case studies, and quizzes to reinforce learning. Participants will gain insights into the latest research and clinical practices, while also exploring the lived experiences of patients. The flexible online format allows learners to study at their own pace, making it ideal for busy professionals and international audiences.

Professor Pia Ostergaard, a leading researcher in lymphatic genetics, added:

This course represents a significant step forward in public and professional education. We hope it will inspire further interest in lymphatic research and encourage multidisciplinary collaboration.

The course is free to join and open to all. Learners can opt to receive a certificate upon completion, which may be used for continuing professional development purposes.