Doctor of Medicine

Purpose

In achieving this Doctor of Medicine (MD), the learner is expected to demonstrate expertise and specialist knowledge in the chosen field and also make an original and significant contribution to the development of knowledge therein. It is intended that the learner enrolled for this Doctoral Degree will undertake original research that will contribute to the knowledge and practice in the field and will submit a thesis reporting the results of the research.

Successful completion of this Doctorate will enable the graduate to work independently and to supervise others in the specialised field.

The benefit to society in the field of health will increase as graduates produce good quality and relevant research. The graduates will operate in clinical practice in private, public and/or academic medicine.

Rationale

Achievement of this qualification will increase the number of clinicians with a higher Degree. As the service load of clinicians is especially high, this format of the Degree, i.e., retrospective/already published research, may enable a clinician to obtain a higher Degree. The attainment of this Degree may enable clinicians to supervise other graduates and in this way increase the pool of clinician scientists in the country.

In relation to proof of demand for the qualification - the recent Academy for Science for South Africa (ASSAf) document entitled "Revitalising Clinical Research in South Africa" speaks to clinical research contributing to health care. It does this by "identifying the causes of problems, facilitating diagnosis, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of care and promoting good policy making. It also supports the training of competent health professionals" (ASSAf, 2010).

Recognition of Prior Learning

Through Recognition of Prior Learning, access to this Doctoral Degree could be granted to learners for retrospective/already published research.

Entry Requirements

Learners in possession of one of the following may be able to access this Degree

• A Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of not less than four years' standing

Or

• A Master's Degree of not less than three years' standing in a discipline that the Senate considers to be appropriate.

The Doctoral Degree is awarded on production and submission of an original thesis that has been assessed, suitably published and accepted by relevant peers.

Fulfilment of requirements for the award of Degree

• Under the guidance of a supervisor, a candidate shall present for the approval of the Senate original and inter-related published research (or accepted for publication) or clinical studies embodying original work, of which a substantial proportion has been carried out by the candidate in a field of medical science, which has been conducted in a research rich environment, satisfied acceptable ethics requirements and approved by the Senate. Such work shall constitute a significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge in that field.

1. Demonstrate a high level of research capability by producing a research product that shows application and synthesis of advanced research methods in the chosen discipline.
2. Demonstrate in-depth insight into complex challenges facing the chosen research area by producing a research product that is original and makes a significant contribution to the discipline being researched.
3. Demonstrate a broad knowledge and a systematic understanding of the chosen research area, as well as in-depth and up-to-date specialist knowledge of a defined part of the research area.
4. Critically appraise existing theories in the chosen field to offer innovative solutions to current and future challenges, which solutions are able to withstand review and scrutiny by international standards. This includes but is not limited to scientific and ethical standards.
5. Be aware of the fields and directions to be taken in order to become a lifelong learner, and recognise personal educational needs, utilise appropriate learning situations and evaluate own progress.

Associated Assessment Criterion for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Intellectual independence and in-depth understanding of the defined research area is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criterion for Exit Level Outcome 2

• A thesis that contributes significantly to the development of new and innovative knowledge in their discipline is independently produced.

Associated Assessment Criterion for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Scientific analysis and synthesis, as well as independent critical examination and assessment of new and complex phenomena, issues and situations is carried out.

Associated Assessment Criterion for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Research leadership which includes supervising and evaluating others' research in a field of specialisation is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criterion for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Needs for further knowledge and new directions are identified and action to achieve these is taken.

Integrated Assessment

During the preparation of the thesis the work will be regularly presented to the supervisor for formative assessment in preparation for the final submission to the examiners for summative assessment.

If applicable, the proposal will be submitted to the institutional Research Ethics Committee for ethical clearance prior to commencement of the research.