Master of Medicine in Anatomical Pathology

Purpose

The Master of Medicine in Anatomical Pathology is a 4-year qualification that offers complete training in the specialty of Anatomical Pathology. The purpose of the qualification is to equip a learner with specialised knowledge, as well as skills and attitudes required, in order for the learner to be able to function as an independent practitioner in the specialty, within any service-providing and/or academic environment, as well as to address the problem of shortage of skills in the country and especially in underserved areas.

The learner will be able to carry out medical research, to manage/supervise various aspect of the work in the Anatomical Pathology/Histopathology/Cytology Department including aspects of quality assurance, health and safety.

The learner will be able

• To provide excellent specialist service in the area of specialisation.
• To teach undergraduate and postgraduate learners.
• To carry out medical research and publish the results.
• To be a self-directed and life-long learner.

Rationale

The qualification focuses on training specialists and academics in the field of Anatomical Pathology/Histopathology/Cytology to alleviate shortage of pathologists in the country. There is a gross shortage of specialist in the field of anatomical pathology/histopathology/cytology especially in the governmental institutions that if deepened, endangers the renewal of the work force, by depleting the pool of specialists. In fulfilment of this need, the Health Professions Council of South Africa has increased the number of registrars per specialists that can be trained.

The competence and critical intellectual abilities will ensure the future advancement of Anatomical Pathology and to make provision for the country's need for a skilled workforce of the highest calibre and to ensure that the country stays competitive in an era of growing global competition.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

A learner who has passed parts I of the College of Pathology SA or of MMed. from another University in South Africa may be admitted subject to the rules and requirements of this university and/or the NHLS pertaining to the transfer of a student or registrar from one academic institution to another. FC Path from the College of Medicine of South Africa is recognised for the purpose of awarding of MMed Degree in Anatomical Pathology with a research component.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.

And

• Must be registered as, or must be eligible for registration as a Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA.

And

• Must finish an internship training or any other duty required by the Department of Health.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 540 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 540 Credits

• Applied Anatomy, Histology and Physiological Science, 20 Credits.
• Basic pathology, 60 Credits.
• Basic histopathology (techniques, diagnosis), 30 Credits.
• Research methodology, 10 Credits.
• Autopsy - technique, gross diagnosis and principles of Forensic Pathology, 20 Credits.
• Laboratory Practice (to understand the principles of laboratory Management), 10 Credits.
• Good Laboratory Practice and Ethics (law and ethics relating to Laboratory practice), 10 Credits.
• Anatomical Pathology Part I, 30 Credits.
• Cytopathology, 60 Credits.
• Anatomical Pathology Part II, 180 Credits.
• Neuropathology, 15 Credits.
• Renal Pathology, 15 Credits.
• Relevant molecular techniques supporting morphological diagnosis (as e.g. PCR, FISH), 10 Credits.
• Basic knowledge medical informatics and tele-pathology, 10 Credits.
• Research Project (mini-dissertation or Equivalent), 60 Credits.

1. Identify and solve problems in such a way that it will be clear that responsible and creative decisions are reached by way of critical and creative thinking.
2. Effectively co-operate with other people as member of a health team.
3. Organise and manage himself/herself and his/her activities in a responsible and efficient manner.
4. Collect, analyse, organise, critically evaluate and apply information, including the habit of frequent referral to bench books and all other possible sources in relation to their diagnostic work.
5. Communicate effectively by way of oral or written debate, including the ability to use current information technology and to present and defend the data in a scientific and accountable.
6. Utilise science and technology effectively and critically, but always in a manner which demonstrates responsibility towards the environment and the health of others.
7. Research projects/assignment.
8. Demonstrate knowledge of Academic presentations, Journal club, Reporting of cases, Teaching.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment is appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved. The assessment will consist of a comprehensive written, oral and clinical examination at the end of the qualification with the purpose of assessing the student's ability to integrate the work done in the different modules and disciplines of the qualification. The qualification Part II assessment is a fully integrated assessment that comprises written, practical, interactive, and oral components. The main purpose of this assessment is to ensure that the learner has acquired the necessary skills and attitudes required as a specialist in Anatomical Pathology, at least in agreement with the requirements of the HPCSA, in order for the learner to be able to function as an independent practitioner in the relevant speciality within any service providing and academic environment.

A written assignment or publication (suitable for presentation to or already accepted by a peer-reviewed journal) on a relevant research project is required as part of the final examination, to evaluate the learner's ability to plan and execute a research project, perform a literature survey, apply elementary statistical principles and reach a meaningful conclusion. The learner will thus have to prove that he/she has developed independent and critical judgement, the ability to discuss existing and newly discovered knowledge in a meaningful way and that the research will contribute to existing knowledge.

Continuous integrated formative assessment through the routine practice of all aspects of Anatomical Pathology, clinical cases, departmental and inter-departmental meetings, as well as annual feedback by progress reports to and interviews with learners, also form part of the integrated assessment.