Master of Medicine in Chemical Pathology

This qualification forms part of the credentialing process, for medical practitioners as Specialists in Chemical Pathology. It aims to provide sufficient training in Chemical Pathology to enable competent practice as a Chemical Pathologist in either the public or private sector. The qualification is recognised by the Health Professions Council of South Africa for the purposes of registration as a Chemical Pathologist. Learners must hold an HPCSA-approved registrar post in a teaching hospital during the training period that is usually 4 years.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Medical Honours in Chemical Pathology, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Chemical Pathology, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences, NQF Level 8, 480 Credits.

1. The qualified learner is able to apply knowledge of the biochemical basis of disease processes, to solve clinical diagnostic problems.
2. The qualified learner has the practical laboratory skills and experience to competently perform, assess and manage clinical biochemistry tests.
3. The qualified learner has sufficient depth of understanding of biochemical methodology and disease mechanisms to enable him/her to competently perform unsupervised research and development projects in Chemical Pathology.

• Is able to describe and explain the biochemical mechanisms of human diseases.
• Is able to perform all biochemical diagnostic tests that are generally in use in modern Chemical pathology laboratories.
• Is able to explain the theoretical principles of all generally used biochemical diagnostic tests.
• Is able to ensure a high standard of laboratory test results by applying appropriate quality control programs.
• Is able to describe and explain the theory and principles of practical operation of all widely used biochemical diagnostic instruments.
• Is able to critically appraise the clinical usefulness and technical performance of biochemical diagnostic tests.
• Is able to apply basic biochemical principles to the design of new diagnostic tests, and to trouble-shooting of existing tests.
• Is able to analyse clinical laboratory data and provide interpretation of such data of clinical diagnostic or prognostic value.
• Is able to critically assess literature on the biochemical mechanisms of diseases and the use of clinical biochemistry tests.
• Is able to successfully lease between clinicians and technical laboratory staff to optimise the clinical value of the laboratory.

Integrated Assessment

Part 1

Certification by the head of the training department that at least 1 year of training in an approved post (registrar level or equivalent) has taken place prior to the Part 1 examination. The Part 1 examination consists of written, practical and oral examinations.

Part 2

Certification by the head of the department that following the successful completion of the Part 1 examination, at least 3 further years of training in an approved post (registrar level or equivalent) have taken place prior to the Part 2 examination. Of these 3 years, at least 2 years must be in a Chemical Pathology laboratory, while up to 1 year may be spent in another branch of Pathology or in Clinical Medicine or Paediatrics ("the outside year"). The Part 2 examination consists of written, practical and oral examinations.

Part 3

A dissertation presenting the results of the learner's own laboratory-based research must be submitted and forms part of the final assessment of the learner.