Master of Medicine in Chemical Pathology

The purpose of the qualification is to produce medical professionals with research expertise, which includes the ability to evaluate and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of specialisation and the ability to guide junior candidates if the graduate is in an educational setting.

The qualifying learner will be able to

• To conduct research in anaesthesia healthcare delivery systems.
• To generate, disseminate, and preserve new knowledge and skills relevant to anaesthesia and critical care provision.
• To gain the requisite skills and discipline expected of ethical service-driven graduates for the provision of anaesthesia and critical care services.

Rationale

Anaesthesia is an essential service in modern medical practice and health delivery systems all over the world. It is the most important scientific discovery in recent times and has revolutionized the practice of surgery and related subjects.

This qualification trains medical doctors to become specialists in the field of anaesthesiology. Candidates will follow the relevant College of Medicine South Africa (CMSA) curriculum and undergo training in a training unit registered by the Health Professions Council of South Africa for this purpose. The qualifying learners will be able to proceed to Doctoral studies.

The qualification will train competent and relevant anaesthesiologists for local and international labour needs in keeping with prevailing trends of the time and adhering to the highest levels of professionalism, ethics, and personal integrity for both learners and staff.

Hence, medical health professionals will have competence in the practice of a specialist field and can contribute to the need for specialist practice and research skills in the health sciences in South Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning

There are no other options for entry into the qualification as it leads to specialist clinical practice as a Medical Practitioner registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 480 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9. 480 Credits

• Chemical Pathology Part I. Level 9. 120 Credits
• Chemical Pathology Part II. Level 9. 120 Credits
• Chemical Pathology Part III. Level 9. 50 Credits.
• Research Report I. Level 9. 70 Credits
• Chemical Pathology Part IV. Level 9. 45 Credits.
• Research Report II. Level 9. 75 Credits.

1. Demonstrate competence in clinical and laboratory skills at the specialist level.
2. Evaluate, teach and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of specialisation.
3. Apply ethical, compassionate and skilled ability to conduct all aspects of specialist medical practice, both in relation to the care of individuals and of populations.
4. Assess the principles and practice of medicine from the basic to an advanced level and is able to train others in the speciality.
5. Demonstrate self-direction and independence in his or her learning in order to become a lifelong learner, and will recognise personal education needs, utilise appropriate learning situations and evaluate her or his own progress.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Use problem-solving techniques, which draw on her or his multi-faceted knowledge, in order to arrive at a diagnosis for a patient
• Communicate efficiently and effectively with the patient, other health care workers and the community, e.g. in order to interpret patient results and suggest appropriate further action
• Use of instruments, equipment and information technology necessary for the practice of specialist skills in the branch studied
• Interpret laboratory results
• Select appropriate diagnostic methods
• Implement quality control in the laboratory
• Undertake all aspects of laboratory management

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Show research mastery through the production of a research report which demonstrates skills including the ability to evaluate research, review literature, design and perform a study, collect data, perform and interpret statistical analyses on data, interpret results and draw conclusions.
• Conduct all research with due regard for the moral, legal and ethical accountability and requirements of the profession
• Practice evidence-based medicine by critically evaluating published literature in the field (e.g. the application of new laboratory applications) and applies it in practice
• Guide junior candidates who are studying or working in the same branch of specialisation

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Show respect for patients and colleagues without prejudice, with an understanding and appreciation of their diversities of background and opportunity, language and culture.
• Demonstrate an awareness, through actions or in writing, of the moral, legal and ethical responsibilities involved in individual patient care and the provision of care to populations.
• Consider both the impact of health care on the environment as well as the impact of the environment on health.
• Strive to improve patient care, to reduce inequalities in health care delivery, to optimise the use of health care resources in our society and uses his or her professional capabilities to contribute to community as well as to individual patient welfare by the practise of this branch of specialist medicine.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Teach, through practice at the specialist level, the application of knowledge from the basic to an advanced level to other professionals.
• Communicate this knowledge by teaching undergraduates and supervising more junior colleagues in the speciality.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Use appropriate strategies for learning that will prepare him or her for continued professional development throughout life, both as a specialist doctor and as a responsible citizen.
• Acknowledge responsibility for continuing professional development (CPD) in order to keep up to date with new developments and to maintain accreditation and meet statutory CPD requirements.
• Identify personal limitations and develops the capacity of self audit and participates in the peer review process, showing a willingness to seek help when necessary.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

A comprehensive, integrated assessment approach is employed throughout the program. This ongoing evaluation encompasses performance in both clinical and laboratory settings. Additionally, a portfolio of evidence serves as a key assessment tool. This portfolio includes demonstrations of laboratory-based practice, laboratory management, and clinical case write-ups showcasing the candidate's knowledge of clinical skills, clinical features and the ability to interpret laboratory results within a clinical context.

Work-based assessments directly evaluate the candidate's competence in performing tasks expected at the specialist level.

Furthermore, the learner's submitted research report is incorporated into the assessment of research mastery.

To promote, monitor and measure learning throughout a course, no single assessment may count for more than 40% of the final mark unless there are special circumstances, in which case the permission of the Dean is required.