Master of Medicine in Clinical Pathology

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) recognises Clinical pathology as a speciality.

This qualification forms part of the credentialing process, for medical practitioners as Specialists in Clinical Pathology. It aims to provide sufficient training in Clinical Pathology to enable competent practice as a Clinical Pathologist in either the public or private sector. Learners must hold an HPCSA-approved registrar post in a teaching hospital during the training period that is usually four (4) years.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

1. The Master of Medicine in Chemical Pathology learner is able to apply knowledge of the biochemical, haematological, microbiological and immunological basis of disease processes, to solve clinical diagnostic problems.
2. The Master of Medicine in Chemical Pathology learner has the practical laboratory skills and experience to competently perform, assess and manage routine Clinical Pathology tests.

• Is able to describe and explain the biochemical, haematological, microbiological and immunological mechanisms of human diseases.
• Is able to perform and direct the performance of all biochemical, haematological, microbiological and immunological diagnostic tests which are generally in use in modern routine Clinical Pathology laboratories.
• Is able to explain the theoretical principles of all generally used routine biochemical, haematological, microbiological and immunological diagnostic tests.
• Is able to ensure a high standard of laboratory tests results by applying appropriate quality control qualifications.
• Is able to describe and explain the theory and principles of practical operation of all widely used Clinical pathology diagnostic instruments.
• Is able to critically appraise the clinical usefulness and technical performance of Clinical Pathology diagnostic tests.
• Is able to analyse clinical laboratory data and interpret it in terms of clinical diagnostic or prognostic value.
• Is able to critically assess literature on the mechanisms of diseases and the use of clinical biochemistry tests.
• Is able to successfully liaise between clinicians and technical laboratory staff to optimise the clinical value of the laboratory.

Integrated Assessment

PART 1 summative assessments in Chemical Pathology, Haematology, and Microbiology: 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 summative assessment, in each of the 3 above disciplines. The Part 1 summative assessment in each discipline consists of written, practical and oral summative assessments. Thus, a minimum of 3 years of training is required before proceeding to Part 2.

PART 2

Following the successful completion of the Part 1 summative assessment in each of the three above disciplines, certification by the head of the relevant department(s) that at least 1 further year of training in an approved post (registrar level or equivalent) have taken place prior to the Part 2 summative assessment. This further year may be divided among Chemical Pathology, Haematology, Microbiology, and Immunology, according to the learner's choice, provided such a choice is acceptable to the heads of departments concerned.

The Part 2 summative assessment consists of written, practical and oral summative assessments, and will include Chemical Pathology, Haematology, and Microbiology. It may also include Immunology.

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.