Master of Medicine in Diagnostic Radiology

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Medicine in Diagnostic Radiology is to equip qualified medical doctors with specialised knowledge to be able to practice as specialist clinicians in the field of Diagnostic Radiology focusing on innovative educational, research and community partnerships that are responsive to local, regional, national development priorities and cognisant of continental and international imperatives.

The qualified learner will have comprehensive, in-depth knowledge in diagnostic and therapeutic skills as well as research skills in the field of Radiology.

The learner will also gain specialised skills in Diagnostic radiology a scarce skill to be able to play a major role in the provision of evidence-based medicine in modern health care.

Rationale

This qualification aims at producing competent learners for admission to doctoral qualifications and enables them to be self-directed, ensure continuing learning, critical thinking and professional development.

After a specified minimum period of registrar training, having had approval of a research report, the learner may choose to exit with the Master of Medicine in Diagnostic Radiology. Furthermore, the leaner may register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) but cannot be registered as a Specialist in Diagnostic Radiology with the HPCSA. However, completion of the qualification and passing the examinations administered by the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa for Specialisation in Diagnostic Radiology, the learner can then register as a Specialist by HPCSA.

The qualification ensures lifelong learning is fostered, ensuring continuing self-development and development of the field.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Only the fellowship of the College of Medicine of SA is recognised for the purpose of training qualification. Thus, credits obtained for the same qualification in an accredited training post at another South African university are recognised if a learner is transferred from such institutions.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

And

HPCSA registration as an Independent Medical Practitioner.

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

Compulsory Modules, 480 Credits

• Research, 60 Credits.
• Radiation Physics, 60 Credits.
• Imaging Anatomy, 60 Credits.
• Plain-Film Reporting, 25 Credits.
• General Sonography, 25 Credits.
• Fluoroscopy, 30 Credits.
• Computed Tomography (CT), 30 Credits.
• Interventional/Vascular Radiology, 30 Credits.
• Mammography, 30 Credits.
• Nuclear Medicine, 30 Credits.
• Paediatric Radiology, 30 Credits.
• Obstetric Ultrasound, 20 Credits.
• Doppler Ultrasound, 20 Credits.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), 30 Credits.

1. Use problem-based solving techniques, which draw on multi-faceted knowledge, in order to arrive at a diagnosis for a patient.
2. Communicate efficiently and effectively with the health professional workers and the patient.
3. Show sustained competence in skills necessary for the practice of Diagnostic Radiology.
4. Demonstrate competence and responsibility in the use of high end Radiology medical equipment and information technology necessary for this practice.
5. Show research aptitude through the production of a research report, demonstrate skills including the ability to write a research protocol, collect data, perform statistical analyses on the data, interpret results, draw conclusions and recommendations.
6. Understand the moral, legal and ethical accountability and requirements of the profession.
7. Critically evaluate the published literature in the field and apply it in practice.
8. Teach junior candidates who are studying or working in the same speciality.
9. Have the best interest or well-being of the patients recognising the constitutional human rights of all individuals.
10. Know their professional limits and where applicable refer patients for appropriately management.
11. Show moral, legal and ethical responsibilities towards colleagues, patients and the community at large.
12. Demonstrate knowledge about the environment and the impact of health care on the environment and vice versa.
13. Show cognisance of scarce resources and the dangers and benefits associated with the speciality of diagnostic Radiology.
14. Demonstrate capability to pass on knowledge and the principles of Diagnostic Radiology to others in the speciality.
15. Demonstrate capability of teaching junior colleagues in the speciality and undergraduates.
16. Demonstrate independence and self-directed learning in order to become a lifelong learner recognising personal learning issues and utilise appropriate learning platforms for his/her own good and the benefit of the community.
17. Demonstrate knowledge that continuing professional development (CPD) is necessary to keep up to date with new developments and is a requirement for HPCSA registration.
18. Maintain and acquire new and updated levels of knowledge, skills and ethical attitudes that will be of measurable benefit in professional practice thus enhancing and promoting professional integrity.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment undertaken are formative and are conducted by the academic staff and those staff who supervise the work-integrated learning components of the qualification.

Formative assessment comprises day to day continuous evaluation of the learner by clinical and academic supervisors in clinical and theoretical presentations in interdepartmental meetings and professional portfolio reviews.

• Learners are assessed on clinical competence in diagnosis and management of disorders appropriate to the discipline.
• Aptitude in IT and use of radiological equipment.
• Demonstration high ethical standards in practice and research.
• Benchmark clinical practice against international standards, using available journal and other platforms.
• Should demonstrate competence interventional procedures.

The following generic attribute competences will be assessed

• Communication skills.
• Creating and sustaining harmonious and effective service delivery teams.
• Leadership in health provision.
• Health advocacy.
• Be extemporary to junior colleagues in the area of specialty.
• Dealing with complex issues both systemically and creatively.
• Demonstrate self-direction and ability in problem solving.
• Exercising sound judgement in the use of data and information.
• Autonomous in planning and implementing professional tasks.

The Research module is assessed on the basis of satisfactory completion research report as per university rules (two external and one internal examiners).