Master of Medicine in Diagnostic Radiology

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to produce qualified candidates with research expertise, which includes the ability to evaluate and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of Diagnostic Radiology and the ability to guide junior candidates if the qualified learner is in an educational setting.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Evaluate, teach, and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of specialisation.
• 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.
• Assess the principles and practice of medicine from the basic to an advanced level and is able to train others in the specialt.

Hence, qualified candidates have competence in the practice of Diagnostic Radiology and can contribute to the need for specialist practice and research skills in the health sciences in South Africa.

Rationale

The qualification fulfils the need for Diagnostic Radiologists within the South African Health Care System. These specialised skills and competencies are a vital part of a functional and effective healthcare service to address the burden of disease within South Africa.

This qualification contributes to the drive to revitalise clinical research in a developing country like South Africa to enhance health care at all levels by identifying the causes of problems, facilitating diagnosis, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of care, and promoting good policymaking. The clinical research and training force is ageing and has also been steadily declining in numbers since the early 1990s.

The combined burden of clinical teaching and training, health service and research thus fall on a shrinking and ageing pool of academics in health science faculties. This qualification improves the capacity to increase the production of trained health care workers and to train and inspire a new generation of clinical researchers and university teachers.

The qualification will produce qualified candidates with specialist training in the branch of Diagnostic Radiology, who may be registered at the level of specialist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and proceed to Doctoral studies.

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, NQF Level 9, 480 Credits

• Applied Anatomy, 20 credits
• Radiography and Radiographic Photography, 20 credits
• Diagnostic X-ray and Equipment Construction, 20 credits
• Radiological Techniques and Special Investigations, 20 credits
• Radiation Protection and Radiation Biology, 20 credits
• Physical Bases of Diagnostic Radiology, 20 credits
• Theoretical and Practical Diagnostic Radiology I, 50 credits
• Clinical Medical Practice and Pathology as applied to Diagnostic Radiology I, 55 credits
• Research Report I, 70 credits
• Theoretical and Practical Diagnostic Radiology II, 50 credits
• Clinical Medical Practice and Pathology as applied to Diagnostic Radiology II, 60 credits
• Research Report II, 75 credits.

1. Demonstrate competence in clinical and diagnostic radiology 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 can train others in the speciality
5. Demonstrate self-direction and independence in his or her learning 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 Outcomes 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 and other health care workers as a team.
• Show sustained competence in psychomotor skills necessary for the practice of Diagnostic Radiology.
• Use instruments and equipment necessary for this practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 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 and applying 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 use his or her professional capabilities to contribute to community as well as to individual patient welfare by the practice 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) to keep up to date with new developments and to maintain accreditation and meet statutory CPD requirements.
• Identify personal limitations and develop the capacity of self-audit and participate in the peer review process, showing a willingness to seek help when necessary.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Integrated assessment is performed on a continuous basis through evaluation of performance in clinical practice. Further, the research report that the learner submits is used in the integrated assessment of research mastery.

In order to promote, monitor and measure student 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.