Master of Medicine in Haematological Pathology

Purpose

The qualification enables the learner to

• Demonstrate the ability to use specialist knowledge and a wide range of specialised skills in Haematological Pathology.
• Identify, apply, conceptualise, design and implement methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging clinical and laboratory diagnostic problems.
• Have an understanding of the consequences, including ethical and professional, of any solutions or insights generated within the field of Haematological Pathology.
• To communicate the results effectively.

Rationale

The 4-year qualification is for medical doctors wishing to pursue a career in Pathology. The training period and training requirements as per the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

The health sector in South Africa has a shortage of medical doctors, especially pathologists. This qualification helps address this existing shortage by producing medical specialists, namely Haematological Pathologists, who can work both in public and private health sectors.

The qualification equips learners with the knowledge, skills and attitudes befitting a pathologist specialising in Haematological Pathology through teaching/training, work-based-learning and active research.

Upon completion of the qualification, learners register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as an Independent Specialists in Haematological Pathology and practice as Pathologists (Haematological) thus addressing the current skills shortages in the county.

The qualification produces suitably qualified haematological pathologists that can work in either the public or private health care sectors.

The primary aim is for qualified pathologists (Haematological) to pursue a career in either the public or private health care sector in South Africa providing diagnostic laboratory services and consultations to medical doctors in the country.

A wide range of employment opportunities is available to Pathologists (Haematological). These include, but not limited to:

Government sector

• Pathologist (Haematological) at Public Laboratories, e.g. NHLS.
• Academic pathologists-Lecturer at Universities.
• Research pathologist in research institutions such as the Medical Research Council (MRC), Human Science Research Council (HSRC) etc.
• Management (health care sector).

Private Sector

• Pathologist (Haematological).
• Lecturer at Private Universities.
• Management (health care sector).

Other career paths include Management, Medical education (lecturer), Research, Further studies (Doctor of Philosophy or sub-specialisation) etc.

These learners should be sought after, be gainfully employed and contribute actively to both a healthier society and economy.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The internship and community service periods are per the institution's RPL Policy. Securing a training post is competitive; therefore, prior learning/work experience in a clinical diagnostic laboratory or related field, and research output is advantageous in securing a position.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

And

• Registration with HPCSA as a medical practitioner (Independent Practice).

And

• Appointment to an accredited registrar post recognised by the HPCSA.).

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 720 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 720 Credits

• Physiology for Haematological Pathology, 180 Credits.
• Molecular Biology, 32 Credits.
• Haematological Pathology, 148 Credits.
• Haematological Pathology (Major), 180 Credits.
• Haematological Pathology (mini-dissertation), 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate competence in both clinical and laboratory knowledge and skills at the specialist level for haematological pathology.
2. Demonstrate the necessary skills to apply the specialised theoretical knowledge of haematological pathology to solve clinical diagnostic problems and have the ability to transfer appropriate standard procedures, processes or techniques to unfamiliar problems in the field of haematological pathology.
3. Engage with and critiquing current research and practices in the field of haematological pathology, demonstrate competency in research methodology and can implement evidence-based findings into the practice of haematological pathology.
4. Demonstrate ethical and professional ability in all aspects of specialist practice in haematological pathology.
5. Demonstrate specialist knowledge in haematological pathology and can teach and train others in the speciality.
6. Work independently and direct self-learning to meet personal, educational needs, thus demonstrating the aptitude of being a lifelong learner.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner

• Demonstrate specialist knowledge with regards to aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of diseases relevant to haematological pathology and transfusion medicine.
• Outline the principles of laboratory procedures for diagnosis of disease processes related to haematological pathology.
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret laboratory tests and communicate these findings.
• Submit a research proposal to the ethics committee and obtain ethical approval. Compile a mini-dissertation that reveals an adequate acquaintance with the research methodology and scientifically written.
• Make sound judgments using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences relevant to the practice of the haematological pathology.
• Demonstrate respect, compassion, integrity and responsiveness to the needs of patients.
• Demonstrate proper respect for other members of the team.
• Demonstrate the necessary skills required to initiate and manage a pathology service laboratory.
• Demonstrate ability to develop his/her learning strategies which sustain independent learning and academic and professional development.
• Demonstrate the ability to use a wide range of specialised skills in Haematological Pathology to identify, conceptualise, design and implement methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems; and have an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within the field of Haematological Pathology.

Integrated Assessment

Physiology for Haematological Pathology (MHPA190)

The assessment of learners will be regularly using written tests, oral presentations and during work-integrated learning. Physiology underpins the understanding of pathological processes, and this the assessment of the knowledge and application thereof is t throughout the four-year training period.

The summative assessment comprises two three hour written assessments.

Molecular Biology (MMMA190)

Learners are assessed after each topic or submit written assignments on each topic, write three class tests, two written examinations and an oral examination in the presence of an external examiner for vulnerable students. The year mark will contribute 50% towards the final combined mark (FCM).

Haematological Pathology (MHPB190)

The assessment of learners is regularly using written tests, oral presentations and during work-integrated learning. The summative assessment comprises one three hour written assessment, one practical examination and an oral examination.

Haematological Pathology (MHPC190)

The assessment of learners is regularly using written tests, oral presentations and during work-integrated learning. The summative assessment comprises two three hour written assessments, a practical laboratory component, a clinical component and an oral component.

In addition to the above, Learners need to compile a portfolio of evidence during their four-year training. Work-based learning continuously tests all exit level outcomes when students are required to apply knowledge in haematological pathology to solve clinical diagnostic problems/analytical laboratory process-related issues and communicate their findings accordingly.

Research Project in Haematological Pathology (MMMA080)

The compilation of a research proposal for ethical approval and the final mini-dissertation showcases the learners applied competence in scope of haematological pathology knowledge; knowledge literacy; methods and procedures; problem solving; assessing, processing and managing information; management of learning; ethics and professional practice, communication (oral and written) and accountability.

The final research report is in the form of a mini-dissertation.