Master of Medicine in Haematological Pathology

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to produce graduates with specialist training in the branch of Haematology, who may be registered at the level of a specialist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. The purpose of the qualification is also to produce graduates with expertise in research, 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. Hence, graduates have competence competency 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.

Rationale

Learners will have competency 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 (RPL)

Applicants who fall outside of the normal admissions process but who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the University that they have a qualification or experiential or work-based learning, may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior accredited and/or prior experiential learning. Applicants who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but need further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary programmes before admission or parallel programmes after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

This qualification consists of a compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 480 Credits.

• Dissertation, 480 Credits.

1. Compete in clinical and laboratory skills at the specialist level.
2. Show expertise in research and the ability to evaluate, and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of specialisation.
3. Show ethical, compassionate and skilled ability to conduct all aspects of specialist practice.
4. Know the principles and practice of Haematology from the basic to an advanced level and can train others in the speciality.
5. Acquire and demonstrate self-direction and independence in his or her learning to become a lifelong learner, and will recognise personal education needs, utilise appropriate learning.
6. 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, to arrive at a diagnosis for a patient.
• Communicate efficiently and effectively with the patient, other health care workers and the community, e.g. 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 competently and responsibly.
• Interpret laboratory results.
• Select appropriate diagnostic methods.
• Implement quality control in the laboratory.
• Demonstrate the ability to 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.
• Critically evaluate published literature in the field (e.g. the application of new laboratory applications) and apply 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

• Demonstrate 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 society and use his or her professional capabilities to contribute to the 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, apply 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 develops the capacity of self-audit and participates in the peer review process, showing a willingness to seek help when necessary.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment is performed continuously through the evaluation of performance in clinical and laboratory practice. Further, the research report that the learner submits is used in the integrated assessment of research mastery.