Master of Medicine in Medical Genetics

Purpose

The purpose is to provide qualifiers with the necessary knowledge, specific skills and applied competence such that they will meet the requirements for specialisation in Medical Genetics of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) and be competent to practice Medical Genetics in South Africa and elsewhere at all levels of both academic and clinical practice. This includes a minimum period of supervised experiential learning and success in the CMSA examination for the Fellowship of College of Medical Geneticists (FCMG). In addition, qualifiers will be provided with the necessary foundation to conduct relevant research and interpret and present scientific data and laboratory results.

Rationale

This programme trains medical doctors to become specialists in Medical Genetics. This qualification forms part of the credentialing process for registration as specialists in medical genetics registered as such by the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

N/A

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for this qualification are

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), or equivalent qualification acceptable to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
• Two years of internship and one year of compulsory community service.

And

• Current registration with the HPCSA as a medical practitioner.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

• Master of Medicine (MMed) in Medical Genetics Part 1 (LAB7045W), 60 Credits.
• MMed in Medical Genetics Part 2 (LAB7046W), 60 Credits.
• MMed in Medical Genetics Part 3 (LAB7047W), 60 Credits.

1. Ability to diagnose and manage genetic disorders and identify and understand the genetic contributors to health and disease.
2. Ability to identify and resolve problems using critical thinking as well as a variety of sources of knowledge and factual information.
3. Ability to use science and technology appropriately and have a thorough understanding of the technology used in genetic diagnostics.
4. Ability to work as a team member.
5. Ability to communicate effectively and counsel individuals and families.
6. Ability to demonstrate empathy and sensitivity to individuals, families and the community, and to recognise and respect cultural diversity.
7. Ability to organise and arrange one's activities effectively.
8. Show a well-developed sense of responsibility.
9. Ability to conduct and present independent research.
10. Demonstrate knowledge of the aetiology, physiology, and pathology of genetic disease.
11. Demonstrate the ability to critically assess the medical literature to remain informed.
12. Demonstrate the ability to select and interpret appropriate investigations relevant to genetic disease.
13. Demonstrate the ability to liaise with clinicians, allied health professionals, technical, and laboratory staff and community organisations to optimise patient care.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome

• Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and minimum clinical requirements to register as a specialist.
• Demonstrate required knowledge and procedural skills as per the curriculum of the relevant College of Medicine.
• Demonstrate advanced scholarship or research in the speciality via a dissertation.

Integrated Assessment

Formative and Summative Assessment

Candidates write the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) examinations Parts 1 and 2 for which they receive credit towards the Master of Medicine (MMed). They then produce a dissertation before qualifying with the MMed. All examinations are externally examined.

Candidates follow the relevant CMSA curriculum and undergo training in a training unit accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The assessment strategy is aimed at assessing whether candidates have mastered the knowledge and minimum clinical requirements to register as specialists. These requirements are set by the Colleges of Medicine and are usually assessed in the form of a clinical logbook, an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), objective structured practical examinations (OSPE) and written paper/s. A candidate may not be permitted to undergo the examination for Part 2 unless he/she successfully completed Part 1 and has such approved experience as may be prescribed for the speciality concerned. The dissertation is required for completion of the Degree and external examination is arranged by the University. There is ongoing informal assessment and an annual progress report that is submitted to the Faculty Examination Committee which details student progress.

Candidates write the Part 1 college examination (for which they get credit towards the Degree) when they are deemed to have mastered the required knowledge of the basic sciences foundational to the practice of their speciality. Candidates should complete Part 1 by their second year (concurrently with their Part 2 clinical training). There is ongoing informal formative assessment. There is a formal 6-monthly assessment and progress report.

Part 2 examination requirements are set by the relevant College of Medicine. The examination typically takes the form of OSCE, clinical, oral, written and computer-based examination and a simulated consultation. Coursework accounts for 50% of the final mark for Part 1. Both aspects of the exam, namely the theoretical (written, including Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)-type questions) and practical (OSCE and clinical examinations), must be passed independently with a minimum of 50%.