Master of Medicine in Medical Virology

The purpose of this qualification is for graduates to obtain registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa's (HPCSA) as a specialist clinician in the specialist field of Virology.

The qualification aims to provide South Africa with specialist clinicians in the field of Virology in order to promote the continual development of a high level of knowledge and expertise that is internationally comparable in the field.

Graduates will have comprehensive, in-depth knowledge, highly specialised technical (including diagnostic and therapeutic) skills and well-developed research skills in the field of Virology. They will maintain an attitude of lifelong learning ensuring continuing self-development and development of the field.

Society will gain specialist clinicians in the field of Virology leading to higher efficacy of care in such patients.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access may be gained to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) or equivalent.

Other

• Compliance with all regulations as specified by the Health Professions Council of South Africa's (HPCSA) for registration as a registrar with the HPSCA.
• Candidates are appointed based on the availability of designated and HPSCA accredited posts and on merit.

1. Obtain and assimilate scientific knowledge and associated practical experience appropriate to the discipline to be applied critically in patient assessment and management.
2. Obtain professional and technical skills required to competently assess and manage patients.
3. Maintain continued competence and show a continuous interest in new developments in the neurology field as a lifelong learner.
4. Act professionally and ethically.
5. Undertake and complete a relevant research study.

1. Demonstrate appropriate theoretical knowledge.
2. Take appropriate clinical history.
3. Perform appropriate clinical examination.
4. Perform/prescribe appropriate specialised investigations and interpret results.
5. Arrive at a clinical diagnosis, where possible.
6. Formulate and implement an appropriate therapeutic regimen, evaluating and adjusting elements of the plan as necessary.
7. Latest techniques and technology are assimilated into appropriate practice.
8. Take responsibility within own limits of competence.
9. Act within accepted norms of the profession.
10. An acceptable protocol is compiled.
11. Results are reported according to scientific norms.

Upon achievement of this qualification, the learner will be able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge in the following

• Basic Medical Virology.
• Diagnostic Medical Virology.
• Laboratory Diagnosis and Laboratory Management.
• Clinical Medical Virology.
• Patient Assessment and Management.

Skills

• Laboratory Diagnosis.
• Patient Management.
• Consultation Management.

Attitudes

• Attitude of continuous self-development.
• Continuous interest in new developments in Medical Virology.
• Dedicated patient-and client-orientated service.

Integrated Assessment

• Portfolios.
• Seminars based on current research are presented.
• A basic research project is conducted.

Work-place assessments

- Assessment is continuous and done on the following basis

Formative Assessment

• Students work under supervision of specialists.

Summative Assessment

• The portfolio work that has been compiled is assessed by the assessor(s) and moderator(s).
• Written examinations.
• Oral examinations.