Master of Medicine in Microbiological Pathology

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to produce qualified learners with specialist training in the branch of Microbiology, who may be registered at the level of a specialist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. The purpose of the qualification is to also produce qualified learners 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 learners if the qualified learner is in an educational setting. Hence, qualified learners have competence in the practice of a specialist field and can contribute to the need for specialist medical microbiologists and research skills in the health sciences in South Africa.

Rationale

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners who fall outside of the regular admissions process who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the institution that they have a qualification or experiential or work-based learning which has taken the learner to an equivalent level of a qualification specified above (under Formally Accredited Learning), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Accredited and/or Prior Experiential Learning. Learners 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 qualifications before admission or parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.
• Register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

1. Demonstrate competence 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. Show knowledge of the principles and practice of Microbiology 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 in order to become a lifelong learner, and will recognise personal education needs, utilise appropriate learning situations and evaluate her or his progress.
6. Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical or language skills in the modes of oral and written persuasion.
7. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
9. Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any qualification of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
10. Reflect on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Use problem-solving techniques, which draw on her or his multi-faceted knowledge, in order to arrive at a diagnosis for a patient and recommend appropriate management.
• Communicate efficiently and effectively with laboratory staff, other health care workers, the patient and the community, e.g. to interpret patient results and suggest appropriate further action.
• Advice on appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
• Recommend appropriate immunisation and prophylactic requirements.
• Use the instruments, equipment and information technology necessary for the practice of specialist skills in the branch studied competently and responsibly.
• Interpret laboratory results competently.
• Select appropriate diagnostic methods
• Implement quality control in the laboratory.
• Demonstrate the ability to undertake all aspects of laboratory management and safety.
• Participate in epidemiological surveillance projects and act upon results.
• Act as a consultant on hospital infection control and prevention projects.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and skills to public health issues of importance.
• 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.
• Practise Evidence-Based Medicine by critically evaluating published literature in the field and applies it in practice.
• 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 uses 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.
• Teach, through practice at the specialist level, the application of knowledge from the basic to an advanced level to other professionals including scientists, support and technical staff and staff in other disciplines.
• Communicate this knowledge by teaching undergraduates and supervising more junior colleagues in the speciality.
• Use appropriate strategies to learn what 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) in order 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 practice. Further, the research report that the learner submits is used in the integrated assessment of research mastery.