Master of Medicine in Neurology

The qulification aims to supply South Africa with a sufficient number of well-trained, competent neurologists to attend to the neurological care of the community. Some of these neurologists will contribute to academic needs such as training health professionals and conducting research.

This qualification forms part of the credentialing process, for medical practitioners, as specialists in neurology. The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) stipulates training requirements, including a minimum period of experiential learning. It is usual for the examination to be taken and passed before the completion of the required period of supervised learning specified by the HPCSA. This qualification aims to meet the needs for formal examination certification, as well as to set standards, nationally, for such a qualification (the country's 8 medical schools may offer equivalent qualifications).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Medical and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.
• Two years of supervised medical practice that may include the internship year, and the year of compulsory community service.

1. Diagnose and manage neurological problems.
2. Perform and interpret clinical neuropsychological studies.
3. Competence in neuropathology, neurochemistry, and neuroradiology.
4. Conduct and present independent research.

a) 1. Ability to identify and resolve problems using critical thinking skills.

• Ability to identify and sue a variety of sources of knowledge and factual information.
• Ability to use science and technology appropriately.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and sensitivity to individuals, families and to the community, and to recognise and respect cultural diversity.
• Ability to organise and arrange one's activities effectively.
• A well-developed sense of responsibility.

b) 1. Ability to identify and resolve problems using critical thinking skills.

• Ability to identify and sue a variety of sources of knowledge and factual information.
• Ability to use science and technology appropriately.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and sensitivity to individuals, families and to the community, and to recognise and respect cultural diversity.
• Ability to organise and arrange one's activities effectively.
• A well-developed sense of responsibility.

c) 1. Demonstrate the ability to assess and diagnose neurological problems

• Demonstrate the ability to manage neurological problems with skill and sensitivity
• Demonstrate knowledge of the aetiology, physiology, and pathology of neurological disease
• Demonstrate the ability to critically assess the medical literature to remain informed
• Demonstrate the ability to select and interpret appropriate investigations relevant to neurological disease
• Demonstrate the ability to liase with clinicians, allied health professionals, technical, and laboratory staff to optimise patient care
• Demonstrate the ability to lead, communicate, advocate, and conduct health-promoting interventions.
• Demonstrate the ability to select and perform neurophysiological studies to assist in patient care.
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret neuropathology, neurochemistry, and neuroradiology to diagnose and manage neurological problems
• Demonstrate the ability to collect and analyse data to draw conclusions for publication and to inform decision-making.

Integrated assessment

Certification by the head of the candidate's training programme that they have completed at least 1 year of a full-time post internship training as a neurology registrar or clinical assistant in a teaching hospital department of neurology or 2 years in a teaching hospital department of neurology plus 1 year as a registrar in a non-teaching hospital affiliated to the medical school.

One year before eligible to write Part I

Part I and a further 2 years experience before eligible to write Part II

Part III must be submitted within two years of completion of training.