Master of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to produce qualified and appropriately trained professionals in Obstetrics and Gynaecology for South Africa with the specific knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable them to register as specialists with the Medical and Dental Professional Board of the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Rationale

The qualification improves the capacity to increase the production of properly trained health care workers and to train and inspire a new generation of clinical researchers and institution lecturer.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is implemented through the institutional policy. For this qualification, RPL will be predominantly used for returning learners with an incomplete master's qualification and for learners who have an incomplete master's qualification from another institution. The RPL process involves matching the learner's current knowledge and skills to the learning outcomes of the qualification - which are nationally recognised qualifications registered on the NQF to determine whether a returning learner should be given credit for specific units of competency.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

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

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 720 Credits.

Modules

• Applied Anatomy for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 20 Credits.
• General Physiology, 20 Credits.
• Mini-dissertation (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), 180 Credits.
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 500 Credits.

1. Demonstrate competence in clinical and surgical skills at the specialist level.
2. Demonstrate 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 surgical specialist practice, both in relation to the care of individuals and of populations.
4. Display knowledge of the principles and practice of Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the basic to the advanced level and is able to train others in the speciality.
5. Demonstrate self direction and independence in own learning in order to become a lifelong learner, and recognise personal education needs, utilise appropriate learning situations and evaluate own progress.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner 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.
• Communicate efficiently and effectively with the patient and other health care workers as a team.
• Show sustained competence in psychomotor skills necessary for the practice of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
• Show competency and responsibility in the use of instruments and equipment necessary for the practice.
• Conduct all research with due regard for the moral, legal and ethical accountability and requirements of the profession.
• Practice Evidence-Based Medicine by critically evaluating published literature in the field and applies it in practice.
• Guide junior candidates who are studying or working in the same branch of specialisation.
• Show respect for patients and colleagues that encompasses, without prejudice, diversity of background and opportunity, language, culture and way of life.
• Refer patients to practitioners who are more appropriately qualified to treat certain conditions.
• 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.
• 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 community as well as to individual patient welfare by the practise of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
• Teach, through clinical practice at the specialist level, the application of knowledge from the basic to the advanced level to other professionals.
• Communicate knowledge by teaching undergraduates and supervising interns and more junior colleagues in the speciality.
• 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) 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

The qualification must be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, design and critically appraise analytical writing, make sound judgements using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences, demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a professional orientation, and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to a particular profession.

The research component of forms an integral part of this qualification in that a problem within the research focus of the division is studied in more detail. Learners must produce a mini-dissertation and a publishable ready article for assessment by internal and external examiners as per the institution's assessment policy. All assessment is in alignment with the institution's rules and the assessment policy of learner's learning.