Master of Medicine in Otorhinolaryngology

Purpose

Entry into this qualification requires registration by the HPCSA as a medical practitioner in South Africa, one year's hospital internship, two years HPCSA recognised medical/surgical practice, the Part I MMed (Otol) or FCS (SA) examination.

The qualification lasts three or four years depending on previous surgical exposure, and is structured such that the trainee specialist (in otorhinolaryngology, ENT and head and neck) becomes proficient as a diagnostician, clinician, physician, and surgeon in this specialist medical field.

The incumbent is employed by PAWC at Groote Schuur Hospital where he/she is exposed to, handles and takes responsibility for the sick and disabled with ENT/head and neck problems. This includes infants and children as well as adults.

He/she is under constant specialist supervision during clinical and surgical practice. He/she is exposed similarly to emergency casework night and day and at weekends (on roster duty). He/she attends and contributes to an academic learning (knowledge/skills) programme. He/she undergoes periodic assessment and examination.

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.
• Medical qualification and registration with the HPCSA, and clinical experience and exposure to active clinical practice.

1. Diagnose, treat, prescribe, operate on all disorders requiring medical attention.

• Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
• Use science and technology appropriately.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Work as a team member.
• Demonstrate empathy and sensitivity to the individual and community, acknowledging cultural and religious differences.
• Organise and manage one's activities responsibly and effectively.
• Collect, analyse and critically evaluate information.
• Ability to show sensitivity to the patient and community.
• Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
• Use science and technology appropriately.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Work as a team member.
• Demonstrate empathy and sensitivity to the individual and community, acknowledging cultural and religious differences.
• Organise and manage one's activities responsibly and effectively.
• Collect, analyse and critically evaluate information.
• Show sensitivity to the patient and community.
• Diagnose and medically/surgically manage all ear nose and throat (ENT) and related disorders. Effectively operate on common ENT/head and neck diseases and disorders as required.
• Conduct a specialist health care service in this discipline.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is ongoing over the 3-4 year qualification by senior staff during an approved training programme.

Final assessment s by internal and external examination following at least 30 months of practical (and academic) exposure to the subject. Passing either the internal and external professional examinations fulfils assessment obligations by examination. For the MMed (Otol) a dissertation as well as two independent examinations are necessary. The degree is assessed by:

Part I: written (3 papers of 3 hours each) and viva voce examinations in anatomy, physiology, pathology and special testing.

Part II: written (3 papers of 3 hours each), clinical and viva voce examinations in clinical diseases and disorders and their management, special surgery and medical practice.

Part III: written dissertation on topic relevant to this speciality.