Master of Medicine in Paediatric Surgery

Purpose

The purpose is as follows

• To provide training in the theory and practice of paediatric surgery.
• Provide medical officers with special paediatric surgery training.
• To produce specialist paediatric surgeons capable of functioning clinically independently to an acceptable standard in all aspects of the speciality and with a particular mastery of the diagnosis and treatment of such paediatric surgical conditions as occur frequently in Africa.

Rationale

This programme trains medical doctors to become specialists in Paediatric Surgery.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

N/A

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements are

• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), or equivalent qualification acceptable to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
• Current registration with the HPCSA as a medical practitioner.
• Successful completion of Part 1A and 1B College of Surgeons examinations.

And

• Two years of internship and one-year compulsory community service.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

• Master of Medicine (MMed) in Paediatric Surgery Part 1 (CHM7059W), 60 Credits.
• MMed in Surgical Disciplines Part 2A (CHM7010W), 30 Credits.
• MMed in Paediatric Surgery Part 2 (CHM7060W), 30 Credits.
• MMed in Paediatric Surgery Part 3 (CHM7061W), 60 Credits.

1. Ability to identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
2. Ability to use science and technology appropriately.
3. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
4. Ability to work as a team member.
5. Ability to demonstrate empathy and sensitivity to the individual and community, acknowledging cultural and religious differences.
6. Ability to organise and manage activities responsibly and effectively.
7. Ability to collect, analyse and critically evaluate information and show research competency.
8. Ability to show sensitivity to the patient, care givers and community.
9. Able to effectively diagnose and medically/surgically manage all general paediatric surgical and urologic and related disorders.
10. Effectively operate on common surgical diseases and disorders of childhood as required.
11. Able to effectively conduct a specialist health care service in this discipline.
12. Able to diagnose, treat, prescribe, operate on all paediatric surgical disorders requiring medical attention.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome

• Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and minimum clinical requirements to register as a specialist.
• Demonstrate required knowledge and procedural skills as per the curriculum of the relevant College of Medicine.
• Demonstrate advanced scholarship or research in the speciality via a dissertation.

Integrated Assessment

Formative and Summative Assessment

Candidates write the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) examinations Parts 1 and 2 for which they receive credit towards the Master of Medicine (MMed). They then produce a dissertation before qualifying with the MMed. All examinations are externally examined.

Candidates follow the relevant CMSA curriculum and undergo training in a training unit accredited by the HPCSA. The assessment strategy is aimed at assessing whether candidates have mastered the knowledge and minimum clinical requirements to register as specialists. These requirements are set by the CMSA and are usually assessed in the form of a clinical logbook, an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), objective structured practical examinations (OSPE) and written paper/s. A candidate may not be permitted to undergo the examination for Part 2 unless he/she has successfully completed Part 1 and has such approved experience as may be prescribed for the speciality concerned. The dissertation is required for completion of the Degree and external examination is arranged by the University. There is ongoing informal assessment and an annual progress report that is submitted to the Faculty Examination Committee which details student progress.

Candidates write the Part 1 college examination (for which they get credit towards the Degree) when they are deemed to have mastered the required knowledge of the basic sciences foundational to the practice of their speciality. Many candidates complete Part 1 during their first year (concurrently with their part 2 clinical training); others enter after having already passed Part 1.

Part 2 examination requirements are set by the relevant College of Medicine. The examination typically takes the form of OSCE, clinical, oral, written and computer-based examination and a simulated consultation. Coursework accounts for 50% of the final mark for Part 1. Both aspects of the exam, namely the theoretical (written, including Multiple choice questions (MCQ)-type questions) and practical (OSCE and clinical examinations) must be passed independently with a minimum of 50%.