Master of Medicine in Paediatric Surgery

Purpose

The Master of Medicine in Paediatric Surgery will enable learners to master the specialist knowledge, the competencies to use a wide range of specialised skills and methods in the field of Paediatric Surgery and the values relevant to the practise as a specialist Paediatric Surgeon. The qualification thus will support the provision of quality health care to the South African society as it aims to deliver learners who can address the dire need for specialist paediatric surgical skills. The learners will be able to act ethically and professionally, think analytically and portray a critical awareness of current problems and new insights informed by and at the forefront of Paediatric Surgery and its related areas of professional practice.

The purpose is as follows

• To provide training in the theory and practice of paediatric surgery.
• Provide learners 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 frequently occur in Africa.

Rationale

Paediatric Surgery is a professionally recognised and independent speciality. This demanding surgical speciality calls for specialist knowledge that enables highly trained and skilled surgeons to scientifically engage in the field of paediatric surgery. The qualification will deliver expert and professional practising paediatric surgeons. Upon qualifying learners will be eligible to register as specialists in Paediatric Surgery with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Only the fellowship of the College of Medicine of South Africa is recognised for the purpose of training Master of Medicine (MMed). Thus, Credits obtained for the same MMed at another South African institution are recognised if a learner is transferred from such institutions.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), NQF Level 8.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 540 Credits.

• Anatomy, 60 Credits.
• Physiology (Medicine), 60 Credits.
• Anatomical Pathology, 60 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
• General Surgical Principles, including Intensive Care, 96 Credits.
• Paediatric Surgery, 192 Credits
• Extended Research Report, 60 Credits.

1. Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
2. Use science and technology appropriately.
3. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
4. Work as a team member.
5. Demonstrate empathy and sensitivity to the individual and community, acknowledging cultural and religious differences.
6. Organise and manage activities responsibly and effectively.
7. Collect, analyse and critically evaluate information and show research competency.
8. Show sensitivity to the patient, caregivers and community.
9. Diagnose and medically/surgically manage all general paediatric surgical and urologic and related disorders.
10. Operate on common surgical diseases and disorders of childhood as required.
11. Conduct a specialist health care service in this discipline.
12. Diagnose, treat, prescribe, operate on all paediatric surgical disorders requiring medical attention.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and minimum clinical requirements to register as a specialist by passing the College Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) examinations.
• Demonstrate the required knowledge and procedural skills as per the curriculum of the relevant College of Medicine assessed by "portfolio of learning".
• Demonstrate scholarship or research in the speciality via a dissertation, examination, as well as the thesis, will be assessed by faculty appointed internal and external examiners.
• Take responsibility for feedback to lecturers and to implement and monitor recommended changes to the programme.
• Follow Assessment policy of the institution and its Strategy for Teaching and Learning.

Integrated Assessment.

Formative and Summative Assessment

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

The assessment strategy is aimed at assessing whether the learners 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 learner 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 qualification and external examination is arranged by the institution. There is ongoing informal assessment and an annual progress report that is submitted to the Faculty Examination Committee which details the learner's progress. Learners will write the Part 1 college examination (for which they will get credit towards the qualification) when they are deemed to have mastered the required knowledge of the basic sciences foundational to the practice of their speciality.

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 examination, namely the theoretical (written, including Multiple choice questions (MCQ)-type questions.