Master of Medicine in Paediatric Surgery

Purpose

The purpose of the programme is to adequately train paediatric surgeons. The qualification intends to deliver graduates who will have mastered 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 practise as specialist Paediatric Surgeons. The qualification thus intends to support the provision of quality health care to the South African society as it aims to deliver graduates who are able to address the dire need for specialist paediatric surgical skills. The graduates 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.

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. It requires a proficiently designed training programme that will deliver expert and professional practising paediatric surgeons who will intervene successfully and significantly in the lives and health of suffering children.

Candidates are assumed to have clinical experience and acquired general theoretical and practical knowledge associated with the field of Medical Clinical Sciences.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Possible exemption, fully or partially, on the basis of comparable training and experience gained at another institution could be granted by the University of the Free State. Based on the Recognition of Prior Learning, candidates may be granted exemption from applicable components of the programme.

Access to the Qualification

Candidates admitted to the Master of Medicine (Paediatric Surgery) should have obtained

• A Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Degree.
• Completed community service.
• Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) or appropriate equivalent health authority of the country of origin.

This qualification comprises seven compulsory modules at NQF Level 9, plus a period of health care practical experience totalling 600 Credits.

Modules

• Anatomy, 60 Credits.
• Physiology (Medicine), 60 Credits.
• Anatomical Pathology, 60 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
• General Surgical Principles including Intensive Care, 152 Credits.
• Extended Research Report, 64 Credits.
• Paediatric Surgery, 192 Credits, Plus Health Care Practice.

1. Systemise, conceptualise and construct in-depth knowledge by means of critical and analytical thinking.
2. Interpret and reflect on current and future insights on informed practice and research.
3. Reconcile advance scholarship in the field, referring to professional development, ethical research practices and service to the community.
4. Apply a wide range of specialised skills and/or established research methods in order to diagnose and effectively treat complex problems within the area of Paediatric Surgery.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

This qualification allows all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes to be addressed.

The following assessment criteria are applied in an integrated manner

• Express established knowledge of the field by portraying a critical awareness of current problems and new trends informed by research within the ambit of professional practice.
• Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in order to critically evaluate current research and methodologies.
• Show originality in the application and command of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret new knowledge in the discipline.
• Evaluate critically, current research, as well as critique current methodologies in the field in order to propose new hypotheses, if appropriate.
• Utilise a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the area of Paediatric Surgery.
• Use resources and insights from academic and professional discourses in order to defend and communicate substantial ideas.
• Formulate autonomous decisions within the ambit of ethical professional practice.
• Utilise own learning strategies to sustain independent learning and academic or professional development, and interact effectively within the professional group as a means of enhancing learning.
• Communicate and defend substantial ideas that are grounded in scientific research through engaging in academic and professional discourse.

Integrated Assessment

Different kinds of evidence of learning are collected to monitor student progress. Constructive feedback on the learning process and/or learning progress is provided to individual students and/or groups of students in oral and/or written format and clearly explained and justified.

For the purposes of this programme, candidates are subjected to 3 examination sessions, focusing not only on theoretical knowledge, but also on the integration of knowledge and competencies during practical examination sessions. Apart from written and practical examinations, candidates are required to engage in a research project and to submit an extended research report.