Master of Medicine in Paediatrics

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to produce graduates with research expertise, which includes the ability to evaluate and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of specialisation and the ability to guide junior candidates if the graduate is in an educational setting.

Hence, graduates have competence in the practice of a specialist field and can contribute to the need for specialist practice and research skills in the health sciences in South Africa.

Rationale

Training paediatric specialists in South Africa is crucial due to the high burden of child-specific diseases and a national shortage of paediatricians. With a significant portion of the population being children, specialized training ensures that healthcare professionals are equipped to address diverse and complex paediatric health needs. It enhances the quality of child healthcare services and reduces mortality rates. Moreover, it addresses the unequal distribution of paediatric healthcare resources across provinces, ensuring that all children have access to specialized care regardless of their location.

The purpose of the qualification is to produce graduates with specialist training in the branch of Paediatrics, who may be registered at the level of specialist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and may proceed to Doctoral studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning

There are no other options for entry into the qualification as it leads to specialist clinical practice as a Medical Practitioner registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 480 Credits.

Compulsory module, NQF Level 9, 480 Credits

• Application of Basic Medical Sciences in Paediatrics, 120 credits
• The Principles and Practice of Ambulatory and Hospital Paediatrics I, 65 credits
• Research Report I, 70 credits
• Community Paediatrics, 80 credits
• The Principles and Practice of Ambulatory and Hospital Paediatrics II, 70 credits
• Research Report II, 75 credits.

1. Demonstrate competence in clinical skills at the specialist level.
2. Evaluate, teach and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of specialisation.
3. Apply ethical, compassionate, and skilled ability to conduct all aspects of specialist medical practice, both in relation to the care of individuals and of populations.
4. Assess the principles and practice of medicine from the basic to an advanced level, and can train others in the speciality.
5. Demonstrate self-direction and independence in his or her learning to become a lifelong learner, and will recognise personal education needs, utilise appropriate learning situations, and evaluate her or his own progress.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Use problem-solving techniques, which draw on her or his multi-faceted knowledge, to arrive at a diagnosis for a patient
• Communicate efficiently and effectively with the patient, other health care workers, and the community, e.g. to obtain a history, to communicate a treatment ,regimen and to explain the medical condition
• Show sustained competence in psychomotor skills necessary for the practice of specialist skills in the branch studied
• Use instruments and equipment necessary for the practice of specialist skills in the branch studied

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Show research mastery through the production of a research report which demonstrates skills including the ability to evaluate research, review literature, design and perform a study, collect data, perform and interpret statistical analyses on data, interpret results and draw conclusions
• 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 (e.g. on the topics of new therapies and drugs) and applies it in practice
• Guide junior candidates who are studying or working in the same branch of specialisation

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Show respect for patients and colleagues without prejudice, with an understanding and appreciation of their diversities of background and opportunity, language and culture.
• Demonstrate an 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.
• Strive to improve patient care, to reduce inequalities in health care delivery, to optimise the use of health care resources in our society and use his or her professional capabilities to contribute to community as well as to individual patient welfare by the practice of this branch of specialist medicine.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Teach, through practice at the specialist level, the application of knowledge from the basic to an advanced level to other professionals.
• Communicate this knowledge by teaching undergraduates and supervising more junior colleagues in the speciality.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• 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) to keep up to date with new developments and to maintain accreditation and meet statutory CPD requirements.
• Identify personal limitations and develop the capacity of self-audit and participate in the peer review process, showing a willingness to seek help when necessary.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Integrated assessment is performed on a continuous basis through evaluation of performance in clinical practice. Further, the research report that the learner submits is used in the integrated assessment of research mastery.

In order to promote, monitor, and measure student learning throughout a course, no single assessment may count for more than 40% of the final mark unless there are special circumstances, in which case the permission of the Dean is required.