Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health

Purpose

This qualification aims to meet the needs for formal examination certification, as well as to set standards, nationally, for such a qualification. This qualification forms part of a process to accredit medical practitioners as specialists in Paediatrics and Child Health. The qualification will enable a Paediatric Specialist to:

• Work in a team,
• Promote optimal child health, growth and development,
• Promote a comprehensive approach to paediatric practice, including the prevention of disease,
• Deliver an outstanding medical service to paediatric patients and their families,
• Educate and train all categories of health care workers,
• Advocate the rights of children particularly those who are vulnerable and have a variety of disabilities,
• Promote and conduct relevant paediatric research,
• Become competent in evaluating evidence to inform their practice, whether they remain in public service or work in the private sector.

The training of Specialists in Paediatrics and Child Health is critical both nationally and internationally to develop Child Health Specialist who can:

• Promote optimal child health, growth and development,
• Promote a comprehensive approach to paediatric practice, including the prevention of disease,
• Deliver an outstanding medical service to paediatric patients and their families,
• Educate and train all categories of health care workers,
• Advocate the rights of children particularly those who are vulnerable and have a variety of disabilities,
• Promote and conduct relevant paediatric research,
• Apply principles of evidence-based practice wherever they will be providing service.

Paediatric Specialists operate within a broader system and are concerned with the child's entire spectrum of development-physical, mental, social and emotional. A well trained and competent Paediatric Specialist provides comprehensive child care (or preventive care) which benefits not only the individual patient and family but the healthcare system and communities as a whole. Trainees also experience aspects of multidisciplinary care of complex patients during their training period by interacting with other professionals within healthcare who support, co-manage and provide holistic care of the child. Where applicable and appropriate, paediatric trainees support the training of allied health professionals as part of interprofessional healthcare teams.

Rationale

The health and development of children are central to many global and national development agendas (including South Africa). South Africa, just like most countries in the LMIC experiences shortages of specialist doctors to cope with the increasing demands for quality specialist healthcare services. A lack of opportunities and platforms for training contributes to the current national shortages of Specialists.

Training in Paediatrics and Child Health in South Africa is a four year accredited paediatric specialisation training guided by the curriculum of the College of Paediatricians of South Africa (CMSA), and completion of training must be at an HPCSA-accredited teaching hospital. The trainees provide clinical services in the tertiary academic hospital (the training platform) and gain practical knowledge in Paediatrics and Child Health. In contrast, academic training is through the university.

The overall goal of training Paediatric specialists is: to promote and work towards improved child health and survival in South Africa. To achieve the above, reductions in childhood mortality and morbidity brought through the improvement of service delivery for children at all levels of care within the public and private healthcare systems.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Not applicable to this Degree.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Medicine.

And

• Bachelor of Surgery NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 720 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 720 Credits

• APPM801, 20 Credits.
• PACH701, 260 Credits.
• DIPA761, 180 Credits.
• PACH761, 260 Credits.

1. Apply knowledge of aspects in applied sciences and therapeutics.
2. Apply the knowledge on all aspects of clinical Paediatrics gained over the training period.
3. Apply research skills and techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply knowledge in the principles of Paediatrics and Child Health with particular reference to those aspects of applied sciences and therapeutics that are of importance to the foetus and the care of the neonate infant, toddler, pre-school and school child, and adolescent.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The assessment consists of a written examination (theory component) and a Comprehensive Clinical Assessment (CCA). The CCA consists of 8 objective clinical assessments of each learner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Plan a research project.
• Perform a literature review appropriate to the research project.
• Complete a research project under the supervision.
• Write up a report the research report.

Integrated Assessment

This qualification forms part of a process to accredit medical practitioners as specialists in Paediatrics and Child Health.

MMed Part 1 assessments consist of two written papers.

The qualification aims to build knowledge in the principles of paediatrics and child health with special reference to those aspects of applied sciences and therapeutics that are of importance to the foetus and the care of the neonate infant, toddler, pre-school and school child, and adolescent. Course content covers the therapeutics of importance of the care of the paediatric age group, including the normal and abnormal growth and development of the infant and child, the embryology and anatomy applicable to the above, relevant epidemiology, statistics, genetics, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology and parasitology, and the principles of therapeutics.

MMed Part 2: The examination consists of a written examination and a Comprehensive Clinical Assessment (CCA) conducted under the auspices of the College of Paediatricians at the CMSA. The written papers assess the clinical, community, social and ambulatory paediatrics, ethics, health policy and programmes, and common paediatric problems from other disciplines, including paediatric surgery, dermatology and psychiatry.

The Comprehensive Clinical Assessment (CCA): The CCA consists of 8 objective clinical assessments of each candidate. The observation of the history-taking; explicit and structured testing of communication skills; developmental assessment and management of a child; two observed "long case" assessments, allowing discussion of differential diagnoses and management; two "short case" assessments, emphasising clinical examination and problem formulation and a structured oral examination.

Research report (Minor Dissertation): The research study/dissertation is under supervision generally within the training institution. The dissertation may take the traditional format (15 000 to 20 000 words) or may take other approved formats (a publishable journal article of at least 3 000 words), and must be on a topic in paediatrics. The dissertation should generally be on a clinical topic and of a standard publishable in a peer-reviewed medical journal.

There is the use of a Logbook to record of the learner's experiences and training in various clinical competencies and skills over the training period. The Logbook represents the formative assessment during the 4-year training period.