Master of Medicine in Plastic Surgery

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to produce qualified appropriately trained professionals in Plastic Surgery for South Africa with the specific knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable them to register as specialists with the Medical and Dental Professional Board of the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Rationale

The qualification improves the capacity to increase the production of properly trained health care workers and to train and inspire a new generation of clinical researchers and university teachers.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is implemented through the institution's policy. For this qualification RPL will be predominantly used for returning learners with an incomplete Master's qualification and for learners who have an incomplete master's qualification from another institution. The RPL process involves matching the learner's current knowledge and skills to the learning outcomes of the qualification-which are nationally recognised qualifications registered on the NQF-to determine whether a returning learner should be given credit for specific units of competency.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 900 credits.

Modules

• Applied Anatomy for Surgical Disciplines, 20 Credits.
• Plastic Surgical Pathology, 20 Credits.
• General Principles of Surgery, 160 Credits.
• General Physiology, 20 Credits.
• Mini-Dissertation (Plastic Surgery), 228 Credits.
• Plastic and reconstructive Surgery (Major), 452 Credits.

1. Critique new knowledge and emerging trends within the field of Plastic Surgery.
2. Solve complex problems in unforeseen case studies by using contemporary theories and methods in the specialisation of Plastic Surgery
3. Communicate with their peers, the larger scholarly community and with society in general about their specialty of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
4. Diagnose and investigate problems/diseases requiring plastic/reconstructive surgery.
5. Show a high regard for the profession, and implement all ethical considerations in professional practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Display a holistic approach to disease processes related to general physiology and pathology as applied to Plastic Surgery.
• Engage with theories and knowledge of all aspects of Plastic (Cosmetic) and Reconstructive Surgery such as congenital anomalies, post-trauma and post-surgical) involving all parts of the human body; Paediatric Plastic Surgery and Urology; Hand- and Orthopaedic Surgery; Maxillo-Facial- and Craniofacial Surgery; Burns and Microsurgery.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply a broad and specialised knowledge of Plastic Surgery and associated disciplines to address complex practical and theoretic problems in creative and innovative ways.
• Examine the patient and make an informed decision regarding the operability or not of such a patient in Plastic Surgery related cases.
• Design and implement methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the field of Plastic Surgery.
• Use a wide range of specialised skills in addressing complex and challenging problems within the Plastic Surgery discipline and practice.
• Perform all procedures in a skillful and safe manner, adapting to unanticipated findings or changing clinical circumstances.
• Provide a criticism of the methods used to solve complex problems in the discipline, highlighting advances and challenges.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Discuss ideas and interests in an articulated manner, using appropriate discourse to a variety of audiences.
• Present results and findings to the larger scholarly community in oral or written formats.
• Participate in debates and arguments within the Medical Health sector for the advancement of the discipline of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
• Argue concepts and ideas logically, based on evidence and factual information in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, to contribute towards the well-being of the Patient.
• Communicate using a patient-centred approach that encourages patient trust and autonomy and is characterized by empathy, respect, and compassion.
• Assist patients and their families to identify, access, and make use of information and communication technologies to support their care and manage their health.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Research question or hypothesis is relevant and structured in alignment with the research conducted.
• Literature review contains appropriate depth, is relevant and contemporary, and is contextualised to support the research.
• Research design and methodology used is appropriate to answer the research question.
• Research design, methodology and the critique and reflection thereof is sufficient to provide an accurate analysis, interpretation, and substantiation of results.
• Ethical considerations have been applied to all aspects of the research, interpretation and the writing of the report, including plagiarism.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Practice medicine within the defined scope of Plastic and Reconstructive practice and expertise.
• Establish and maintain positive and respectful relationships with physicians and other colleagues in the health care professions to support collaborative care.
• Adopt a patient-centred approach to management of the clinical circumstance.
• Show an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within the context of Plastic surgery.
• Carry out professional duties in the face of multiple, competing demands.
• Adhere to the professional and ethical codes, standards of practice, and laws governing specialist practice.
• Recognize when the values, biases, or perspectives of patients, physicians, or other health care professionals may have an impact on the quality of care, and modify the approach to the patient accordingly.
• Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a professional orientation, and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to a particular profession.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes.

• Conduct research in an area of Plastic Surgery.
• Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively.
• Design and critically appraise analytical writing, make sound judgements using data and information at the disposal and communicate conclusions clearly.
• Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.
• Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a professional orientation. advance own knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to a profession.
• Produce a quality mini-dissertation to satisfy peer review and merit publication.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessments are carried out throughout the duration of the modules in the form of written assignments on each topic, class tests. Summative assessments take place in the form of written examinations, practicals and oral examinations in the presence of external examiners. Supervision and assessment of Masters mini-dissertations shall be done in accordance with established assessment principles and best practices to ensure quality in terms of standards, rigour and professionalism.