Master of Medicine in Plastic Surgery

Purpose

The Master in Plastic Surgery aims to train specialists in the field of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, who acquired specialist knowledge and competencies through participative learning. This qualification enables learners to make informed autonomous ethical decisions in addressing challenges by accounting for scientific and social dimensions in the medical field. It intends to deliver qualifying learners that will demonstrate a systematic understanding of theory, of in-depth knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and new insights at the forefront of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and its related area of professional practice. This qualification provides the learner with advanced skills and techniques applicable to the field; originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established methods of research and enquiry used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. Learners acquire a conceptual understanding of the field of study that enables them to critically evaluate methodologies, current research and advanced scholarship in the field of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Rationale

The Master in Plastic Surgery provides postgraduate education to train specialists in Plastic Surgery. Health care providers in South Africa and elsewhere in Africa experience a dire need for capacity and expertise to support the quality of health care provision in Plastic Surgery. Expertise in this specialised field of Medicine, therefore, speaks to the vital need for improved health care.

This qualification intends to train registered, general practitioners in Plastic Surgery. This field of study is acknowledged by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an expert, and much needed specialisation. The emphasis is on the value of the investment in and necessity for building specialised capacity and advanced competency in the field of Medicine, and in particular Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Experts developed the qualification within the ambit of international comparability, occupational demands and requirements, and community needs. It is also aligned with the national priorities in the Health Sector and complies with the criteria, norms and standards set by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

The qualification improves the capacity to increase the production of adequately trained health care workers and to educate and inspire a new generation of Clinical Researchers and Academics.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• Not applicable

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

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

And

• Registered as a General Practitioner with the Health Professions Council of South Africa or equivalent for the country of origin.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 600 credits.

Modules

• Primary Examination (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology), 180 Credits.
• Intermediate Examination (Applied Physiology), 180 Credits.
• Final Examination (Principles of Surgery), 180 Credits.
• Research Report, 60 Credits.

1. Critique new knowledge and emerging trends within the field of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
2. Design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes and technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems within the field of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
3. Communicate with their peers, the broader scholarly community and with society in general about their speciality of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
4. Use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address and treat complex and challenging problems within the area of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
5. Show 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 theoretical 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 skilfully and safely, 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 the results and findings to the broader 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.
• The 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.
• Apply ethical considerations 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 the 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.
• Recognise 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.

Integrated Assessment

The Master in Plastic Surgery endorses excellence and academic integrity of postgraduate research and assessment. The assessment follows stipulated assessment procedures and criteria. Different kinds of evidence of learning are, therefore collected to monitor learner progress. The assessors or lecturers provide constructive feedback on the learning process and/or learning progress to individual learners or groups of learners in oral and/or written format and clearly explained and justified.

For this qualification, learners are subjected to three 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, learners are required to engage in a research project and to submit an extended research report.