Master of Medicine in Radiation Oncology

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to produce qualified appropriately trained professionals in Radiation Oncology 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

This 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 institution's lecturer.

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 obtained at another institution. The RPL process involves matching the learners' 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 candidate should be given credit for specific units of competency.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission into this Master's Degree studies are

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

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 720 Credits.

Compulsory Modules Level 9

• Applied Anatomy for Radiation Oncology 20 Credits.
• Medical Physics 20 Credits.
• Radiobiology and Cancer Biology 20 Credits.
• Tumour Pathology and General Oncology 240 Credits.
• Radiation Therapy and Medical Oncology240 Credits.
• Mini-Dissertation (Radiation Oncology) 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate competence in clinical skills at the specialist level relevant to Radiation Oncology.
2. Shows expertise in research and the ability to evaluate, and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of specialisation related to Radiation Oncology.
3. Shows ethical, compassionate and skilled ability to conduct all aspects of specialist practice, both in relation to the care of individuals and of populations.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and practice of Radiation Oncology from the basic to the advanced level and is able to train others in the speciality.
5. Acquire and demonstrate self-direction and independence in his or her learning in order 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 Outcomes 1

• Use problem-solving techniques, which draw on her or his multi-faceted knowledge, in order to arrive at a diagnosis for a patient.
• Communicate efficiently and effectively with the patient and other health care workers as a team.
• Show sustained competence in skills necessary for the interpretation of Radiological investigations.
• Demonstrate competent and responsible in the use of instruments and equipment necessary for this practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• 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 and applies it in practice relevant to Radiation Oncology and Imaging.
• Guide junior candidates who are studying or working in the same branch of specialisation of Radiation Oncology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• Show respect for patients and colleagues that encompasses, without prejudice, diversity of background and opportunity, language, culture and way of life.
• Refer patients to practitioners who are more appropriately qualified than he or she is to treat certain condition where possible.
• 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 uses his or her professional capabilities to contribute to community as well as to individual patient welfare by the practise of Radiation Oncology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4

• Teach, through clinical practice at the specialist level relevant to Diagnostic Radiology, the application of knowledge from the basic to the advanced level to other professionals.
• Communicate this knowledge by teaching undergraduates and supervising interns and more junior colleagues in the speciality: Radiation Oncology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 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 social accountable citizen.
• Acknowledge responsibility for continuing professional development (CPD) in order to keep up to date with new developments and to maintain accreditation and meet statutory CPD requirements.
• Identify personal limitations and develops the capacity of self-audit and participates in the peer review process, showing a willingness to seek help when necessary.

Integrated Assessment

Learning and assessment across exit level outcomes within the qualification should be integrated to ensure a well-structured cohesive qualification. Assessments are based on formative assessments which are in place to assure continuous learning and feedback to learners and summative assessments which ensure a judgement of learning at exit level outcomes. Such assessments should assess the learners' ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes that are represented by the exit-level outcomes, either as a whole or as components of the qualification.