Master of Medicine in Radiation Oncology

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to produce qualified learners with research expertise, which includes the ability to evaluate and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of Radiation Oncology and the ability to guide junior learners if the qualified learner is in an educational setting.

Hence, qualified learners 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

There is an increasing incidence of cancers globally, and in South Africa. Radiation Therapy forms a critical part of cancer treatment. With a shortage of qualified Radiation Oncologists in South Africa, specialists often need to evaluate and treat more patients. It is therefore imperative to train more radiation oncologists to serve in this medical field.

Radiation Oncology is a rapidly evolving specialty. Due to it being so technologically rich, it is heavily impacted by technological improvements which advance at a very fast rate. In addition, the patterns of cancer in South Africa are different from that of the rest of the world (types of cancers, stages of disease etc.). It is therefore vital that South Africa trains specialists who can engage with research to explore local complexities and applications of oncology practice and provide data for evidence-based health care relevant for the South African context.

The purpose of the qualification is to produce qualified learners with specialist training in the branch of Radiation Oncology, 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 is not applied by the institution for this qualification as it leads to the 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

Or

• Bachelor of Health Science in Radiography in Radiation Therapy, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Radiation Science, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy, NQF Level 8.

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

Compulsory module, NQF Level 9, 480 Credits

• Applied Anatomy, 20 credits.
• The Principles of Radiation Physics as applied to Radiotherapy, 50 credits.
• Radiobiology and Biostatistics as applied to Radiation Oncology, 50 credits.
• The Principles and Practice of Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy and Immunity in relation to Cancer I, 105 credits.
• Research Report I, 70 credits.
• The Principles and Practice of Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy and Immunity in relation to Cancer II, 110 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 Radiation Oncology from the basic to an advanced level and is able to train others in the speciality.
5. 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 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 applying it in practice.
• Guide junior learners 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 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.