Master of Medicine in Urology

The purpose of this qualification is to obtain registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a specialist clinician in the field of Urology.

The qualification aims to provide South Africa with specialist clinicians in the field of Urology in order to provide and promote health care of the highest standard and the continual development of a high level of knowledge and expertise that is comparable with internationally set standards in the field.

Graduates will have comprehensive, in-depth knowledge highly specialised technical (including diagnostic and therapeutic) skills and well-developed research skills in the filed of Urology. An attitude of lifelong learning will be fostered, ensuring continuing self-development and development of the field.

Society will gain specialist clinicians in the field of Urology leading to higher efficacy of patient care, contributing also to the prevention of disease and promotive health in the community.

Matriculation certificate

First degree: M B Ch B or equivalent

Other

Compliance with all regulations as specified by the HPCSA for registration as a registrar with the HPSCA.

Candidates are appointed based on the availability of designated and HPSCA accredited posts and on merit.

M Med (Urol)

Learning outcomes

Obtain and assimilate scientific knowledge and associated practical experience appropriate to the discipline, to be applied critically in patient assessment and management and in a community setting.

Obtain professional and technical skills required to competently assess and manage patients.

Maintain continued competence and show a continuous interest in new developments in the specialist field as a lifelong learner.

Act professionally and ethically.

Undertake and complete a relevant research study.

Critical cross-field outcomes

Confident and flexible identification and definition of complex problems in a highly specialised context and the application of appropriate knowledge and skills to their solution is demonstrated. In the process existing knowledge is expanded or redefined.

The specialist works effectively as a member of the multi-disciplinary health care team towards defined outcomes, and where appropriate assumes leadership, applies negotiation and conflict resolution skills and motivates others.

The specialist communicates effectively with the patient, the patient's family/guardian, various members of the health care team and relevant members of the community.

Effective interaction within a learning or professional group takes place with competent engagement in debate, in a professional manner and context

Demonstrate appropriate theoretical knowledge.

Take appropriate clinical history.

Perform appropriate clinical examination.

Perform/prescribe appropriate specialised investigations and interpret results.

Arrive at a clinical diagnosis, where possible.

Formulate and implement an appropriate therapeutic regimen, evaluating and adjusting elements of the plan as necessary

Takes responsibility within own limits of competence.

Acts within accepted norms of the profession.

An acceptable protocol is compiled.

Results are reported according to scientific norms.

Integrated assessment

Portfolios

Written examinations

Oral examinations

Other

Assessment is continuous and done on the following basis

Portfolio assessment

Seminars based on current research are presented.

A basic research project is conducted.

Formative assessment

The candidate works and studies under the constant and close supervision of senior clinical personnel, who assess/monitor and comment on the candidate's performance, such comment being directed at the student and the supervisor.

Summative assessment

The portfolio work (Operation log) that has been compiled is assessed by the assessor(s) and moderator(s).

One or more written examinations are set at predetermined intervals and especially at or close to the conclusion of the prescribed study period. One or more oral and/or practical examinations may similarly be set. These written, oral and practical examinations are set to a high standard and are conducted in a manner which ensures comprehensive and thorough evaluation of the theoretical knowledge, acquired experience and clinical/practical skills of the candidate.

Written and oral examinations are set in the fields of Anatomy, Physiology, Anatomical Pathology and General surgical principles by the relevant department(s). The candidate must have successfully completed these preliminary examinations before sitting the final M Med Urology examination.

The final M Med Urology examination includes two written examinations, a clinical examination and an oral examination.