Master of Medicine in Urology

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Medicine in Urology is to produce qualified candidates with research expertise, which includes the ability to evaluate and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of Urology and the ability to guide junior candidates if the qualified learner is in an educational setting.

Hence, qualified candidates have competence in the practice of urology and can contribute to the need for specialist practice and research skills in the health sciences in South Africa.

On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Evaluate and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of specialisation.
• Apply ethical, compassionate, and skilled ability to conduct all aspects of specialist urology practice, both about the care of individuals and of populations.
• Assess the principles and practice of Urology from the basic to an advanced level and can train others in the speciality.

Rationale

The rationale for offering this speciality lies in its clinical relevance, complexity and specialised expertise, patient-centred focus, and contributions to medical science. The qualification will produce qualified Candidates with specialist training in the branch of Urology, who may be registered at the level of specialist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, and/or proceed to Doctoral studies.

There's a dire shortage of urology specialists in South Africa, and thus, an urgent need for primary care physicians (PCPs) to be able to manage common urological pathologies, particularly in the public sector.

The qualification aims to provide South Africa with specialist clinicians in the field 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 field 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.

Recognition of Prior Learning

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

And

• Register with Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

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

Compulsory modules, Level 9, 480 Credits

• Application of Basic Medical Sciences in Surgery in General, 60 credits
• The General Principles of Surgery in all Surgical Disciplines, 60 credits
• The Applications of Basic Medical Sciences in Urology I, 45 credits
• The Principles and Practice of Urology I, 60 credits
• Research Report I, 70 credits
• The Applications of Basic Medical Sciences in Urology II, 50 credits
• The Principles and Practice of Urology II, 60 credits
• Research Report II, 75 credits.

1. Demonstrate competence in clinical and surgical urology skills at the specialist level.
2. Evaluate 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 urology practice, both about the care of individuals and of populations.
4. Assess the principles and practice of Urology from the basic to an advanced level, and can train others in the speciality.
5. Demonstrate self-direction and independence in his or her learning to become a lifelong learner, and will recognise personal education needs, utilise appropriate learning situations and evaluate her or his 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 and other health care workers as a team.

� Show sustained competency in psychomotor skills necessary for the practice of urology procedures and surgery.

� Use instruments and equipment necessary for this practice.

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 and applying it in practice.

� Guide junior candidates 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 continuously through the evaluation of performance in clinical practice. Further, the research report that the candidate submits is used in the integrated assessment of research mastery.

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.