Master of Medicine in Virological Pathology

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to equip a basically qualified medical doctor with specialised knowledge as well as the skills and attitudes required from a specialist in this discipline, in agreement with the requirements of the Professional Board of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), in order for the graduate to be able to function as an independent practitioner in the relevant speciality within any service providing an academic environment. The second purpose is to, in accordance with the strategic framework of the University and its Health Science Faculty, to produce professionals that will, in a conscientious manner, deliver comprehensive health care to the patient as an individual and member of society. It further provides qualifiers with the necessary foundation to conduct and present an independent research project. This qualification has been established to provide training and evaluation for medical doctors specialising in the field of Virological Pathology.

Rationale

This programme trains medical doctors to become specialists in Virological Pathology. The qualification is recognised by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as fulfilling the requirement for registration as a specialist Clinical Virologist.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

N/A

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements are

• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), MBBCh or comparable qualification.
• Current registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a medical practitioner.

And

• Candidates must have completed their internship year.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

• Master of Medicine (MMed) in Virological Pathology Part 3 (LAB7038W), 60 Credits.
• MMed in Virological Pathology Part 2 (LAB7037W), 60 Credits.
• MMed in Virological Pathology Part 1 (LAB7039W), 60 Credits.

1. Ability to identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
2. Ability to use science and technology appropriately.
3. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
4. Ability to work as a team member.
5. Ability to demonstrate empathy and sensitivity to the individual and community, acknowledging cultural and religious differences.
6. Ability to organise and manage activities responsibly and effectively.
7. Ability to collect, analyse and critically evaluate information.
8. Ability to show sensitivity to the patient and community.
9. Have an understanding of the following concepts:

> Viral classification, structure and replication.

> Pathogenesis of viral disease.

> Host defence mechanisms, the immune system and immunity to infection.

> Vaccines.

> Epidemiology of viral disease.

> Clinical features, laboratory investigation, treatment and prevention of human viral diseases.

> Viral infections in the immune-compromised host.

1. Be familiar with the laboratory techniques to detect virus disease: serology, culture and molecular methods, as well as principles of laboratory safety, quality assurance, laboratory accreditation and aspects of laboratory management.
2. Be able to provide advice on infection control, appropriate anti-viral therapy, drug resistance and interpretation of laboratory results, quality control and quality assurance, audits, accreditation, and important aspects of laboratory management.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome

• Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and minimum clinical requirements to register as a specialist.
• Demonstrate required knowledge and procedural skills as per the curriculum of the relevant College of Medicine.

Integrated Assessment

Formative and Summative Assessment

The examination comprises

• Written papers (3 hours each).
• A practical examination comprising morphology, coagulation, blood transfusion, haemolotycs and the interpretation of a wide range of investigations.
• A clinical examination. The cases will have a direct bearing on virology.
• Oral examination.
• Part III Dissertation: The dissertation is the synthesis of a research project performed under supervision.

Candidates follow the relevant Colleges of Medicine of South Africa curriculum and undergo training in a training unit accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The assessment strategy is aimed at assessing whether candidates have mastered the knowledge and minimum clinical requirements to register as specialists. These requirements are set by the Colleges of Medicine and are usually assessed in the form of a clinical logbook, an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), objective structured practical examinations (OSPE) and written paper/s. A candidate may not be permitted to undergo the examination for Part 2 unless he/she has successfully completed Part 1 and has such approved experience as may be prescribed for the speciality concerned. The dissertation is required for completion of the Degree and external examination is arranged by the University. There is ongoing informal assessment and an annual progress report that is submitted to the Faculty Examination Committee which details student progress.

Candidates write the Part 1 college examination (for which they get credit towards the Degree) when they are deemed to have mastered the required knowledge of the basic sciences foundational to the practice of their speciality. Many candidates complete Part 1 during their first year (concurrently with their Part 2 clinical training); others enter after having already passed Part 1.

Part 2 examination requirements are set by the relevant College of Medicine. The examination typically takes the form of OSCE, clinical, oral, written and computer based examination and a simulated consultation. Coursework accounts for 50% of the final mark for Part 1. Both aspects of the exam, namely the theoretical (written, including Multiple choice questions (MCQ)-type questions) and practical (OSCE and clinical examinations), must be passed independently with a minimum of 50%.