Master of Medicine in Virological Pathology

Purpose

The qualification aims to provide learners with the foundation for continued personal and intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and for contributing to society at large through advanced patient care, innovation, scholarship and leadership in the field of Virological Pathology. The applied competence and skills derived from their training in Virological Pathology is sufficient to allow them to be accredited specialists with registration recognition with the HPCSA.

Rationale

The qualification provides learners with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable them to register as specialists in Virological Pathology with the Medical and Dental Professional Board of the HPCSA. The qualification addresses the needs of rural communities through innovative and robust research initiatives. The learner responds to the critical shortage of medical specialists in the country in rural areas. A higher level of responsiveness to diverse regional and national human resources, skills and knowledge needs in healthcare provision, in particular for rural areas and the public sector which is in line with the social accountability focus of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

And

• Registration with HPCSA, NQF Level 8.

And

• The learner must occupy the post for the full duration of registration.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 720 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 9, 720 Credits

• Medical Microbiology, 28 Credits.
• Molecular Biology, 32 Credits.
• Advanced Virology, 120 Credits.
• Virological Pathology Major, 360 Credits.
• Dissertation in Virological Pathology, 180 Credits.

• Assist in diagnoses, through laboratory investigations, interpretation of appropriate specialised diagnostic tests, verbal communication, physical examination, and to assist in the formulation and execution of management options for divergent problems in clinical virology in a holistic manner.
• Advise and implement appropriate measures in disease management relevant to clinical virology.
• Interpret scientific literature relevant to his/her field and through reflection to adapt new developments in the field of Virological Pathology into his/her clinical practice.
• Conceptualise, plan and implement and interpret research relevant to the practice of Virological Pathology.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.

• Demonstrate knowledge, experience and skills necessary to function and practice as a Virological Pathologist following the standard laid down by the university, professional boards as well as Colleges of Medicine of South Africa by:

> Demonstrating appropriate theoretical knowledge.

> Taking appropriate clinical history at a level appropriate to the speciality and communicate the findings and treatment options effectively with the patient and referring doctor.

> Performing appropriate clinical examination.

> Performing advanced laboratory investigations appropriate to the level of a specialist in the field of Virological Pathology.

> Using cost-effective investigations which provide sufficient relevant information to aid diagnosis.

> Maintaining a high standard of laboratory test results by applying for appropriate quality control programmes. Liaising between clinicians and technical laboratory staff to optimise the clinical value of the laboratory.

• Can teach, through practice at the specialist level, the application of knowledge from the basic to an advanced level to other professionals including scientists, support and technical staff and staff in other disciplines.
• Communicate this knowledge by teaching undergraduates and supervising more junior colleagues in the speciality.
• 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 applies it in practice and can guide junior candidates who are studying or working in the same branch of specialisation.
• 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 uses his or her professional capabilities to contribute to the community as well as to individual patient welfare by the practise of this branch of specialist medicine.

Integrated Assessment

The primary examination (Part 1) must happen within 24 months of training in the following modules: MMIC190, MMMA190, MVPA190. The writing of the final examination (Part 2) occurs after at least four years of training. Admission to the final examination shall depend on satisfactory continuous demonstration of content competence. The final examination is by the CMSA, and it is the only recognised exit exam.

- Medical Microbiology

Practical assessments in a laboratory, written and oral examinations.

The year mark contributes 60% towards the final combined mark (FCM) for the standard examinations. Two written examination papers - Microbiology and Virology.

- Molecular Biology

Learners are assessed after each topic or submit written assignments on each topic, write three class tests, two written examinations and an oral examination in the presence of an external examiner for vulnerable students. The year mark contributes 50% towards the final combined mark (FCM).

- Advanced Virology

Learners submit written assignments, have oral presentations, write three class tests, two written examinations and an oral examination in the presence of an external examiner. The year mark contributes 50% towards the final combined mark (FCM).

- Virological Pathology Major

Weekly presentations and assessments, two written papers (basic and applied), practical and oral examinations with external examiners (Internal) or External examination with Colleges of Medicine of SA (CMSA).

- Dissertation in Virological Pathology

Presentations: (protocol (10%), progress & final presentation (10%): 20% of final mark.

Submit final research report in the form mini-dissertation which assessed by one independent external examiner = 80% of the final mark.