Master of Philosophy in Gastroenterology Surgery

Purpose

The Master of Philosophy in Gastroenterology Surgery aims to train subspecialists in the field of Gastroenterology Surgery, who acquired specialist knowledge and competencies through participative learning. This qualification enables learners to make informed autonomous ethical decisions in addressing challenges by accounting for scientific and social dimensions in the medical field. It intends to deliver learners that will demonstrate a systematic understanding of theory, of in-depth knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and new insights at the forefront of Gastroenterology Surgery and its related area of professional practice. This is reflected by the mastering of advanced skills and techniques applicable to the field; originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. Learners will acquire a conceptual understanding of the field of study that enables them to critically evaluate methodologies, current research and advanced scholarship in the field of Gastroenterology Surgery.

Rationale

The Master of Philosophy in Gastroenterology Surgery [MPhil (Gastroenterology Surgery)] provides postgraduate education to train subspecialists in Gastroenterology Surgery. Health care providers in South Africa and elsewhere in Africa experience a dire need for capacity and expertise to support the quality of health care provision. Expertise in this specialised field of Medicine therefore speaks to the vital need for improved health care.

This qualification intends to train registered, practicing specialists as subspecialists (or "post- or super-specialists") in Gastroenterology Surgery. This field of study is acknowledged by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an expert, and much needed sub-specialisation. This emphasises the value of the investment in and necessity for building specialised capacity and advanced competency in the field of Medicine, in particular Gastroenterology Surgery.

The qualification is proficiently developed by experts, within the ambit of international comparability, occupational demands and requirements, as well as community needs. It is also aligned with the national priorities in the Health Sector and complies with the criteria, norms and standards set by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Admission to this Master's Degree could be granted to learners not in possession of the specified degree that meets the admission requirements at the discretion of the Institution and in accordance with the relevant legislation.

Possible exemption, for a maximum period of 6 months, on the basis of comparable training and experience gained at another recognised academic institution could be granted, subject to the following conditions:

• The said periods of training must have occurred within at most two years before registering for the MPhil (Gastroenterology Surgery).
• Sufficient experience must be proven by means of a logbook and certification by the Head of the Department where the experience was gained. The above information must then be evaluated by the Head of the Department of Surgery of the UFS and approved as equivalent.

Entry Requirements

Learners may register for the degree Master of Philosophy in Gastroenterology Surgery if he/she

• Is registered as a specialist surgeon with the Health Professions Council of South Africa or equivalent for the country of origin.
• Is in possession of a Master of Medicine (Surgery) or Fellowship of the College of Surgeons (FCS) or equivalent qualification.
• Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) or appropriate equivalent health authorities for the country of origin, are compulsory.
• Prospective candidates should have completed their internship and community service obligations.

This qualification comprises 3 compulsory modules, at NQF Level 9, totalling 300 Credits

• Clinical training: Gastroenterology Surgery, 120 Credits.
• Clinical training: Gastroenterology Surgery, 120 Credits.
• Research Report, 60 Credits.

1. Demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge in the field of Gastroenterology Surgery.
2. Undertake research and understand the principles of conducting clinical studies.
3. Implement improved competences in the administration and management of the subspecialty.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The relevant basic sciences with reference to surgical diseases of the upper (especially the oesophagus and stomach) and lower (especially the large bowel and anus) gastro-intestinal tract as well as hepato-biliary-pancreatic disease are discussed.
• Methods of inquiring are identified, conceptualised, critiqued, implemented and diagnosed to address medical challenges that demand high levels of expertise.
• A wide range of specialised skills and competency is used in identifying, conceptualising, critiquing and implementing methods of inquiring and diagnoses to address medical challenges that demand high levels of expertise.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Specialist knowledge and theory is applied in reflective, original, creative ways to solve complex practical and theoretical problems.
• The area of Gastroenterology Surgery is evaluated and applicable resources are applied and comprehended to meaningfully contribute to academic and professional discourses within the field of Gastroenterology Surgery.
• Medical texts (articles) are assessed and information is disseminated to identify further areas of research within the field of Gastroenterology Surgery.
• New knowledge and research initiatives are created.
• New clinical applications and practise is created, based upon independent scholarship.
• Theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in the field of Gastroenterology Surgery are reflected upon.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Interventions at an appropriate level within the health care system are implemented and the intended and unintended consequences of interventions are addressed.
• Patients are thoroughly assessed and managed.
• At a high ethical standard in the handling of difficult patient problems for example in the ICU and dealing with terminal illness is sensitively acted upon and practiced.
• Effective communication with patients and colleagues is demonstrated.
• High quality medical care is provided, including the selection and performance of appropriate tests and investigations.
• Occupational and environmental health is managed including such as evaluation of workers and the work place, including preventative measures.
• Independence in the management of digestive disease patients is demonstrated.
• Surgery systems that are acceptable and affordable for the country are proficiently assessed, planned and implemented.

Integrated Assessment

Different kinds of evidence of learning are collected to monitor learner progress. These are assessed in accordance with the stipulated associated assessment criteria, and the contemporary principles of good assessment. Learner progress is monitored through continuous formal and informal formative assessment drawing on a range of methods and contexts relevant to the outcomes, assessment criteria and mode of delivery of the programme. Constructive feedback on the learning process and/or learning progress is provided to individual learners and/or groups of learners in oral and/or written format and clearly explained and justified.

In addition to the compulsory written examinations, learners are required to submit a research report at least 6 months before the final examination is written. The research report must be passed individually in order to obtain the Degree.

Learners are required to take the CMSA examination, which are external to the institution. For summative assessment, internal moderation and external moderation for Exit Level Outcomes for both examination sessions in both semesters are undertaken to ensure the reliability of the assessment procedures.

This formative evaluation will include the following

• Knowledge.
• Skills.
• Relationships with other colleagues and staff.
• Administrative abilities.
• Teaching abilities.

After completion of two years clinical training learners are required to participate in a final examination, testing the learner's knowledge and clinical abilities by means of a 3-hour multiple choice questions examination and two half hour oral evaluations. A mini-dissertation is also required.

In order to be supported for registration in the sub-specialty of Gastroenterology, each learner will be required to have completed a logbook recording operative and diagnostic procedures, stating the degree of supervision for each case. The logbook will need to be verified by the Head of the Unit on a quarterly basis. Learners will be required to produce both their logbook and certification by the Head of Unit in which the training was completed, confirming satisfactory completion of training and achievement of the requisite level of technical and operative skill, prior to admission to the exit examination.

Different kinds of evidence of learning are therefore collected to monitor learner progress. Constructive feedback on the learning process and/or learning progress is provided to individual learners and/or groups of learners in oral and/or written format and clearly explained and justified.

For the purposes of this qualification, learners are subjected to 2 examination sessions, focusing not only on theoretical knowledge, but also on the integration of knowledge and competencies during practical examination sessions. Apart from written and practical examinations, learners are required to engage in a research project and to submit an extended research report.