Master of Philosophy in Maternal and Fetal Medicine

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is

• To ensure that learners acquire a high level of theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills and experience in the field of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, via appropriate assimilation and analysis of new information, the ability to find workable solutions to problems and challenges, as well as practical application of knowledge accrued.
• To prepare such learners for a career as sub-specialists in Maternal and Fetal Medicine.
• To ensure that learners acquire the necessary skills to identify key research opportunities, initiate well-structured research studies, complete such studies, and apply the results thereof.
• To prepare learners who aspire to move to a higher level of academic research work for Doctoral Studies and to promote an approach based on academic integrity and professional ethics.
• To contribute to the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to ensure advancement in the field of Maternal and Fetal Medicine and to make provision for the country's needs in a skilled scientific workforce of the highest calibre.
• To prepare learners who can apply their skills to the task of answering the relevant questions and meeting the critical needs of the country.

Rationale

Maternal and child health is currently a national and global priority which is reflected in the Millennium Development Goals that South Africa is currently struggling to achieve. Although the general specialist field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology has expanded rapidly over the past two decades, however, as the general specialist field grows, sub-specialist training and accreditation has become necessary in order to promote quality care and direct pragmatic research. The need within obstetrics generally, and maternal-fetal medicine specifically is particularly acute due to the fact that South Africa has the age profile of a developing nation, translating into a high pregnancy rate.

This qualification addresses the need to properly train clinicians with a thorough understanding of and experience in clinical care and research in the field of Maternal and Fetal Medicine. Similar to all of the subspecialty qualifications in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, learners must be qualified specialists who have obtained their Master of Medicine (MMed) or Fellowship of the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of South Africa [FCOG(SA)] Degree.

The qualification prepares the learner for a career (academic or clinical practice) in Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has a Recognition of Prior Learning (APRL) policy in place. The policy defines the process that must be followed in the assessment of an application for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at postgraduate level and provides information pertaining to the assessment tools that will be used in the assessment of RPL applications. The RPL process is subjected to the Faculty's quality assurance process. Unsuccessful applicants may appeal according to the relevant appeal procedures of the institution.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the qualification is subject to academic selection criteria and the learner must

• Be a registered in South Africa as specialist Obstetrician Gynaecologist.

And

• Have a specialist degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Or

• FCOG (SA) or equivalent Degree.

This qualification consists of two compulsory modules at NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits

• Clinical Module, 135 Credits.
• Research Assignment, 45 Credits.

1. Practical skills and experience in clinical maternal and fetal medicine so as to assess patients (mother and fetus) clinically and ultrasonographically.
2. Critically assess existing literature, clinical data, laboratory data, ultrasonography and other imaging data (e.g. CT and MRI images) in order to solve complex or unusual clinical maternal and fetal problems, based on a thorough understanding of disease mechanisms and pathophysiology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• A high level of theoretical knowledge about common (e.g. pre-eclampsia, preterm labour, multiple pregnancies, growth restriction) as well as less common (e.g. auto-immune conditions, congenital anomalies) maternal and fetal disorders is understood.
• Problems are identified and solved in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
• A complete record of the cases attended to by the learner is contained in the logbook, the specific skills and procedures are indicated, the data is recorded for each case and the pertinent aspects of the case are summarised and a brief is presented.
• Experience and knowledge of: administration and management; epidemiology, statistics, research and audit, legal and ethical issues; confidential enquiries into maternal deaths; and the main causes of perinatal deaths are displayed.
• The necessary laboratory tests are requested and interpreted and the necessary special investigations are interpreted and/or performed and the appropriate prophylactic and/or curative treatment is prescribed and/or performed.
• Clinical expertise in - complicated obstetrics, including maternal resuscitation and intensive care; fetal medicine including ultrasound examination and invasive procedures; infectious diseases in pregnancy; medical and surgical complications of pregnancy; operative procedures and intrapartum management; pre/post-pregnancy and bereavement counseling is understood.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Clear, answerable research questions are formulated which pertain to the discipline of maternal and fetal medicine.
• The most appropriate methodology to address the research question(s) is decided upon.
• All relevant information is found, including research and review articles, textbooks and guidelines, by accessing internet databases and employing appropriate search strategies.
• The relevant literature is critically evaluated and an appropriate literature review is written.
• A research protocol is formulated and written.
• The study is conducted and the data is analysed and logical, evidence-based conclusions from the data are drawn.
• The results of the research is presented and defended in an acceptable scientific format.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessments are performed on a continuous basis. This is done via the monitoring procedures and helps to identify specific weaknesses in the learner's knowledge before engaging in a formal assessment process.

The summative assessment of a learner is performed by a process of formal internal and external examination of the two modules.