Master of Philosophy in Neonatology

Purpose

The aim is to train competent forensic mental health workers to assess the psychologic issues in designated individuals, and to rehabilitate mentally disordered offenders. This involves the development of excellent clinical skills in the assessment and treatment of offenders with mental health problems, and developing research and critical appraisal skills. This will include attaining skills in writing medico legal reports, providing expert testimony, and acquiring skills in dealing with civil litigation. The candidate will develop good communication skills and be able to work in a multidisciplinary team and work with multiple external agencies who may be caring for the mentally ill offender (state patient). A further aim is to develop teaching, leadership and management skills. It is hoped that the candidate will be a strong leader in the field of forensic mental health and also be an advocate for the mental health needs of mentally ill offenders.

Rationale

The training programme aims to allow certification (according to the requirements of the Health Professions Council of South Africa) as a registered subspecialist in Neonatology.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall not be admitted to the programme, unless he/she (a) submits proof that he/she, prior to commencing with education and training in the relevant subspecialty, has complied with all the requirements for registration as a specialist in the primary or one of the primary specialities listed against the relevant subspecialty; (b) has been registered as a specialist in that field; and (c) has been appointed against Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)-approved training number.

• Master of Philosophy in Neonatology Part 1 (PED7010W) Level 9, 120 Credits.
• MPhil in Neonatology Part 2 (PED7020W) Level 9, 60 Credits.

The graduate should have

1. Built a sound knowledge base via reading, bedside teaching, tutorials and journal club meetings.
2. Developed a good clinical grounding in neonatology through practical experience, mastered the requisite procedural skills, including but not limited to; umbilical line insertion, peripherally inserted central lines, management of all types of neonatal ventilation, chest drain insertion, intubation and surfactant administration, arterial line insertion, cranial ultrasound, management of inhaled nitric oxide administration, electrocardiogram (ECG) application and interpretation, amplitude integrated electroencephalogram (EEG) application and interpretation, neonatal urinary catheterisation.
3. Developed effective communication skills and a thorough understanding of ethics as it applies to neonatology.
4. Developed an understanding of the theory and practice of evidence based medicine.
5. Passed the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa Certificate of Neonatal Medicine, submitted and passed a mini-dissertation according to the institutions guidelines.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome

• Demonstrate required knowledge and procedural skills as per the curriculum of the relevant College of Medicine.

> In the case of candidates who opt also to complete a dissertation.

• Demonstrate advanced scholarship or research in the sub speciality field.

Integrated Assessment

The examination consists of two parts. The examination in Part I consists of one or more written paper(s) and/or such practical and/or oral examinations as the examiners may require. The examination in Part 2 (for those candidates who wish to obtain the Degree) consists of a dissertation.