Master of Philosophy in Neuropsychiatry

Purpose

The purpose of the programme is to graduate neuropsychiatrists capable of delivering comprehensive, cost-effective patient care to individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders using a bio-psychosocial framework across a range of clinical care contexts. Additional purposes include an ability to answer questions by means of research and to pass on the knowledge, skills and attitudes of the discipline of neuropsychiatry to other health care providers and future generations of doctors.

Rationale

This qualification will form part of the credentialing process for registration as sub-specialists in Neuropsychiatry.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for consideration, a candidate

• Must have a Master of Medicine in Psychiatry of the University or another university recognised for this purpose, or a qualification recognised by the Senate as an equivalent (such as the fellowship in psychiatry from the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa).
• Must have a professional qualification in psychiatry from are cognised institution outside of South Africa.
• Must have a qualification.
• Must be registrable as a psychiatrist in South Africa.
• Must be practising or have the intention to practise in the field of Neuropsychiatry.

This qualification comprises two focus areas namely

• Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Neuropsychiatry Part 1 (PRY7018W) Level 9, 120 Credits.
• MPhil in Neuropsychiatry Part 2 (PRY7019W) Level 9, 60 Credits.

1. Ability to continue life-long learning and to reflect.
2. Ability to be patient centred.
3. Ability to think in terms of neurology psychological domains, neuroanatomical systems, and integrated neuroscience.
4. Evaluate and manage patients with both undifferentiated and more specific problems cost effectively using a bio-psychosocial approach.
5. Promote health and quality of life of the community.
6. Maintain up to date, quality practice by implementing research findings and own research.
7. Disseminate knowledge and skills to patients, the community, fellow health workers, and future generations off family physicians.
8. Manage him/herself and his/her practice (in public or private sector) effectively with visionary leadership.
9. Understand normal brain development, neuropsychological function and tools to measure deviation from these. Work alongside the other related disciplines (e.g. neuroradiology, neurology, neuropsychology) to advance understanding of neuropsychopathology.
10. Awareness of cultural and other contextual aspects of health and illness.
11. Able to promote health and prevent illness through primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.
12. Able to address ethical dilemmas.
13. Skilled to maximise the potential of the consultation.

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 subspecialty field.

Integrated Assessment

In the course of and at end of their training, candidates undergo examinations set by the relevant College of Medicine. The assessment strategy is aimed at assessing both whether candidates have mastered the basic sciences and/or other foundational knowledge required for their clinical work, and whether they have met the minimum clinical requirements to register as subspecialists. These requirements are set by the Colleges of Medicine and are usually assessed in the form of a clinical logbook and an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) and written paper/s. In order to register as subspecialists, the candidate is not required, but may opt to, complete a dissertation, whose external examination is arranged by the University. Subspecialist trainees who opt not to complete the dissertation may register as subspecialists after passing College exams and meeting minimum clinical training time, on successful completion of College examinations. They receive the relevant College of Medicine certification. Those candidates who also produce a dissertation also receive a University Degree.