Master of Philosophy in Surgical Gastroenterology

Purpose

This qualification aims to produce a competent, critical, and skilled gastroenterology surgeon, capable of practising independently in both public and private service.

Rationale

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

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.

In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory at Level 9 totalling 240 Credits.

Compulsory Modules,120 Credits

• Master of Philosophy in Surgical Gastroenterology Part 1, 120 Credits.
• Master of Philosophy in Surgical Gastroenterology Part 1, 120 Credits.

1. Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
2. Use science and technology appropriately.
3. Communicate a mini-dissertation effectively both verbally and in writing.
4. Work as a team member.
5. Demonstrate empathy and sensitivity to parents and community, acknowledging cultural and religious differences.
6. Organise and manage one's activities responsively and effectively.
7. Take on leadership roles in clinical governance.
8. Collect, analyse and critically evaluate information.
9. Enhance the spectrum of professional competence in surgical gastroenterology.
10. Demonstrate specialist knowledge of pathology, assessment tools, medical investigations and treatment modalities, including various radiological therapies and medical treatments.

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

• Demonstrate clinical, research and teaching skills in surgical gastroenterology, which includes diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas and bile ducts.
• Demonstrate specific clinical skills involving the endoscopic treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, including the skills to deal with bleeding peptic ulcers and bleeding oesophageal varices, the investigation and endoscopic treatment of diseases involving the bile ducts and pancreas.
• Demonstrate specific laparoscopic skills to deal with appendicitis, gallstone disease and hiatus hernia.
• Demonstrate surgical skills covering the spectrum of liver surgery, bile duct surgery, pancreatic surgery and surgery of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
• Demonstrate ongoing professionalism, continuous learning, self-reflection, appraisal and leadership.

Demonstrate competence in the following areas

• Research problem formulation.
• Integration of literature.
• Appropriate design and execution of research.
• Use of appropriate methods of data collection and analysis.
• Integration of findings.
• Appreciation of the limits of the study.
• Use of the publication and style conventions of the discipline.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment

Part 1 comprises a year-mark made up as follows

• Essays.
• A written paper.
• A practical examination including an autopsy and an oral examination.

Part 2 comprises

• A short dissertation.

Research that involves human participants or animal use for research or teaching must undergo ethics review, according to faculty-specific guidelines. Review generally entails prior approval of a research proposal by a Research Ethics or Animal Ethics Committee. In cases where prior approval is not appropriate, the research proposal must include appropriate deliberative procedures, according to faculty-specific guidelines. Research papers or dissertations that involve human participants or animal use may not be submitted for examination if they have not undergone any ethics review process.