Master of Veterinary Medicine in Surgery

The purpose of this qualification is to

1. Gain a level of knowledge and experience to provide an exceptional standard of surgical care and service in the field of Equine Surgery and related subjects.
2. To meet all the requirements for competence as to permit registration as a specialist veterinary equine surgeon with the South African Veterinary Council, the proposed South African Veterinary Specialist College as well as to qualify for admission to internationally recognised specialist organisations.
3. To foster an attitude of ongoing excellence and lifelong learning in the graduate, especially in the field of equine surgery.
4. To provide the skills, knowledge and practical experience to teach the art and science of equine surgery to pre-graduate veterinary learners and nurses and postgraduate honours and masters learners. An attitude of lifelong learning will be fostered, ensuring continued self-development in the discipline. Dissemination of knowledge to the public sector by way of continuing education qualifications.
5. To provide skills and knowledge to allow the graduate to enter related fields and positions in the job market.
6. To provide an understanding of research methodology and practical research experience through the completion of a dissertation and peer-reviewed articles. With this knowledge, a contribution to the advancement of scientific knowledge can be made through active research pertaining to equine surgery and the support of research projects by the provision of equine surgical service and advice on the suitability of equine surgery research protocols.
7. To prove a basis with which to contemplate further studies, i.e. doctorate, Ph D, in the field of equine surgery or any other related discipline.
8. To add to the currently insufficient body of equine surgery specialists to meet the need for this service in South Africa.
9. To aid in ensuring the welfare of equines.

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.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science Honours, Level 8.

1. Acquire in-depth knowledge of all aspects of pathophysiology, signalment, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of surgical conditions in equines.
2. Acquire a broad base of knowledge and skills in the related disciplines of equine medicine, diagnostic imaging, equine anatomy and theriogenology.
3. Acquire extensive and detailed surgical skills permitting the planning and successful completion of a wide range of equine surgical procedures and aftercare at a specialist level.
4. Develop the skills to critically evaluate relevant scientific articles as well as to write scientific research, review and case report articles for accredited, peer-reviewed journals.
5. Add to world scientific knowledge in equine surgery through publication and through the ability to plan and conduct research.
6. Develop teaching skills as well as the skills to transmit scientific theory and practice.
7. Act professionally and ethically and develop communication skills.
8. Demonstrate continued interest in new developments and research in the discipline of equine surgery.

One

• Study of relevant, up-to-date surgical texts and articles.
• Conduct literature studies for recent relevant information.
• Present and attend seminars, lectures, tutorials and courses on the subject.
• Demonstrate in depth knowledge in equine surgery by achieveing written and oral tests and assessments supervised by appropriately qualified internal and external examiners.

Two

1. Study of relevant, up-to-date surgical texts and articles.

• Conduct literature studies for recent relevant information.
• Present and attend seminars, lectures, tutorials and courses on the subject.

1. Successfully achieve the written, oral and practical tests and assessments of the mentioned ancillary subjects under the supervision of qualified internal and external examiners.

Three

• Participate as an assistant and primary surgeon in a wide range of surgical procedures.
• Maintain verified case logs.
• Participate in a planning session and post-operative critical evaluation sessions on surgical cases.

1. Successfully achieve surgical competency tests and assessments under the supervision of appropriately qualified internal and external examiners

Four

1. Attend and participate in journal clubs.
2. Submit manuscripts for critical evaluation by experienced faculty authors.

Five

• Attend and achieve relevant courses in research methodology.
• Study relevant treatise or research ethics.
• Research and prepare detailed research protocols under supervision.

1. Defend protocols at open scientific meetings.

Six

• Direct and regular interaction with advanced undergraduate learners to teach clinic skills.
• Involvement in formal lecturing of undergraduate learners in the discipline of equine surgery

1. Regular attendance at and contribution to scientific congresses, seminars and continuing education courses.

Seven

• Take responsibility and treat clinical cases within accepted professional norms.

1. Communicate and co-operate with fellow staff members with regards to the welfare of the patient.

Eight

• Demonstrate the ability to debate and perform techniques reported in the relevant, appropriate and current literature.

Integrated assessment

Portfolios.

Work-place assessments.

Written assessments.

Oral assessments.

Other

Portfolio

A dissertation is acceptable to peer review.

At least one research journal article accepted to a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

At least one case report article accepted to a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Studies.

Formative Assessment

Continual assessment and monitoring of the learner during clinical work and studies while under the supervision of a registered specialist equine surgeon and senior clinical personnel. Feedback is given to the learner on a continual basis.

Summative Assessment

Portfolio work that has been completed and assessed by assessors and moderators.

Written, oral and practical assessments occur at predetermined intervals and at the end of the period of study. These assessments are set to cover theoretical knowledge, clinical/practical skills and acquired experience.