SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Endocrinology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111387	Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Endocrinology
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Master's Degree	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Curative Health
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	180	Not Applicable	NQF Level 09	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-08-19	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of the Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Endocrinology (MPhil (Paediatric Endocrinology) is to:

Ensure that learners acquire theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills and experience in the field of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 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.

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.

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.

Contribute to the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to ensure advancement in the field of Endocrinology and to make provision for the country's needs in a skilled scientific workforce of the highest calibre.

Prepare learners who can apply their skills to the task of answering the relevant questions and meeting the critical needs of the country.

Learners enrolled in this qualification will therefore become well versed in the clinical management of both common as well as the less common, complex metabolic-endocrine disorders, will develop scientific and intellectual capacity to solve important clinical problems, and through their research projects, contribute to the development of a healthier South African society.

The purpose and Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification would be reached by means of the curriculum, as candidates are supervised, guided and assisted and they are required to perform a research project at the appropriate level.

Rationale:
The worldwide pandemic of endocrine-metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity has made appropriate training and research in this field a priority. South Africa is no exception. Not only is patient care required, but more clinical research on epidemiology, clinical manifestations, risk factors, prevention and appropriate management has become mandatory.

This qualification will aim to address the need to properly train clinicians with a thorough understanding of and experience in clinical research in the field of paediatric endocrinology and metabolism. Similar to all the subspecialty qualifications in paediatrics, learners will be qualified paediatricians who have obtained their Master of Medicine (MMed) (Paed) or FC Paed (SA) Degree.

The Paediatic Endocrine Unit (in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health) should be seen specifically within the context of the high burden of diabetes and obesity in the South African society. It is important to appreciate that less common diseases of the pituitary gland, the adrenals, parathyroids, thyroid, gonads etc. as well as adolescent endocrinology are not addressed adequately in the training of the general paediatricians. The Paediatric Endocrine Unit is also closely linked to national organisations like the Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrine and Diabetes Society of South Africa (PAEDS-SA) and the Society for Endocrinology Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa (SEMDSA) where it assists with the formation of national policy and the drafting of national guidelines on the diagnosis and management of common diseases like diabetes and hypothyroidism.

This qualification will prepare learners for a career as clinical endocrinologists.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) (Paediatric Endocrinology) qualification conforms to the University's Policy on the Regulation of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) as well as the RPL policy of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

In the case of RPL for exemption and CAT for transfer:

Exemption and credit transfer may be granted per-module basis, i.e. a complete module of an academic qualification is the smallest learning unit for which credits may be exempted or transferred.

The time since the learning was completed may be taken into account, as learning that occurred too long ago may not be relevant at the time of application.

Exemption from module(s), as RPL, can be granted on the strength of short course(s) outside the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) (in other words, non-credit-bearing) completed by the applicant, on condition that the course contents, duration and assessment of the short course are at least similar to that of the module(s).

Each credit exempted or transferred, must correspond to ten notional study hours.

In the case of RPL for access:

Applications for admission to postgraduate qualifications, the normal admission requirements may be waived based on prior learning, subject to the approval of the relevant faculty board. The approval must be recorded in the faculty board's communications to Senate.

Departments and qualification committees in the Faculty of Health Sciences are at liberty to make use of one or more of the following assessment instruments, or of similar assessment instruments, when considering applications:

Admittance assessment instruments (for example, entrance or placement tests, and special examinations, especially those that are assessed quantitatively).

Learning portfolios (for example, the candidate may present a comprehensive set of documents and/or other evidence to illustrate his/her prior learning - such documentation will have evaluated qualitatively).

"Conditional" admittance (for example, a learner may be accepted as a special learner and then be allowed to "perform himself or herself into" a learning qualification).

Prior supplementary work (for example, a learner may be provisionally admitted to a learning qualification on condition that he/she completes supplementary work that meets set requirements before being formally entered into the learning qualification).

Supplementary work during the learning qualification (for example, a learner may be admitted on condition that he/she successfully completes supplementary work during the course of a learning qualification).

Recognition of formal learning in the form of parts or the whole of learning qualifications which were offered or completed at other institutions (for example, relevant diplomas or degrees).

Recognition of formal learning completed in the form of professional short courses or in-service training courses (for example, learning that is not certified as a qualification, or part thereof, by another institution of higher learning).

Recognition of non-formal or informal learning (for example, learning that took place in the workplace or in another appropriate environment on the initiative of the individual).

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Fellowship of the College of Paediatricians of South Africa - FC Paed (SA).
Or

Master of Medicine in Paediatrics, NQF Level 9.
AND

Registration as a specialist paediatrician.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits:

Clinical Endocrinology Part 1, 135 Credits.

Research project, 45 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Practice endocrinology paediatrics competently with a good working knowledge of the management of a wide range of common (e.g. diabetes, obesity, thyroid disorders, short stature, pubertal disorders) as well as less common (e.g. pituitary, adrenal, gonadal etc.), endocrine disorders.
2. Demonstrate the expertise to:

Independently design a clinical (or basic science) research project.

Obtain ethical approval.

Obtain funding to perform such a project.

Present the results and conclusions in a scientific format.

Accept the responsibility and accountability for the performed work within the context of the discipline of Paediatric Endocrinology.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Demonstrate theoretical knowledge about common (e.g. diabetes, obesity, thyroid disorders, short stature, pubertal disorders) as well as less common (e.g. pituitary, adrenal, gonadal etc.), endocrine disorders.

Demonstrate practical skills and experience in clinical endocrinology so as to assess patients clinically, request and interpret the necessary laboratory tests and prescribe the appropriate prophylactic and/or curative treatment.

Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking.

Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.

Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.

Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.

Demonstrate culturally and aesthetically sensitivity across a range of social contexts.

Explore education and career opportunities; and develop entrepreneurial opportunities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Formulate clear, answerable research questions as they pertain to the discipline of developmental paediatrics.

Decide on the most appropriate methodology to address the research question(s).

Exhaustively locate relevant information, including research and review articles, textbooks and guidelines, by accessing internet databases and employing appropriate search strategies.

Critically evaluate the relevant literature for ethical standards.

Write an appropriate literature review.

Formulate and write a research protocol and source funding for such research.

Conduct the study and analyse the data.

Draw logical, evidence-based conclusions from the data.

Present and defend the results of the research in an acceptable scientific format.

Integrated Assessment:
Formative assessments are performed on a continuous basis. This is done via 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 qualification modules viz.

Module I: Clinical competency is evaluated by a formal national written examination and clinical assessment, set and marked by the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa.

Module II: The Research Project is assessed by two independent examiners (they must not have been involved in planning and conducting the study), one of whom will be an external examiner. Examiners (preferably 3) may be proposed by the supervisor, but must be appointed by the Postgraduate Committee of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health. The Research Project, together with a copy of the guidelines for assessment and a copy of the standard (pro forma) report form, will be submitted by the Postgraduate Committee (and not the supervisor) to the examiners for assessment.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Paediatric Endocrinology qualifications are offered in the United States of America (USA), Canada and the United Kingdom (UK). The broad based fellowship training resembles this qualification.

Paediatric Endocrinology Fellowship, University of Colorado.
The University of Colorado School of Medicine's Department of Paediatrics and Children's Hospital Colorado offers a three-year fellowship in Paediatric Endocrinology. The 1st year of the fellowship consists of clinical training and incorporates some preparation for the 2nd year, while the 2nd and 3rd years consist mainly of research with some clinical training (continuity clinics, inpatient consultation). During year one of the clinical track learners will identify an area of research interest and a mentor for pursuit during the second year.

Endocrinology and Diabetes Fellowship Programme, Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) and University Hospital of Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The Endocrinology and Diabetes fellowship programme at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) is a full-time, three-year programme accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The faculty, in partnership with the University Hospital of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, provides training through hands-on clinical experience, formal educational activities and structured research opportunities. The fellowship programme includes a Fellow's Continuity Clinic offering training in the chronic diseases that define many of the endocrine and metabolic disorders.

Programme aims:

To prepare future paediatric endocrinologists to provide innovative, patient-centered, comprehensive, high quality, evidence-based care for paediatric patients and families. To prepare paediatric endocrinologists to focus on promoting patient safety and quality improvement. To prepare paediatric endocrinologists to communicate consistently and effectively with patients, families, and referring providers, enabling them to serve as a resource across the state and country.

To provide structured mentoring to help paediatric endocrinologist develop their optimal career paths. To provide outstanding opportunities in conducting and disseminating (science, translational, clinical, educational) research and quality improvement methodology that prepare fellows for successful careers in academic paediatrics.

To promote a collaborative culture and develop (or create or ensure) safeguards which will foster individual wellness, and to teach trainees strategies to build resilience and minimise burnout.

The first year of the fellowship consists of clinical training and incorporates some preparation for the second year, while the second and third years consist mainly of research with some clinical training (continuity clinics, inpatient consultation). During year one of the clinical track learners will identify an area of research interest and a mentor for pursuit during the second year.

All fellows are directly supervised by faculty members specific to that rotation and by the inpatient consult attending for the inpatient consultation rotation. This attending physician shall be available at all times to the endocrine fellow. It is the responsibility of the fellow to communicate effectively and in a timely fashion with the attending physician as well as other members of the Endocrine Faculty. At each stage of training, the goal is to provide a level of supervision that ensures patient safety and maximises education while promoting the trainee's sense of independence and autonomy.

Endocrinology and Diabetes Fellowship Programme, Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) and University Hospital of Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
The Endocrinology and Diabetes fellowship programme at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) is a full-time, three-year programme accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The faculty, in partnership with the University Hospital of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, provides training through hands-on clinical experience, formal educational activities and structured research opportunities.

The fellowship programme includes a Fellow's Continuity Clinic offering training in the chronic diseases that define many of the endocrine and metabolic disorders we treat. This programme, under the guidance of an attending physician, gives fellows continued contact with their own patients over a three-year period. CHAM also provides mentorship and training in the multidisciplinary approach to successfully manage type 1 and type 2 diabetes throughout childhood.

Original clinical research is the culmination of the education, clinical work, and mentorship provided by the three-year endocrinology and diabetes fellowship at CHAM. The faculty has numerous potential mentors for fellows, including those in paediatric endocrine, adult endocrine, obstetrics and gynaecology, and other departments. Several paediatric endocrine faculty members are involved in clinical trials and are excellent resources for clinical research, with investigations related to diabetes, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and vitamin D. Each fellow meets a minimum of four times with a self-selected scholarly oversight committee of three to four faculty members to review the research plan, monitor progress, and provide feedback. Fellows are expected to produce an abstract, which will ideally be presented at a national and/or international meeting and turned into a full manuscript.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation:

Master of Medicine, NQF Level 9.

Master of Medicine in Paediatric Surgery, NQF Level 9.

Vertical Articulation:

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences, NQF Level 10.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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