SAQA

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Master of Medicine in Otorhinolaryngology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
122763	Master of Medicine in Otorhinolaryngology
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu 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		Promotive Health and Developmental Services
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	480	Not Applicable	NQF Level 09	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 0526/24	2024-08-22	2027-08-22
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-08-22		2031-08-22

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 Medicine in Otorhinolaryngology qualification is to produce an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist who demonstrates the superb application of broad-based core knowledge of otorhinolaryngology to varied clinical presentations.
The learner will exhibit excellent clinical and surgical skills for managing common and life-threatening diseases.
Junior specialists develop skills to be able to generate a reasonable treatment plan when faced with a rare disease presentation, act on it and be honest to recognise his or her limitations. The specialist will develop abilities to act and display honesty and respect when interacting with patients and other healthcare staff.

The qualification will equip learners with the ability to seek evidence-based answers to his or her questions, to the extent of embarking on further research if satisfactory results have not been reached.

The qualification targets learners who have passed Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, completed community service, and registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as medical practitioners. The accepted learner will do a 4-year postgraduate MMed in Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) degree while registered with the institution.

The proposed curriculum and exit-level outcomes contribute to the achievement of the purpose by applying broad-based clinical knowledge to encountered clinical scenarios. During training, the learner will develop excellent clinical skills, surgical expertise, honesty, respect, and research initiative as the common thread.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:

Apply extensive knowledge of ORL and refined clinical skills.

Demonstrate the ability to exhibit judicious requisition of laboratory and radiological investigations to diagnose disease.

Demonstrate the ability to devise a treatment plan and evaluate the most effective form of therapy among pharmacotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy.

Apply surgical skills to the management of common and life-threatening diseases.

Demonstrate the ability to develop a research question and apply accepted research methods to arrive at an answer.

Rationale:
There is a shortage of Otorhinolaryngologists (ENT) specialists or surgeons in South Africa. Furthermore, ENT specialists are clustered in large South African cities. To further exacerbate this uneven distribution of ENT specialists is the divide between private and public health sectors, with the latter severely deprived of otorhinolaryngology services.

Currently, the specialist distribution is 0.69 ENT Surgeons per 100000 people in South Africa according to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and serving a population of 60.14 million (SA 2021 survey).

The qualification will ameliorate this severe scarcity of ENT surgeons in South Africa and will address the gender discrepancy of females, making a paltry 14% of all South African ENT specialists (Tiwari et al, 2021).

The qualified learner will register with the HPCSA as an independent specialist in ORL and can practice in the public or private sector in South Africa. After specialisation a learner can embark on ground-breaking research in the discipline, acquiring a doctorate.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

RPL for access: N/A
This is a highly specialised programme and highly regulated by HPCSA to prevent adverse outcomes for patients.

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

Bachelor of Medicine, NQF Level 8.
Or

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

Registration with HPCSA as a Medical Practitioner
And

The learner must complete a year of Community Service which is done over two years of internship as regulated by the South African Department of Health.

International Learners must be registered with HPCSA and be granted supernumerary registrar status.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 480 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 9, totalling 480 Credits.

Basic Principles of Otorhinolaryngology (ORL), General Clinical ORL and Clinical Audiology (various units), 120 Credits.

Otology, Rhinology, Paediatric ORL, Head and Neck surgery (various units), 120 Credits.

Advanced Head and Neck Surgery, Laryngology, and Implantation Otology (various units), 120 Credits.

Dissertation, Advanced Rhinology, Advanced paediatric ORL and Neuro-otology, 120 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply extensive knowledge of Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) and refined clinical skills.
2. Demonstrate the ability to exhibit judicious requisition of laboratory and radiological investigations to diagnose disease.
3. Demonstrate the ability to devise a treatment plan and evaluate the most effective form of therapy among pharmacotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy.
4. Apply surgical skills to the management of common and life-threatening diseases.
5. Demonstrate the ability to develop a research question and apply accepted research methods to arrive at an answer.
6. Demonstrate the ability to express honesty, empathy, respect, and integrity when communicating with patients and the healthcare team.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes:

Correlate broad-based theoretical knowledge by eliciting a relevant history from the patient.

Relate clinical examination to the presenting history, applying well-honed examination techniques in order not to miss vital signs that will lead to the diagnosis.

Appraise history and examination findings and decide on the most likely differential diagnoses.

Prioritise the most specific and sensitive laboratory and radiological tests to determine the single most likely diagnosis.

Plan for a tissue biopsy if the diagnosis is still not determined by weighing contraindications.

Plan a surgical procedure by judging the strengths and weaknesses of patient factors, institutional factors, and the surgeon's ability.

Evaluate surgical skills in the management of common and life-threatening diseases.

Appraise competence in the utilisation of equipment for micro-invasive surgery.

Judge competence in the management of complications, especially ones with severe morbidity and life-threatening prognosis.

Appraise the reflection process after the completion of a surgical procedure.

Judge if the registrar is safe in performing various surgical procedures or trustable to operate unsupervised.

Evaluate the research question and compliance with research methods.

Evaluate awareness of ethical questions with research methodology.

Judge conciseness, clarity, and capture of critical elements of the research.

Analyse completeness and relevance of the literature review.

Evaluate for focused, achievable, and measurable research objectives.

Appraise the correctness of the research method to be followed.

Judge presentation of results, their analysis and aptness of the conclusion drawn.

Conduct patient care with expression of honesty, empathy, and respect.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Country: United Kingdom
Institution: University of Liverpool
Qualification title: MBChB (Otorhinolaryngology)
Duration: One year
Entry requirement:

Primary medical qualification
And

A minimum of two years post-qualification clinical experience.
And

Full registration with the GMC is required if you wish to undertake clinical practice such as assisting in the operating theatre.

Purpose/Rationale:
This qualification aims to develop learners' scientific insight into current and emerging technologies that will inform their clinical practice and help them apply basic scientific discoveries to clinical work for the benefit of patients.

It aims to facilitate critical understanding of current, novel and potentially beneficial therapies that use regenerative medicine and digital health platforms in a way that will inspire and encourage them to use this knowledge and develop their own ideas.
To be a competent, safe, and compassionate surgeon, learners need to be able to develop their critical, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.

The qualification integrates theory with practical surgical skills, emphasizing regenerative medicine and digital health platforms. By fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, the course equips you to make informed decisions in patient care and drive innovation in healthcare.
Gaining this qualification will enable learners to continue to post-graduate medical education at a higher level such as an MD or PhD.

Assessment:
All modules will include a formative assessment which is where you will be given informal feedback on your module assessments and progress. Each module will be summatively assessed, and you are allowed to have one first attempt and one reassessment attempt.

Similarities:

The University of Liverpool (UL) and the South African qualification both accept learners who have completed a bachelor's degree in medicine and have also completed community practice or clinical experience.

The SA qualification will enable the learner to exhibit excellent clinical and surgical skills for managing common and life-threatening diseases.

Similarly, the UL qualification integrates theory with practical surgical skills, emphasizing regenerative medicine and digital health platforms.

The UL qualification targets learners who have passed Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, completed community service, and registered with HPCSA as medical practitioners.

The UL qualification is offered to learners who possess primary medical qualification and two years of clinical experience, the qualification ensures a supportive learning environment for aspiring surgeons seeking to excel in a competitive field.

Assessment criteria for both qualifications include formative and summative assessment and a taught research component.

Both qualifications articulate into a PHD qualification.

Differences:

The SA qualification is offered over four years, and the LU qualification is offered over one year.

Country: Malaysia
Institution: University Malaysia (UM)
Qualification title: Master of Otorhinolaryngology (Head & Neck Surgery (MSUR ORL -HNS)
Duration: Four years full-time.

Entry requirements:

The degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University or an equivalent medical qualification approved by the Senator.
And

At least one year of post-full registration clinical experience approved by the Senate. (Priority to candidates who have completed six (6) months in General Surgery as a Medical Officer after the internship training in any government hospital).
And

Qualifies for registration as a medical practitioner under the Medical Act 1971 (Act 50) of Malaysia;
And
Satisfies the Department responsible for the candidate's programme of study in an Entrance Evaluation recognised by the faculty.

Purpose/Rationale:
Graduates in this discipline are exposed to the technical theories as well as the practical knowledge relevant to the discipline via the comprehensive syllabus and rotational postings in Oral-Maxilla-facial Surgery, Neuron-surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as undertaking a research project in the field of Otorhinolaryngology.

Qualification Structure:
The study comprises two stages as follows:
Stage I comprising -
Eighteen months of study (for foreign candidates and Malaysians who have not done six (6) months of surgical posting prior to the entry of this qualification.
Or
Twelve (12) months of study (for Malaysian candidates who have completed the six (6) months of surgical posting prior to the entry of this qualification) in Basic Otorhinolaryngology including:
Six (6) months in Basic and Applied Medical Sciences and Principles of Surgery; and
Six (6) months in General Surgery (for foreign candidates and Malaysians who have not done Six months (6) of surgical posting prior to the entry of this qualification); and
The keeping of a logbook of the candidate's surgical procedures.

Stage II comprising:
thirty (30) months of study (for foreign candidates and Malaysians who have not done six (6) months of surgical posting prior to the entry of this qualification)
Or
Thirty-six (36) months of study (for Malaysian candidates who have completed the six (6) months of surgical posting prior to the entry of this qualification) in Advanced Otorhinolaryngology including rotational postings in Oral and Maxilla-facial Surgery, Neuro-Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a research project in the field of Otorhinolaryngology.
Six (6) months in Basic and Applied Medical Sciences and Principles of Surgery.
And
Six (6) months in General Surgery (for foreign candidates and Malaysians who have not done
Six months (6) of surgical posting prior to the entry of this qualification); and
Keeping a logbook of the candidate's surgical procedures.

Qualification Outcomes:

Use advanced knowledge and the principles and concepts of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery for patient care that is safe, effective, and efficient.

Conduct surgery in Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery.

Adopt social skills and responsibilities in the conduct of clinical tasks in the field of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery.

Demonstrate high professional values, attitudes, and ethics in handling clinical responsibilities in the field of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery.

Communicate and interact effectively, display leadership skills and be able to work as a team with all levels of staff, including hospital management and patients.

Similarities:

University of Malaysia (UM) and South Africa (SA) qualifications require learners who completed a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and registration as a medical practitioner under the Medical Act 1971 (Act 50) of Malaysia, for the SA qualification learners should be registered with the HPCSA as a Medical Practitioner.

Both UM and SA qualifications are offered over four years full-time.

UM and SA qualifications share similar qualifications outcomes, where learners will be able to demonstrate high professional values, attitudes, and ethics in handling clinical responsibilities after completion of this qualification.

UM and SA qualifications share similar purposes where both qualifications will prepare leaners for broad-based core knowledge of otorhinolaryngology to varied clinical presentations.

Difference:

The UM qualification requires that learners complete six months of surgical posting prior to the entry to this qualification, if not done the study period will be elongated based on the requirements.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Vertical Articulation:
There is only vertical articulation because of the specialised nature of the qualification, especially in knowledge, clinical expertise, and surgical skills.

Vertical Articulation:

Doctor of Medicine in Otorhinolaryngology, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Otorhinolaryngology, NQF Level 10.

Diagonal Articulation
There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification.

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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