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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Medicine in Family Medicine 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
7353  Master of Medicine in Family Medicine 
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  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  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0335/25  2024-06-30  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 
This qualification is intended for doctors in possession of the first degree in medicine to enable them to provide holistic, bio-psychosocial, comprehensive care on a continuous basis at a primary and secondary care level. This includes curative, preventative, promotive and rehabilitative care. An attitude of lifelong learning will be fostered, ensuring continuing self-development and development of the field.

The qualification aims to provide South Africa with specialist clinicians in the field of family medicine in order to provide and promote health care of the highest standard and the continual development of a high level of knowledge and expertise that is comparable with internationally set standards in the field.

Society will gain specialist clinicians in the field of family medicine leading to higher efficacy of patient care, also contributing to the prevention of disease and promotive health in the community. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
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 Requirement:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, Level 8.
  • Compliance with all regulations as specified by the HPCSA for registration as a registrar with the HPCSA. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Manage him/herself and his/her practice effectively with visionary leadership.
    2. Evaluate and manage patients with both similar and more specific problems cost-effectively according to the biopsychosocial approach.
    3. Promote the health of the community by cost-effectively utilising community resources and being able to play an active part in the community in addressing issues that may impact on health.
    4. Continually adjust his practice according to his research and other valid research to improve quality of care.
    5. Educate, consult and advise health care professionals, health care workers and institutions on the discipline of family medicine and health-related issues. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    One:
  • Understand, evaluate and manage the systems/practice (public or private) the learner is working in.
  • Assess and plan personal and professional finances.
  • Apply the principles of time management.

    Two:
  • Evaluate/assess a patient according to the biopsychosocial approach.
  • Formulate and execute, in consultation with the patient, a mutually acceptable, cost-effective management plan, evaluating and adjusting elements of the plan as necessary.

    Three:
  • Utilise and integrate resources in cost-effective provision of affordable and accessible health care.
  • Identify and manage problems influencing the health of the community at large.
  • Be able to participate in social upliftment programs and life-style modification programs in the community.

    Four:
  • Perform research in practice involving audit, qualitative or quantitative methods.
  • Critically read and analyse literature for personal growth and implementation in practice.
  • Demonstrate the implementation of research and literature review in the management of problems in practice.
  • Apply education principles if the teaching and advising.
  • Promote the discipline of family medicine.
  • Counsel patients with family oriented or health problems.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Portfolios.
    Simulations.
    Work-place assessments.
    Written examinations.
    Oral examinations.
    Other:
    Assessment is continuous and done on the following basis:

    Portfolio Assessment:
    A basic research project is conducted.

    Formative Assessment:
    Case studies on relevant topics are regularly completed and assessed.
    Role-play/simulations are utilised to determine skills.
    One or more written examinations are set at predetermined intervals. One or more oral and/or practical examinations may similarly be set.

    Summative Assessment:
    One or more written, oral and practical examinations are set to a high standard and are conducted in a manner that ensures comprehensive and thorough evaluation of the theoretical knowledge and clinical/practical skills of the candidate. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Cognate Master, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Family Medicine, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Qualifications required:
    M Med (Family medicine) or equivalent qualification(s).

    Career experience required:
    Five years of experience in clinical practice in Family medicine.
    Experience in the field of academic Family medicine with experience in related teaching and research.

    Other criteria:
    Faculty member of an accredited Faculty of Medicine.
    Registration with the HPCSA. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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.
     
    1. University of Pretoria 


    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.