College of Health Sciences Hosts Master of Medicine Orientation

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The College of Health Sciences recently hosted an orientation session for first-year Master of Medicine (MMed) Registrars (medical specialists in training), during which the cohort familiarised themselves with the requirements of the course, learn more about University resources and acquire skills on learning, research and self-care.

Registrars enter into a four to five-year intense training that enables them to become medical specialists. The Masters in Medicine is one of the most sought after courses across the world and few medical doctors are privileged to be selected for this opportunity.

Dr Kimesh Naidoo, Head of the Clinical Unit in Paediatrics (King Edward VIII Hospital) and Academic Leader for the Registrar Programme in the School of Clinical Medicine, hosted the first session.

In her welcoming address, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Busisiwe Ncama, spoke highly of the College’s achievements and raised concerns about the diminishing number of registrars over the past years. ‘This is a competitive programme, consider yourselves lucky to be a part of it. The Medical School has produced prestigious health scientists and specialists, so we shape leaders. We need brave men and women who are selfless and have a higher calling to shape and serve our communities,’ she said.

Dean and Head of the School of Clinical Medicine, Professor Ncoza Dlova, provided a background to the Medical School and urged Registrars to pay back by contributing to disadvantaged Medical students by donating and creating awareness on the Professor Ncoza Dlova Medical Student Fund which aims to assist Medical students with historical debt.

Department of Health representatives informed registrars of the Department’s employee rules and requirements. Topics ranging from working hours to annual leave and allowances were covered during the session.

School of Clinical Medicine Manager, Ms Nomakhwezi Khanyile, provided an oversight on the admission requirements and introduced Registrars to the academic staff.

Dr Kimesh Naidoo provided information on the Master of Medicine degree and the intensive monitoring and support systems that these future medical specialists are provided with and reiterated the responsibilities expected of them in this gruelling course.

Currently there are 358 Registrars in training and working on the Department of Health subsidised posts at UKZN. The government provides a National Tertiary services grant to pay registrar salaries for these four to five years. There are also a number of registrars from across the world who self-fund this course and work as supernumerary Registrars.

In dealing with the transition from work to academic life, Ms Suzanne Stokes gave various coping mechanisms to ensure a fruitful journey for registrars.

Professor Mergan Naidoo, also from UKZN, spoke on the importance of developing a learning plan and the necessary competencies needed by each registrar.

Registrars in the various medical disciplines in addition to a 60-hour week which includes on-site-night calls also have to pass two to three external board exams and produce a research thesis /manuscript.

The second session, led by Professor Veena Singaram, placed emphasis on this research. ‘Developing a research timeline, research methodology, finding a suitable research supervisor and the need for constructive feedback are crucial components for any thesis,’ she said.

Towards the end of the session, registrars were taught how to manoeuvre research tools such as the Ignitiated App, Research Space, Google Scholar, etc.

Words: Mandisa Shozi

Image: Supplied