Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery
Health Sciences and Social Services - Preventive Health
Purpose and Rationale
Degree in Medicine
The Degree is the professional qualification which will allow registration of the qualified learner with the Health Professions Council as a medical practitioner. The qualified learner will have the following abilities and knowledge:
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Health Care Knowledge:
- Sound understanding of health care, its promotion, and the prevention and management of disease.
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Anatomy and Physiology:
- Basic understanding of the normal structure, development, and function of the human body.
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Human Development:
- Understanding of the development of the individual as well as their role in family and community dynamics.
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Disease Understanding:
- Well-founded knowledge of diseases, physical effects, and pathological processes essential for clinical practice.
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Scientific Principles:
- Fundamental understanding and application of scientific principles in medical problem-solving and decision-making.
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Research Skills:
- Understanding of scientific research principles and their application in medical practice.
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Clinical Skills:
- Confident application of clinical skills in data acquisition, interpretation, assessment, and diagnosis of physical and mental conditions.
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Diagnostic Understanding:
- Knowledge of appropriate diagnostic aids and referral procedures for specialized diagnosis and care.
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Teamwork:
- Ability to work effectively with healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary team setting.
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Management Skills:
- Demonstration of management skills necessary for effective healthcare leadership.
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Community Health:
- Commitment to high-quality healthcare, responsibility for the well-being of the community, and a focus on primary healthcare and community-oriented approaches.
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Ethical Practice:
- Ability to make independent medical decisions with consideration of ethical and legal aspects in treating diseases and providing empathetic care.
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Systems Thinking:
- Understanding that the world operates as interrelated systems and the importance of holistic problem-solving approaches.
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Global Standards:
- Awareness of South Africa's health needs and readiness to serve communities optimally while meeting international standards of excellence.
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Professional Development:
- Understanding the necessity for lifelong learning and ongoing skill development.
By completing the Degree in Medicine, learners will be equipped to provide comprehensive, ethical, and high-quality medical care while contributing positively to healthcare systems locally and globally.
Outcomes
- Knowledge, skills and attitudes in order to promote health, prevent and treat illness and injury and provide appropriate care to individuals and communities.
- Disease will be treated and suffering palliated with empathy and within ethical norms. Effective management of health, ability to render service as member of a team, act as advocate for patients and communities.
- Good communication skills, critical, scientific thinking, a systems approach and an appreciation of the need for life-long learning.
- Demonstrating and understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
- Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of: Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively### Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities### Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts### Exploring education and career opportunities.
Assessment Criteria
Plan of Action:
Patient Presentation:
- Chief Complaint: Patient presents with shortness of breath and chest pain.
- History: Obtain detailed history regarding the onset, duration, exacerbating factors, relieving factors, associated symptoms, medical history, family history, and social history.
Physical Examination:
- Perform a thorough physical examination focusing on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
- Assess vital signs, auscultate heart and lungs, check for edema, and examine for any signs of respiratory distress.
Diagnostic Workup:
- Laboratory Tests: Order a complete blood count, electrolyte panel, cardiac enzymes, and D-dimer test.
- Imaging: Request a chest X-ray, ECG, and echocardiogram to evaluate cardiac and pulmonary function.
- Further Testing: Consider a CT angiography if pulmonary embolism is suspected based on initial findings.
Therapeutic Intervention:
- Oxygen Therapy: Initiate oxygen therapy to alleviate shortness of breath and improve oxygen saturation.
- Pain Management: Administer analgesics for chest pain relief.
- Medication: Start anticoagulant therapy if pulmonary embolism is confirmed.
Patient Education:
- Educate the patient on the diagnosis, treatment plan, and the importance of compliance with medications.
- Provide information on lifestyle modifications, follow-up appointments, and when to seek medical help.
Follow-Up:
- Schedule a follow-up visit to monitor the patient's progress, adjust treatment as needed, and address any concerns or new symptoms.
Assessment Methods:
- Simulations
- Work-place assessments
- Written examinations
- Oral examinations
- Practical evaluation
- Computer-assisted testing
- Clinical examinations
By following this comprehensive plan of action, I aim to provide optimal care to the patient while demonstrating my clinical skills and diagnostic capabilities under supervision.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree(Min 480)
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.