Programme Description
The Master of Medical Science (M. MedSc) in Gynaecological Endoscopic Surgery (GES) programme is designed to provide gynaecologist and reproductive surgeons with a firm theoretical background in diagnostic and operative gynaecological endoscopy in combination with the development of clinical competence in operative laparoscopy and hysteroscopy procedures in a broad range of gynaecologic patients.
An additional objective of this Master program is to provide gynaecologic surgeons with the theory and skills of minimally invasive surgical procedures, blended with clinical, practical and hands-on foundation of endoscopic surgery. At the end of the programme, graduates will establish their status as reproductive surgeons, and to join an élite group of specialists in this field.
Programme Mission Statement
The mission of the M. MedSc in GES programme is to help students gain the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to provide their patients with safe, high-quality and cost-effective laparoscopy and hysteroscopy, and the promotion of academic aspects of the speciality in teaching and research.
Programme Goal
The main goal of the M. MedSc in GES programme is to produce graduates who will be able to practice gynecological endoscopic surgery competently and independently in either private practice or academic settings.
Programme Objectives
The M. MedSc in GES programme curriculum is designed to help candidates develop:
- Sufficient understanding and proficiency to perform laparoscopic, hysteroscopic, abdominal and vaginal surgery for complex, benign gynaecologic conditions.
- Clinical skills to select the appropriate medical and/or surgical treatment plan for women presenting with complex, benign gynaecologic conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding, symptomatic uterine fibroids, chronic pelvic pain, and/or endometriosis.
- Sufficient understanding and proficiency to complete clinical and/or health-services research projects, in addition to the development of collaborative skills with others that foster ongoing research activities.
- Ability to write scientific articles and grant applications, and to contribute in an academic setting.
Programme Expected Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this curriculum, the candidate will be expected to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the anatomy of the pelvis as well as surgical spaces and landmarks.
- Perform basic as well as advanced laparoscopic procedures including ovarian cystectomies, endometriosis resection, myomectomy, salpingectomy, radical hysterectomies and lymph node dissection.
- Perform office and advanced diagnostic and operative hysteroscopic procedures.
- Perform basic urogynecologic procedures including anterior posterior repair, mid urethral slings, vaginal hysterectomies, and urinary incontinence procedures
- Recognize and appropriately manage benign medical conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic mass and pelvic pain with both medical, in office procedures and surgical management.
- Understand and perform basic gynecologic ultrasound and associated gynecologic pathology
- Counsel patients appropriately regarding gyn conditions that may affect fertility including endometriosis, and intrauterine pathology
- undertake scholarly activities including research, conference presentations, publications, and student teaching.
- Demonstrate adequate communication strategies with both colleagues and patient’s family
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following to be eligible to be admitted to the training program:
- Possess basic medical qualification (MD, MBBS, MBChB or equivalent) together with at least 2 years work experience in Surgery, or
- Possess a Master of Medicine degree (or its equivalent) in Obstetrics and Gynaecology or General Surgery completed at an accredited institution recognized by the NCHE.
- Must be fully registered by the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council.
- Assessment of a foreign degree will be based upon the characteristics of the national system of education, the type of institution attended, its accreditation, and the level of studies completed.
Selection Criteria
Selection of trainees for the programme will be based on demonstrable evidence of the below stated selection criteria. These must be addressed by the candidate and assessed by the selection panel by means of a written application, confidential written referee reports, other relevant supporting documentation and an interview (in the case of shortlisted candidates).
- Academic Abilities
- Sufficient academic achievement to meet the requirements of the training program.
- Research achievement with evidence of either publications or presentations.
- Clinical Expertise
- Clinical experience which demonstrates the ability to exercise sound clinical ability and judgment.
- A demonstrated commitment to pursuit of pursuing a career in gynaecological endoscopy
- Clinical experience in advanced operative interventions.
- Professional Qualities
- Collaborated evidence of interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact appropriately, ethically and responsibly with patients from varied ethnic backgrounds, their families and all members of the health care team.
- Desirable
- A commitment to post graduate professional development
- An understanding of the nature of the varying workloads in gynaecology.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Organisational skills, including time management.
Duration of the Programme
The Masters of Medicine Sciences program in Gynaecological Endoscopic Surgery shall extend over a period of two years. Each academic year consists of 2 semesters with each semester extending over a period not exceeding 20 weeks (18 weeks for teaching and learning, and 2 weeks for examination).
The M. MedSc in GES degree students are expected to complete all degree requirements in no more than three years (six semesters) after the date of first enrollment in the degree program. Any period taken repeating any course or part of the programme shall be included but any “dead semester” or “dead year” is not included in calculating the duration unless the Academic Board approves.
Mode of Educational Delivery
The course shall be delivered using a blended learning approach to enhance and optimize student learning. The blended learning format combines face to face and online didactic lectures, seminars, tutorials, journal club, grand rounds, interactive group discussions, presentations and problem-based-learning sessions or case studies, and self-directed learning.
Students in this programme shall be given the opportunity to observe and assist clinical procedures at WHI’s IVF laboratories and operating theatres during the programme and shadow a senior clinician during patient consultations. Several ambulatory and theatre sessions will include one-to-one training.
