Medical Genetics

The Master of Medicine in the field of Medical Genetics is a four year, full time degree.

Overview

Registrars are required to write a Part 1 and Part 2 examination, both offered through the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa in order to obtain a Fellowship in Medical Genetics. The MMed course comprises four formal modules. The teaching and training content of the first two, Medical Genetics and Principles and Practices of Genetic Counselling, is designed to align with the requirements for the FCMG Part 1 exam of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. The third module, Clinical Genetics, aligns with the requirements of the Part 2 FCMG exam, the national exit examination for specialists in Medical Genetics. A research report, which trains registrars in basic research skills is the final requirement of the course. 

The professional trained in medical genetics has specialized education and training in basic genetics, inherited diseases, dysmorphology, metabolic disease, the genetics physical examination, ordering and interpretation of genetic tests, genetic susceptibility to common disease, the impact of genetic risks and diagnoses on individuals, families, communities and society and leads a team of professionals that cares for the patient and the family affected with a genetic disorder. The clinical medical geneticist is responsible for assuring the high standards of education and continuing education of the team, to maintain the quality of the genetics services being provided.

The specialist Medical Geneticist would require key competencies in seven areas: as a Medical Expert, Communicator, Collaborator, Manager, Health advocate, Scholar and Professional. Enabling competencies are the skills that allow the key competencies to be achieved. Key and enabling competencies are measurable and can therefore be used in the evaluation process.

Location

Most lectures, tutorials and training take place at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). Additional training takes place in the five teaching hospitals in Johannesburg; Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH), Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH), Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital (RMMCH), Helen Joseph Hospital (HJH) and the Donald Gordon Medical Centre (DGMC).

Career Opportunities

  • Medical Geneticist

 

Curriculum

The curriculum comprises Parts I and II which is divided into four modules, all of which have to be attended and completed successfully at the University of the Witwatersrand.

First and Second Year: Part I

  • Medical Genetics for Specialists (HUMG7013)
  • Genetic Counselling for Specialists (HUMG7012)

Third and Fourth Year: Part II

  • Clinical Genetics for Specialists (HUMG7014)
  • Research report (HUMG7015)

Modules one and two extends over the first two years of study and modules three and four extend over the third and fourth years of study. Candidates need to successfully pass modules one and two in order to proceed to module three. In addition to the above modules, registrars will be expected to attend Genetic Clinics and Division activities during their lecture and clinical rotation blocks. They wil also be exposed to the relevant laboratory techniques and will be expected to be competent in interpretation of laboratory test results.

Entry Requirements

All applicants to MMed programmes must be graduates in medicine; they must have completed the prescribed internship period and community service (or an approved equivalent) and must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as independent practitioners.

Additional general medical experience would be advantageous. In particular, at least 6 months dedicated paediatric experience is highly recommended.

University Application Process

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.