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SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Geriatric Medicine 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125437  Master of Philosophy in Geriatric Medicine 
ORIGINATOR
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University 
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  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0638/26  2026-03-10  2029-03-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-03-10   2033-03-10  

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 
The purpose of the Master of Philosophy in Geriatric Medicine is to educate and train physicians to acquire and illustrate updated knowledge, skill, and experience who can further contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level in the subspeciality. The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship qualification will advance the understanding, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Geriatric illness in South Africa.

Learners will have the clinical, investigative and teaching skills necessary to take up a leading role in academic and clinical Geriatric Medicine. Geriatricians will be positioned for advanced and specialised professional employment in South Africa. The Master of Philosophy in Geriatric Medicine therefore supports the provisioning of services in a scarce healthcare field that the South African population needs.

Qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and in prioritising problems, planning cost-effective and safe investigation and rational management of Geriatric patients.
  • Provide consultative services and train medical officers, colleagues in interprofessional teams, registrars and medical students to advance Geriatric Medicine and related specialist services as part of an interprofessional team.
  • Develop an ability to operate independently and take full responsibility for own work, and where appropriate accountability for leading and initiating processes and implementing systems, ensuring good resource management and governance practices.

    Rationale:
    Population ageing is an irreversible global trend and the result of the demographic transition. The number of people aged 65 years or older worldwide is projected to double in number in the next two decades, rising from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion in 2050, and the number of people aged 80 years or older is growing even faster. In 2021, 1 in 10 people worldwide were aged 65 or above, but it is projected that by 2050 1 in 6 people globally will be aged 65 or above.

    Sub-Saharan Africa is among the regions that are expected to experience the fastest growth in the number of older people over the next three decades. It is also projected that by 2050, more than 80% of older people will be living in low-and middle-income countries. This demographic imperative must be recognised as leading to a growing demand for subspecialist training in geriatric medicine.

    All countries face major challenges to ensure that their health and social systems are ready for the demographic shift and the collective demand for health care caused by increases in chronic and age-specific diseases and disabilities. Although well-trained and experienced physicians should be able to provide safe, equitable, and patient-centred care to the growing population of people older than 65, the need for subspecialist physicians who can further ensure that knowledge translates to excellent, evidence-based, equitable clinical care within South African healthcare systems is escalating. Because Geriatrics Medicine is not covered extensively in most undergraduate medical training qualifications, physicians are often not fully equipped to manage older patients at a primary and secondary care level.

    As older people age, they have different health needs compared to younger people, but the primary healthcare system in South Africa is not geared to address the health needs of older people living in community settings. Older people often have reduced physiological reserves and tend to have more complex and chronic multi-system problems, requiring more comprehensive and multi-disciplinary interventions that take the biopsychosocial aspects of health into account.

    The South African Geriatric Society (SAGS) is actively involved to spread awareness in the field of Geriatric Medicine through teachings, conferences, research or related services. Recent studies suggested that there are in general not enough subspecialists in South Africa to improve quality in healthcare, especially in the public sector and in certain provinces. South Africa, which represents one of the wealthiest countries in Africa is also one of the most financially unequal countries in the world. This situation is highlighted by unequal access to healthcare, particularly also provisioning of specialised services in the public sector where access is highly rationed, and patient selection is based on suitability and capacity.

    Although no model has been developed and/or published in South Africa to accurately determine the required numbers of medical specialists in a region, a general recommendation is that there should be at least one subspecialist (Geriatrician) per 100 000 of the population. As reported in 2017, there was only one geriatrician per 275 000 older adults in South Africa (Cassim, 2017). There is also a disparity in resources, as only a few Geriatricions are employed in the public health sector and / or in rural areas.

    Geriatricians register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as the statutory body which control the education, training and registration for practicing of health professions registered under the Health Professions Act (Act 56 of 1974). As such, the Medical and Dental Professions Board (i) registers practitioners, (ii) establishes a generic framework of core competencies and exit level concerns for the training and education of clinical associate practitioners, and (iii) guide and inform curriculum development to ensure adherence by training institutions to core competencies and training frameworks.

    Th HPCSA endorsed the development and implementation of the MPhil in Geriatric Medicine - see document uploaded. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    The institution has a well-established unit that deals with RPL.
    Possible exemption, for a maximum period of 1 year (50% of the time), based on comparable training and experience gained at another recognized academic institution could be granted, subject to the following conditions:
  • The said periods of training must have occurred within at most two years before registering for the MPhil in the subspeciality.
  • Sufficient experience must be proven using a logbook, portfolio and certification by the Head of the Department of Internal Medicine where the experience was gained.
  • The above information must be evaluated by the Head of the Department of Internal Medicine of the SMU and approved as equivalent. With the consent of the Head of the Department and the Executive Committee (MEDEX) of the School of Medicine (SMU).

    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • Be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Specialist with paid-up / current annual fees.
  • Be accepted for training with the training number provided for by the HPCSA in the department for the specific sub-speciality training and for the full duration of registration for clinical training time/requirements.
  • Be allocated a training number provided for by the HPCSA for the Sub-Specialist training programme, allocated by the academic department for the duration of the clinical training period.
  • Have permission from the Gauteng Department of Health and National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) establishment to be trained at the facilities and perform the duties of fellows. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework, Level 9 totalling 180 credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 9, 180 Credits.
  • Clinical Geriatric Medicine, 120 Credits.
  • Research in Geriatric Medicine, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse the complex relationships between various departments in a tertiary training hospital as well associated secondary referral hospitals to deliver preventative care and curative integrated services efficiently and effectively, to solve Geriatric disease and manifestation timeously, and seek opportunities that may positively impact national health.
    2. Develop a clinical grounding in Geriatric Medicine through knowledge and evidence-based practical experience to master the requisite clinical reasoning and clinical procedural skills in diagnosing and managing ageing and elderly patients presenting with field specific disorders/conditions.
    3. Develop a sound Geriatric Medicine knowledge base via applied readings, bedside teaching, related case discussions, scientific meetings, and associated research activities. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply principles and good practice in managing complex patient cases within facilities where ageing and elderly patients are being cared for e.g. tertiary, provincial and district level hospitals, community healthcare centres or specialist Geriatric Medicine units.
  • Demonstrate experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and in prioritising problems, planning cost-effective and safe investigation and rational management of Geriatric patients.
  • Use science, technology and innovation across diverse healthcare systems and geographic regions effectively and critically, showing insight into the future of Geriatric Medicine as an area of specialisation, and responsibility towards the environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Illustrate updated medical knowledge and skill to identify, select and apply appropriate clinical procedures in the delivery of Geriatric healthcare and services that will benefit ageing and elderly patients.
  • Provide consultative services and train medical officers, colleagues in interprofessional teams, registrars and medical learners to advance Geriatric Medicine and related specialist services as part of an interprofessional team.
  • Accept responsibility and accountability for performed work within the context of Geriatric Medicine as an area of sub-specialization.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Research and critique best evidence from literature, discuss application to own patients and report on complex Geriatric cases.
  • Critically evaluate available literature from multiple sources of information on related and complex Geriatric Medicine patient cases and their management.
  • Develop a research protocol, implement a full research project, and prepare, present, and defend research findings at professional and scientific meetings.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The Master of Philosophy in Geriatric Medicine aligns with the Assessment Policy and use various types of assessment that enhances learner learning.
    The assessment plan adheres to the national requirements set by the HPCSA as the statutory professional body to ensure that learners can register as professionals in the field.

    The fellow-driven MPhil qualifications provide for continuous programmatic assessments in both the clinical coursework module and the research module.

    The assessment strategy at SMU encourages reflexive praxis whereby fellows are supported to develop evaluative judgement to critically appraise their performance when receiving constructive feedback from colleagues, mentors and supervisors.
    Assessment opportunities are employed in such a way that learners should apply their knowledge and skill as real workplace-based experiences.

    Summative Assessment:
    Entry into the final exit level assessment:
  • In order to enter the final exit examination an overall minimum mark of 50% is required by the SMU department for the final Portfolio.
  • In addition, a sub-minimum may be required in sub-divisions of the Portfolio assessment as communicated to students as per specific programme rules.
  • The student must be declared competent by a properly constitution departmental assessment committee meeting and signed off by the HOD and supervisors for all EPAs required for Geriatric Medicine.

    Work-based Assessments (WBAs) are part of WIL and competency-based medical education. It encompasses an approach to prepare physicians for practice. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification allows possibilities for the following articulation options:

    Country: United States of America (USA).
    Institution Name: The Washington University.
    Qualification Tittle: Fellowship in Geriatric Medicine.
    Duration: One year.

    Entry requirements:

    Purpose:
    Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program (ACGME) is an accredited program designed for Internal Medicine or Family Practice residency graduates, with optional 2nd/3rd years for research. Based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, it offers intensive clinical training in inpatient consults, VA home-based care, and rehab.The s open to qualified physicians who have successfully completed an ACGME-accredited residency in Internal Medicine or Family Practice. Our goal is to develop outstanding clinicians and healthcare leaders in the areas of clinical geriatrics, medical education, aging research and health care improvement. Our small size provides for high quality interactions between faculty and fellows, and the flexibility to customize the learning experience to each fellow's career goals.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are designed to expose the fellow to numerous aspects of clinical care, education, and research methodology for older adults.
  • The learners for both qualifications will participate in a variety of clinical experiences including outpatient geriatric assessments, inpatient geriatric consults, outpatient nursing home-based, and home-based primary care, acute geriatric rehabilitation, and inpatient palliative care.
    The curriculum ensures that fellows have the opportunity to achieve the knowledge, clinical skills, professional attitudes, and practical experience required of a physician who specializes in Geriatrics.
  • Teaching, Learning Strategies are the same, with supervisor (senior subspecialist) directly supervise the fellow during each clinic, allowing for role modelling and ongoing informal feedback.
  • Assessment Strategy methods for both qualifications include the Direct Observation, Mentoring and Feedback, Multi-Source Assessment, and completion of Logbooks and keeping a Portfolio of Learning.
  • Both qualifications require learners must be registered as a medical practitioner by the respective health councils, such as the HPCSA in South Africa. Expertise in Geriatric Medicine is achieved by meeting the requirements set by The Colleges of Medicines of South Africa (CMSA) or the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) respectively.

    Differences:
  • Fellowships in Geriatric Medicine at SMU can be completed in two years and involve both clinical experience and research output.
  • Fellowship in Geriatric Medicine in the USA can be completed in one year with an option to complete a second year for research.

    Country: Australia.
    Institution Name: The Royal Australian College of Physicians (RACP).
    Qualification Name: Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Training Programme.
    Duration: 1 Year and 1 Year dedicated to research.

    Entry requirements:
  • Register as physicians at the national health professions councils.
  • Appointed to an appropriate advanced training position.

    The Royal Australian College of Physicians (RACP) is the national appointed assessment and certification body in Australia and plays a similar role in the training of subspecialists as the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA).

    Similarities:
  • Both RACP and the South African (SA) fellows receive Advanced Training in Geriatric Medicine at their universities and associated training hospitals, exploring in-depth specialty training in the diagnosis and holistic management of people older than 65 with illness, disorders and disabilities related to aging.
  • Learner's form both institutions will train under supervision and prepare for independent practice as a consultant and participate in WBL and WBA activities which are designed to support reflective practice and self-directed learning.
    The RACP and CMSA respectively prescribe and regularly review the training programme in Geriatric Medicine to ensure that it is line with educational best practice, by setting the national curriculum and overseeing final exit level examinations and certification.
  • To enter the Fellowship training programme, both SA and RACP candidates must be registered as physicians at the national health professions councils and been appointed to an appropriate advanced training position.

    Differences:
  • The duration of the training period for SA fellows is two years and differs from the training period of 1 year with an optional 1 year dedicated to research for RACP fellows. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for the following articulation options:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Medical Gastroenterology, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Medicine, NQF Level 10.

    Diagonal Articulation:
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A. 

    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. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University 


    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.