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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Upper Gastroenterology Surgery 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125449  Master of Philosophy in Upper Gastroenterology Surgery 
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 primary purpose of the Master of Philosophy in Upper Gastroenterology Surgery is to educate and train surgeons who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level in Gastroenterology Surgery. In doing so, subspecialists in this discipline will be positioned for advanced and specialised professional employment.

This qualification supports the provisioning of Upper Gastroenterology Surgery in a scarce healthcare field that the South African population needs. Learners will be able to address the dire need for specialist Surgical skills by acting ethically and professionally, thinking analytically, and evaluating and applying relevant information through research to benefit the South African Health Care System.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Analyse the complex relationships between various departments in a training hospital to deliver integrated services efficiently and effectively, solve challenging cases timeously, and seek opportunities that may positively impact national health.
  • Develop a clinical grounding in Upper Gastroenterology Surgery through knowledge and evidence-based practical experience to master the requisite clinical reasoning and clinical procedural skills.
  • Develop a sound Upper Gastroenterology Surgery knowledge base through applied readings, bedside and theatre teaching and practice, related case discussions, scientific meetings, and associated research activities.

    Rationale:
    Although a well-trained and experienced general surgeon should be able to manage general conditions and procedures relating to general surgery, a substantial number of conditions and therapeutic modalities require highly specialised knowledge in the sub-speciality of Upper Gastroenterology Surgery. Upper gastrointestinal surgery is surgery performed to treat pathologies of the upper gastrointestinal tract (small bowel), gall bladder, liver, pancreas, or oesophagus (Topdoctors 2023).

    The SWOT analysis provided data for the following fields: neurogastroenterology, functional gastrointestinal disorders, and upper gastrointestinal diseases; inflammatory bowel disease; pancreatology and biliary diseases; endoscopy; gastrointestinal oncology; and hepatology. The analysis highlights the following in the current state of the field of gastroenterology: the incidence and complexity of several gastrointestinal diseases, including malignancies, are increasing; and the COVID-19 pandemic has affected patient care on several levels, and with the advent of technical innovations in gastroenterology, a well-trained workforce and strategic planning are required to optimise health-care utilisation. This calls attention to artificial intelligence and the use of big data to speed up discovery and smarter health-care provision in the field, the need for the growth and diversification of gastroenterological specialties in order to improve specialised care for patients; and thoughtful planning to reach an effective balance between the need for subspecialists and the value of general gastroenterology services to avoid fragmentation of care and health system inefficiencies.

    There is a real need for specialised skills in diagnosing and managing Gastroenterology conditions, particularly in achieving improved outcomes of Upper Gastroenterology diseases, where less than optimum management may result in high peri-operative mortality and morbidity. This is particularly important in the management of multi-system Upper Gastroenterology injury, and the specialised critical care of Upper Gastroenterology patients in low- and middle-income countries such as South Africa. (CMSA 2022). 
    		•

    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.

    RPL for exemption:
    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 periods of training must have occurred within at most two years before registering for the MPhil in Upper Gastroenterology Surgery.

    RPL for access:
  • Sufficient experience must be proven using a logbook, portfolio, and certification by the Head of the Department of Surgery where the experience was gained.
    The above information must be evaluated by the Head of the Department of Surgery of the institution and approved as equivalent. With the consent of the Head of the Department of Surgery, the Dean, and the Executive Committee (MEDEX) of the School of Medicine (SMU).

    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). 
    		•

    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, totalling 180 Credits.
  • Clinical Upper Gastroenterology Surgery, 120 Credits.
  • Upper Gastroenterology Surgery Research, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse the complex relationships between various departments in a training hospital to deliver integrated services efficiently and effectively, solve challenging cases timeously, and seek opportunities that may positively impact national health.
    2. Develop clinical grounding in Upper Gastroenterology Surgery through knowledge and evidence-based practical experience to master the requisite clinical reasoning and clinical procedural.
    3. Develop a sound Upper Gastroenterology Surgery knowledge base through applied readings, bedside and theatre teaching and practice, related case discussions, scientific meetings, and associated research activities. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    ELO:1 Analyse the complex relationships between various departments in a training hospital to deliver integrated services efficiently and effectively, solve challenging cases timeously, and seek opportunities that may positively impact national health.
  • Apply principles and good practice in managing complex Upper Gastroenterology Surgery cases within facilities where adult patients are being cared for, e.g., tertiary, provincial, and district level hospitals and community health care centres.
  • Prioritise problems, plan cost-effective and safe investigation and rational management of patients with Upper Gastroenterology Surgery disorders.
  • Illustrate updated knowledge and skill to select and apply appropriate clinical procedures in the delivery of Upper Gastroenterology Surgery services to benefit patients and their families / significant others.
  • Illustrate experience in leading teams and managing Gastroenterology Surgery units and wards.
  • Use science, technology, and innovation across diverse healthcare systems and geographic regions effectively and critically, showing insight into the future of cardiology as an area of specialisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    ELO:2 Develop a clinical grounding in Upper Gastroenterology Surgery through knowledge and evidence-based practical experience to master the requisite clinical reasoning and clinical procedural.
  • Illustrate updated medical knowledge and skill to identify, select, and apply appropriate clinical procedures in the delivery of Upper Gastroenterology Surgery healthcare and services.
  • Provide consultative services and train medical officers, colleagues in interprofessional teams, registrars, and medical students to advance Upper Gastroenterology Surgery and related specialist services as part of an interprofessional team.
  • Communicate aspects of management, pathophysiology, pharmacology, genetics, or other relevant areas effectively with all stakeholders.
  • Accept responsibility and accountability for performed work within the context of Upper Gastroenterology Surgery as an area of sub-specialization.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    ELO:3 Develop a sound Upper Gastroenterology Surgery knowledge base, through applied readings, bedside and theatre teaching and practice, related case discussions, scientific meetings, and associated research activities.
  • Research and critique best evidence from literature, discuss applications to own patients and report on complex Upper Gastroenterology Surgery cases.
  • Critically evaluate available literature from multiple sources of information on related and complex Upper Gastroenterology Surgery patient cases and their management.
  • Develop a research protocol, implement a full research project, prepare, present, and defend research findings at professional and scientific meetings.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT:
    The qualification consists of clinical coursework and a research module. Assessments align with the Assessment Policy (2021) at the institution, and the assessment plan adheres to the national requirements set by the HPCSA, the statutory professional body, to ensure that learners can register as professionals in the field.

    The institution follows the School of Medicine Master of Philosophy rules as well as the institutional rules for Postgraduate learners. The CMSA is currently the externally appointed exit-level assessment body.

    The qualification provides for continuous and integrated programmatic assessments. The integrated workplace-based assessments focus not only on theoretical knowledge but also on the application of knowledge and competencies during clinical work with patients under supervision and include direct observations, clinical case discussions and presentations, clinical reasoning evaluation during ward rounds, clinical reports during departmental meetings such as morbidity and mortality meetings, observation of entrust able professional activities when working with patients with feedback and frequent (quarterly discussions) of these sets of observations, logbook and portfolio etc. Continuous programmatic assessments are implemented with monitoring and feedback tools such as Mini-CEX, One-minute preceptor, SNAPSS, ISBAR, and other toolkits.

    Formative assessment:
    Clinical coursework assessments include continuous workplace-based assessments, logbooks or portfolio projects which must be submitted every three months to the course coordinator for signatures and comment/feedback. A learner may have more than one attempt at passing the clinical coursework assessments within the required time frames.

    All clinical workplace-based rotations and Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) must be completed per logbook or portfolio requirements in the period stipulated for clinical training by the specific programme rules. Senate may, on recommendation by the Dean of School, grant an extension of this period for one additional year. The learners must register with the university for any such period of extension. No learner would be considered to have passed the clinical coursework module unless all coursework requirements are completed and all assessment components are passed (e.g. logbook/portfolio, and/or oral and/or a written and/or a practical and/or clinical components) To pass an Assessment a minimum mark of 50% is required.
  • A sub-minimum may be required in sub-divisions of the Assessment as communicated to learners as per specific qualification rules.
  • The qualification is passed with distinction if the clinical coursework module and the research project overall mark of 75% is obtained within the prescribed minimum time.
    Senate may grant a registered learner exemption from a clinical coursework final assessment by having passed another assessment of equivalent standard at the CMSA (RPL), however, the learner, still has to successfully complete the required clinical coursework, the required clinical time and the required EPAs.

    Summative assessment:
    To enter the required College of Medicine (CMSA) final national exit examinations:
    All logbook or portfolio projects and/or other assessments, and satisfactory progress with a research project as stipulated in the qualification rules, must be completed and signed off by the department's course coordinator and HOD before a learner can enter such CMSA examinations. Such examinations may be taken at the end of the academic year in the second year of a learner's registration (as per qualification rules), but only after the clinical training time and requirements have been completed, and satisfactory progress with a research project has been demonstrated. The Senate may, on the written recommendation of the Dean of the School, grant a learner who has completed the required clinical training but who has not written and/or passed the final exit assessment provided for by CMSA at the end of the prescribed period, a twelve (12) month grace period to write and pass such final exit assessment. However, such a learner will no longer be allocated against an HPCSA training number as the clinical training period will be deemed completed.

    Rules for the Upper Gastroenterology Surgery research module:
    A learner must submit a departmentally approved research proposal to the School of Medicine Research Committee (SReC) within 9 months after first-time registration for the qualification. Failing to do so may result in exclusion from the qualification. A learner who does not have the institution's Research Ethics Committee (SMUREC) approval for the relevant research project within 15 months after first-time registration may be excluded from the qualification.

    The final research project requirement may be met in any one of the following ways:
    A research-based mini-dissertation (the mini-dissertation is governed by General University and School rules regarding registration with SMUREC, supervisors, and external assessors). Publication or acceptance of a peer-reviewed original research article in a DHET-accredited journal with the student as the primary author Publishable articles. An introduction and a conclusion must form part of the research work that has been done by the learner when publishable manuscripts / published articles are submitted in place of a mini-dissertation and as such will be assessed by two independent examiners, who will allocate a final mark.

    A learner must pass the research module/manuscript submission as evaluated independently by two external examiners. The scores of the external examiners will be averaged to arrive at a final score for the research module. To pass the research module, a minimum mark of 50% is required.

    The Senate may, on the written recommendation of the Dean of the School, grant a learner who has completed the required clinical training, but who has not finalised the research module at the end of the prescribed period, a twelve (12) month extension to finalise the research module. Such a learner is deemed to have vacated the clinical training module of the qualification and will no longer be allocated against an HPCSA training number as the clinical training period will be deemed completed, but he/she still need to register for the research module as a partial requirement for the degree. An extension to complete a research project can only be approved twice (N+2), and the second extension will require an additional application with extensive motivation based on extenuating circumstances.

    Admission to the final national exit examination:
    The final exit-level assessments by CMSA for the Clinical module in Upper Gastroenterology Surgery are conducted at the end of the training period and involve both practical and theoretical competency in an integrated manner. (50% weighting for the National written examination and 50% weighting for the National Oral/practical examination). To assess competency, the learner must pass both external examinations set and marked by the CMSA.

    To be read in conjunction with the instructions in the general college examinations documents:
  • Certification of having completed at least 18 months as a Master of Philosophy in Upper Gastroenterology Surgery trainee in an accredited unit in a teaching hospital, registered and approved by the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
  • Submission of a written report from the head of the institution/programme in which he or she trained indicating satisfactory completion of all training requirements.
  • Submission of a satisfactorily completed logbook and submission of the prescribed portfolio filled in up to date, and certified by the head(s) of the department(s)/ division(s) / unit(s) in which the candidate trained (Recognition of training received at overseas institutions is permissible provided that; the Units comply with the regulations in this document and that the candidate has completed at least one (1) year of training in a local accredited unit.
  • Training is valid for three years from the date of completion in a numbered subspecialty training post.
  • Candidates who do not successfully complete the subspecialty examination within the period must be motivated with support from their HOD to the College of Surgeons for a once-off extension.

    The examination/assessment will consist of:
    One 3-hour written examination comprising 4 equally weighted questions (with at least sub-sections per question) that incorporate both clinical and basic science elements. There will be separate papers for each of the three tracks. There will be a single common question in all papers based on the core curriculum.
    An average mark of 50% for the 4 written questions must be achieved for the candidate to be invited to the oral examinations.
    The oral examination will consist of a clinical and a viva.
    The clinical component will have at least three (3) clinical paper cases. The cases chosen will reflect the subspeciality declared area of clinical focus stated by the candidate and reflected in the portfolio.
    The clinical component of the examination will be 60 minutes.
    A 40-minute oral examination will include applied anatomy, physiology, pathology, operative technique, oncology, and radiology relevant to the declared area of clinical focus stated by the candidate and reflected in the portfolio.
    The 3 components of the examination, written paper, clinical, and oral, will be equally weighted. The clinical and oral components will be marked as percentages using quintile increments. The learner must achieve a mark of 50% for each component. An overall average mark of 50% must be achieved to pass the examination.

    The written examination:
    The written examination consists of 240 single best answer questions (MCQs) divided into two papers of 120 single best answer questions in each paper. The overall mark will be calculated as a percentage out of 240. The pass mark is 50% or more. For a candidate to be invited to the clinical/oral examinations, they must achieve a written mark of greater than or equal to 50%.

    The clinical/oral examination:
    The clinical/oral examination comprises at least two physical clinical cases and two paper-based cases, an OSCE (18 five-minute stations), a viva voce in general surgery and Upper Gastroenterology Surgery pathology, and a viva voce in anatomy and operative surgery.

    Examiners/assessors:
    The candidate should be examined by at least three (3) registered surgical gastroenterologists. The appointment of examiners will be made by the CMSA. All 3 examiners must not be from the same institution.

    Summary of the final examination:
  • The composite mark for the clinical cases must always be a 50% for a candidate to pass.
  • Must get 50% of the clinical cases combined.
  • 45% but <50% in any one section can be compensated (other than the clinical component).
  • Must get 50% overall mark.

    Passing the CMSA final national exit examinations is required for clinical coursework to register as a sub-specialist with HPCSA. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Canada.
    Institution: McGill University.
    Qualification: One-year Clinical Fellowship/1-year Research Fellowship.
    Type of fellowship: Clinical Research.
    Duration: One year.

    Entry requirements:
    Applicants must have completed at least two years in an approved Gastroenterology fellowship and should be competent in all areas of general gastroenterology and routine endoscopic procedures.

    Purpose/rationale:
    The Fellowship Program at McGill aims to offer candidates comprehensive and advanced training in the clinical and research aspects of IBD. More than 7000 IBD patients are seen in McGill's outpatient IBD Clinics at its four major teaching hospitals: Montreal General Hospital, Royal Victoria Hospital, Jewish General Hospital and Montreal Children's Hospital. As an IBD fellow, the trainee will receive exposure to a wide variety of translational clinical and innovative research programs.

    Similarities:
  • The curriculum at McGill can be adapted to the individual trainee's interests to increase exposure to either lung/mediastinal or Upper GI surgery. For the South African (SA) qualification, the trainee can choose from three tracks: Hepatobiliary, Colorectal, or Upper Gastroenterology.
  • At McGill proposed rotational schedule is as 6 months Lung and Mediastinal Oncology Surgery Procedures: Interventional bronchoscopy, EBUS, rigid and flexible debridement/stenting of central airway tumours, Wedge lung resection, VATS, and open Anatomic lung resection (segmentectomy, lobectomy, pneumonectomy), VATS and open Mediastinal tumour resection, VATS and open 4-months Upper G.I. Surgery. Training for the South African (SA) qualification in clinical coursework is completed over 2 years.

    Differences:
  • At the SA qualification, the trainee is assigned a supervisor, whereas at McGill, interested candidates may act as independent investigators or under the supervision of a principal investigator.
  • Research Activity: Both have research components, but at the SA qualification, it is compulsory; at McGill, the learner will be required to participate in clinical or translational research during his/her 1-year fellowship. 1-month research is required. It is expected that the trainee will present at least once at an international and/or national meeting and publish at least one manuscript.
  • To aid in this endeavour, the division has two full-time clinical research coordinators and maintains several prospectively entered databases in Thoracic Oncology.

    Country: United States of America.
    Institution: Weill Cornell University.
    Qualification: Advanced Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship.
    Duration: two years.

    Purpose/rationale:
    The fellowship provides board-eligible general surgeons completion of an ACGME approved general surgery training program additional training in complex foregut, midgut and hindgut conditions using conventional, advanced laparoscopic, robotic, and endoscopic techniques. It serves as a transition between residency training and working as an attending surgeon in GI conditions, which may require complex GI procedures.

    Research Goals:
  • Learn to develop clinical and educational research projects.
  • Present at one or more of the four major society meetings associated with the fellowship (ACS, SSAT, ASMBS, or SAGES).
  • Author at least one first-author clinical manuscript.
  • Participate in co-authoring at least one textbook chapter (based on faculty invitations) or invited review.

    Similarities:
    Two years of training for SMU and Weill Cornell University. Training for MPhil in Upper Gastroenterology Surgery and fellowship at Cornell has a similar curriculum.
    Clinical Goals:
  • Develop technical expertise in advanced laparoscopy, robotic surgery, & and endoscopy.
  • Become knowledgeable in all aspects related to the practice and care of bariatric patients.
  • Become knowledgeable in GERD and GI motility disorders, including placement of BRAVO pH probes and high-resolution esophageal manometry.
  • Become knowledgeable in gastric cancer preoperative workup, surgical treatment, and postoperative treatment algorithms.
  • Develop familiarity with inflammatory bowel disease surgical techniques, including various strictureplasty techniques, Kono-S anastomosis, and J-pouch creations.
  • Learn to develop clinical and educational research projects.
  • Present at one or more of the four major society meetings associated with the fellowship (ACS, SSAT, ASMBS, or SAGES).
  • Author at least one first-author clinical manuscript.
  • Participate in co-authoring at least one textbook chapter (based on faculty invitations) or invited review.

    Differences:
    Cornell has advanced equipment and performs robotic surgeries. They also have a well-established sim lab with all the required mannequins, which the South African (SA) qualification is currently developing. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Vascular Surgery, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Gastroenterology Surgery, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Medicine, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Medicine: Surgery, NQF Level 10.

    Diagonal Articulation:
    The 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.