| AQF Level |
Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree (Extended) |
| CRICOS Code |
078628G |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The Doctor of Clinical Practice program is a three year coursework extended masters degree intended for qualified doctors wishing to develop competency in a particular medical or surgical specialisation. It is available for full time study only and the language of instruction is English. The Doctor of Clinical Practice comprises coursework with a blended learning approach using seminars, on line learning activities and use of simulation and anatomy laboratories. In addition, students have the opportunity to practice clinical work at the Macquarie University Hospital and associated hospitals and clinics. Students will be required to complete 96 credit points comprising competency-based units of study across a range of clinical situations relevant to their chosen specialisation as well as core units on hospital management and clinical supervision and conduct independent research based on evidence gained from specialist skills rotations. Students will complete evidence-based papers for publication and at least one evidence-based presentation overall during their degree program. Students will graduate with the necessary skills to practice their chosen speciality. Intake will be international students, many of whom will be supported by their governments to engage in ASAM’s specialist training program. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
1. apply to clinical practice, a substantial body of knowledge which is relevant to and at the forefront of the medical specialism (K, T)
2. use an expert knowledge of research principles and methodologies applicable to the medical specialism to plan research applicable to clinical practice (K, T, P, J)
3. independently implement research proposals to produce a substantial body of scholarly works (K, T, P, J)
4. coherently present research that can withstand the robust scrutiny of peers (K, C, E, J)
5. develop new knowledge to allow systematic, critical reflection of practices relevant to your specialism (K, T, P, J)
6. use an expert theoretical knowledge to critically evaluate existing literature (K, T, P)
7. perform, with expert precision, a range of advanced technical and non-technical skills relevant to clinical practice (K,T)
8. proficiently interpret and communicate advanced specialist knowledge and skills to clinicians and lay people (K, C, E, J)
9. with complete responsibility and accountability, demonstrate professional expertise in line with relevant professional standards (K, T, P, C, E, J)
10. critically evaluate and adapt self-directed learning approaches to enhance lifelong learning strategies (T, P, C, E, J). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
You will engage in an intensive, competency-based learning experience in your chosen area of medicine or surgery. Learning is tailored to the needs of the individual and therefore pedagogy is interactive and student centred. You will engage in a work based environment where you will learn through acquisition of knowledge from clinical experts in the field. This knowledge will be put into practice by carrying out a variety of clinical procedures that will adjust in supervision level as your skill acquisition improves. Engagement will involve collaboration with supervisors and other health professionals (peer learning) to increase your understanding and expertise in safe, quality health care. To facilitate continuous improvement in knowledge and skill level, you will produce a reflective practice portfolio which will act as a record of progress where you can reflect upon previous performance to inform future direction and improvement. Feedback from supervisors and other health care professionals will provide formative assessment to monitor performance and indicate improvements necessary.
The non clinical units will provide a blended learning approach where you will engage in online learning activities combined with collaborative tutorial sessions facilitated by the unit convenor. There will be opportunities to take part in simulated patient/doctor scenarios and competency based assessment in workshop situations. Individual and group presentations will facilitate collaborative working. You will critically appraise literature and develop scholarly writing skills which will be essential to the completion of the specialist skills units. Participation in online forums and tutorials throughout engagement in the non-clinical units will help your development in the areas of safety and quality in health care, ethics and professionalism and hospital management. To assist in the completion of the medical research component, you will take part in group activities to develop you research skills before you engage in a period of independent research. |
| Assessment |
A large component of assessment for this program is based on the completion of an online based portfolio which will consist of case reports, reflective practice notes, feedback from supervisors, videos of practice and relevant journal articles. The portfolio will demonstrate progressive improvement throughout the 3 year program of study.
You will be given formative feedback following observational assessment of medical procedures. Regular meetings with your supervisor will take place throughout the period of training and targets will be set at regular intervals to inform and improve your clinical practice. Your completed portfolio will constitute the summative assessment for the clinically based units.
Assessment of non-clinical units will consist of graded and ungraded assessment. You will be given formative feedback on your progress throughout. Assessment will take the form of on line quizzes, group and individual presentations, essays and case studies. Case studies will be used in the context of ethics and professionalism and when looking at models used in hospital management. A number of direct observation assessments will take place for the communication unit, where doctor/patient scenarios are assessed.
Evidence based practice will be assessed by the completion of a presentation of the research strategies used to perform a literature search of a clinical research question and a literature review suitable for publication. Assessment of the Introduction to Medical Research unit will involve the completion of mock human and animal ethics application forms and participation in an ethical debate. Both of these units will help you to produce a paper suitable for publication. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.
For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
The Doctor of Clinical Practice has a broader approach than other ASAM programs as it will allow students to gain experience across sub-specialisms within their chosen specialisation. On graduation, some students will have completed a recognised speciality program and this may improve employability prospects in senior roles as medical/surgical professionals. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| Accreditation |
This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.
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