| AQF Level |
Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree |
| CRICOS Code |
077583B |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The Master of Medical Practice (MMedPrac) is suitable for doctors who wish to acquire a university qualification that denotes specialist expertise and competence in the care of patients who have been hospitalised for specialist medical or surgical treatment. The MMedPrac aims to build capacity for advanced care within the non-specialist workforce by identifying and developing the skills and competencies required for the safe, effective and efficient management of care to ultimately improve the safety, quality and continuity of patient care. The units of study are taught using practical workshops, face-to-face tutorials and on line learning activities.
The MMedPrac is available as a part-time program to give flexibility for students in managing and scheduling studies along with continuing work in clinical practice. |
| 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 an advanced body of knowledge and understanding to practice in hospital medicine (K, T)
2. develop the skills required for leadership and management within a hospital setting (K, T, P)
3. analytically evaluate existing literature and a detailed body of theoretical knowledge relevant to current medical practice (K, T, P)
4. perform, with relative autonomy, a range of technical and non-technical skills relevant to hospital medicine (K, T)
5. demonstrate competence in the clinical assessment and management of the hospitalised patient (K, T, C)
6. use a coherent knowledge of research principles and methodologies to plan and implement, with a high level of autonomy, a piece of scholarship relevant to the hospital medicine (K, T, P, J)
7. with relative autonomy and accountability, demonstrate professional expertise in the delivery of advanced non-specialist care in line with relevant professional standards (K, T, P, C, E, J)
8. critically evaluate and adapt self-directed learning approaches to enhance lifelong learning strategies (T, P, C, E, J). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
This program encompasses a great variety of teaching and learning methods and is focused on activities related to clinical practice. The university iLearn platform is utilised to provide pre-seminar activities, where you will engage in independent study in preparation for scheduled seminars. These activities include: video interviews of clinical assessments with online quiz self assessment and pre-reading tasks. There will be workshop based learning where you will learn through observation and practice of, for example, clinical procedures and basic and advanced life support training. Case studies will be used as part of group activities, each one focusing on different patient assessment topics and advanced skills in clinical acumen.
Learning and teaching methods for the optional units will vary and be dependent upon units chosen. Many 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 competency based assessment in workshop situations. Online quizzes will be used to help you assess your progress and you will work in groups, as well as individually to give presentations and analyse case studies. |
| Assessment |
Assessment has been developed to maximise learning opportunities in your local clinical setting. For the Patient Assessment and Communication unit, you will be assessed using a variety of methods which include; a case report, a written communication activity where you will produce a referral and a discharge letter and an essay on a topic determined by the unit convenor. Resuscitation and Clinical Procedures assessment will include the requirement to complete a local emergency response audit and assessment of clinical procedures covered in workshop sessions. In addition, you will produce a case report of resuscitation, with reference to management theory and produce a log of clinical procedures performed throughout the duration of the unit. Scenario based assessment, a case summary and a reflective learning paper will form the assessment of the Emergency Care unit. This assessment will be based upon the identification of specific patients whose clinical conditions you will manage. Hospital Management will be assessed by producing a case study of incentives in healthcare, a critique of a major management initiative and a group assessment where you will produce a business case for a change initiative.
Assessment of the optional units will depend upon your choice of units, examples of assessment methods include; written reports, group and individual presentations, case studies, a reflective log, quizzes and essays. |
| 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 cohort of students is expected to be from the hospitalist and senior career medical officer (CMO) workforce, the latter of which tends to be a much neglected element of the hospital workforce in Australia. Completion of this program will enhance graduates skills in advanced patient care and may increase employability prospects as a senior hospitalist. |
| 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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