Teaching and learning
Undergraduate offering:
The Division of Rheumatology is involved in the teaching of undergraduate medical students throughout their 6 years of training. Through the renewed curriculum we have aimed to provide students with the necessary knowledge to ensure a balanced approach to rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. This includes detailed knowledge of common conditions as well as a well-informed approach to more complex multisystem conditions. Clinical exposure is ensured during internal medicine rotations (inpatients) as well as outpatient clinic visits. A more detailed approach, focusing on the rheumatological examination of the musculoskeletal system is taught in the late phase of their training. In addition to the teaching of medical students, the division also contribute to formal lectures in the training of our allied health partners.
Postgraduate offering
Our postgraduate training includes the training of medical registrars specializing in Internal Medicine and forms part of the curriculum of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. As part of a structured four-year program, registrars rotate through rheumatology for a three month period where they gain hands on clinical experience in common auto-immune rheumatic diseases at both in- an outpatient level. A structured academic program is followed together with our subspeciality trainees.
Our subspeciality training includes a 2-year training period for rheumatology fellows. Again, the curriculum of the Colleges of Medicine, Certificate in Rheumatology is followed. We take pride in our clinical teaching program, supported by regular academic meetings to promote practicing evidence based medicine, stimulate critical thinking and ensure optimal patient care. Access to musculoskeletal ultrasound within the division as well as having the radiological expertise provides an additional diagnosticand interventional tool to the trainee. Our interdisciplinary approach with combined clinics and/or meetings (including orthopedics, dermatology, pulmonology and radiology) as well as regular interaction with allied health professionals (in particular occupational therapists) fosters a balanced and holistic approach for the rheumatology trainee.
Short courses
Workshops in auto-immune rheumatic diseases are held at various levels. As part of our outreach program, workshops with hands-on teaching opportunities are held, assisting family physicians and medical officers working in our referral areas. In conjunction with Stellenbosch University CME programs, online workshops are also held at regular intervals.