Emergency Medicine

The specialist MMED Emergency Medicine degree programme was started in July 2005 with the first specialist graduating in July 2009. The Division has grown from 4 registrars in 2005 to 25 registrars to date.

The programme caters to both local graduates as well as supernumerary registrars from Barbados to Libya.

The curriculum consists of a 4 year course where registrars rotate through the various hospitals in selected disciplines in order to gain the theoretical and practical knowledge, ability and interpersonal skills for independent Emergency Medicine specialist practice.

• MBBCh or equivalent
• Registration with the HPCSA as an independent practitioner
• Minimum of 6 months post-Community Service experience in an Emergency Department
• DIPPEC an advantage – College of Emergency Medicine Part 1 preferred
• ATLS/ACLS/PALS or equivalent advised 

The funding options for the Emergency Medicine program at the University of the Witwatersrand include a variety of sources designed to support both international and domestic students. Prospective students are encouraged to explore financial aid packages offered through the university’s scholarships and bursaries, which are available to qualified applicants based on merit, financial need, or specific criteria such as academic achievement and community involvement. The university also partners with government agencies and private foundations to provide funding opportunities, including departmental bursaries and external scholarship programs that applicants can apply for during the admission process.

Students enrolled in the Emergency Medicine program may also consider student loans, which are available through national financial institutions and sometimes facilitated by the university itself. These loans typically have favorable interest rates and repayment terms tailored to accommodate students' post-graduation employment prospects. Additionally, work-study arrangements or part-time employment within the university or affiliated healthcare facilities provide supplementary income for students, allowing them to manage living costs during their studies.

International students are advised to seek funding through their home country's scholarship programs or international organizations that support medical education. The university also offers information sessions and advising services to help students identify and apply for various funding sources. It is important for students to note that application deadlines for different funding options vary, and early application increases the likelihood of securing financial support.

Furthermore, students are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as philanthropic organizations, professional medical associations, and charitable foundations that provide grants or sponsorships for postgraduate medical training. Some programs may also offer tuition fee discounts or flexible payment options for eligible students.

Overall, funding the Emergency Medicine program requires careful planning and proactive engagement with various financial aid opportunities. Students should regularly check the university’s official website and contact the financial aid office for the most current information on available funding and application procedures. Securing adequate funding can significantly ease the financial burden of advanced medical training and enable students to focus fully on their academic and clinical pursuits in the field of emergency medicine.

The University of the Witwatersrand offers a postgraduate specialization in Emergency Medicine, designed to equip medical professionals with advanced skills and knowledge necessary for the effective management of acute illness and injury. This program aims to develop specialists who are capable of providing high-quality emergency care, conducting research, and contributing to policy development in emergency medicine. The curriculum integrates comprehensive theoretical coursework with practical training, including rotations in various emergency departments and trauma centers, to ensure graduates gain real-world experience in handling diverse emergency scenarios. Students are exposed to a wide range of topics such as resuscitation, trauma management, emergency procedural skills, critical care, and pre-hospital emergency services. The program emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork, ethical considerations, and evidence-based practice in emergency settings. Candidates are expected to have completed a medical degree and have relevant clinical experience, with some portions of the course requiring full-time commitment over a period of years. The program collaborates with hospitals and emergency service providers to facilitate hands-on training and research opportunities. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to work in public and private emergency units, take on leadership roles, and contribute to emergency medicine research and teaching. The degree enhances professional development and offers pathways for further academic pursuits, including master's and doctoral studies. Overall, the postgraduate diploma or master's in Emergency Medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand is committed to producing competent, compassionate emergency physicians who can impact healthcare delivery significantly.