Post Graduate Training Program Specifications
Medical Parasitology
Program on which the course is given: Master and
M.D Degree in Medical Parasitology
Department offering the Course: The Medical Parasitology Department.
Total credit points: 75
Master+36 M.D= 111 Credit points
Starting year: 2011/2012
External evaluators: Prof. dr.
Nashaat El-Sayed Nasef (Prof. of
Parasitology Monofeya University)
Training program coordinators:
Phase A: Basic training; Prof. Dr. Azza Ibrahim El-Adawy
Phase B: Specialized training ; Prof.
Dr. Amany Ahmed Abd El-Aal
Phase C: Advanced training; Prof. Dr.
Azza Ibrahim El-Adawy- Prof. Dr. Amany Ahmed Abd El-Aal
I. Program aims
Provide a
training framework to attain professional skills and attitudes needed to
practice Medical Parasitology and to fulfill the required criteria of
the academic degree offered by the department. The program is planned to
enhance the trainees'
capabilities to organize their time and activities.
A continuous
dialogue between the training coordinator and the trainees are emphasized to
set the mechanism and monitor the
progress needed to achieve the objectives of the program.
II. Intended learning outcomes (ILOs)
A. Knowledge and Intellectual Skills (cognitive
skills) By the end of the training program trainees should be able to:
1. Describe
scientifically the important morphological features of recovered parasites
from different samples
2. Recognize the
concepts underlying the design of research studies of different designs & the concept of sampling variation.
3. Outline the
guidelines for ethics in research.
4. Critically analyse published papers in various fields,
identify important unanswered questions and suggest ways of answering them.
5. Demonstrate
knowledge and understanding of the principles underpinning important techniques
in molecular biology and its applications in Parasitology
field
6. Identify the methods
used to collect and organize data and its determinants using appropriate tools.
7. Recognize the main
principles of mounting techniques
B. Practical and professional skills:
By the end of the
training program trainees should be able to
acquire the essential skills needed to:
1. Handle properly different
types of microscopes with the special cares and precautions.
2. Utilize perfectly different magnifications especially
oil immersion lens for parasites identification.
3. Collect,
transport and store different samples properly with the specific precautions
as well as waste disposal.
4. Implement the
quality assurance roles during examination of different samples e.g. stool,
soil, blood and urine for parasites.
5. Work out with
extensive training of how to do microscope calibration.
6. Measure different
parasitic stages that may be recovered from stool, urine and soil using ocular
micrometry.
7. Perform a range of appropriate techniques in the laboratory
used for stool, soil and urine analysis.
8. Diagnose different parasitic stages that may be recovered
from stool, soil and urine samples.
9. Report correctly on the results of different parasitological
diagnostic methods.
10. Quantify different
parasitic stages recovered from different samples.
11. Perform a range of appropriate techniques in the
Parasitology laboratory
12. Practice a range of techniques currently used in
immuno-parasitology.
13. Carry out basic
laboratory experiments in molecular biology with analysis and interpretation of
the results.
14. Explore different data in parasitological research using
basic statistical techniques.
15. Mount
successfully different stages of
medically important arthropods
C.
General
and transferable skills: By the end of the program the trainees should be able to:
1. Acquire a range of professional skills and techniques including the
ability to organize lectures and laboratories.
2. Decide on the appropriate techniques needed to examine different
samples for parasitic infections.
3. Acquire skills to
understand, evaluate and keep up to date with scientific literature to select and design an appropriate research
project for future career in
Parasitology.
4. Demonstrate some of the skills and abilities required to design a
laboratory or field based research project, apply relevant research skills and
critically analyse and interpret data
5. Aquire the
ability to read, comprehend and appraise the relevant scientific literature.
6. Realize the main
areas of research interest in a particular subject
7. Reflect the suitable
approaches to interpret a research design using multivariable analysis models.
8. Present experimental data in an appropriate scientific
format.
9. Avoid the possible
mistakes which may face the trainees during the mounting process
III. Structure
The resident
training program in the Parasitology Department has been extended to 5 years to meet
the regulations of the national bylaws of the university hospitals and
postgraduate bylaws of the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. The resident
training program is divided into:
Phase A: Basic
training (18 months)
30 credit points
The trainees will have the following
rotations
|
Training
|
Credit points = Total 30
|
1
|
Ocular micrometry
|
3
|
2
|
Examination of stool, soil and urine for parasitic stages
|
5
|
3
|
Examination of blood for parasitic stages
|
5
|
4
|
Research
methodology (1)
|
2
|
5
|
Laboratory works + preparation & teaching skills
|
14
|
6
|
Introduction to Biostatistics
|
1
|
During this
phase the trainees will acquire the basic (general) skills needed to start
specialized training. He/she may apply for the Master Degree.
Phase
B: Specialized training (18
months) 45 credit points
The trainee will have the following rotations
|
Training
|
Credit points =
Total 45
|
1
|
Research
methodology (2)
|
4
|
2
|
Application of
immunological techniques in Parasitology
|
3
|
3
|
Application of
molecular technologies in Parasitology
|
4
|
4
|
Mounting techniques
for arthropods of medical importance
|
6
|
5
|
Mounting techniques
for helminthes
|
6
|
6
|
Laboratory works + preparation & teaching skills
|
22
|
The trainees will spend the whole period in Parasitology Department, Cairo University. to
complete the credit points. During this phase the trainees will acquire all the knowledge and
professional skills needed to practice Parasitology.
For Master Degree
students, the thesis will be performed during this phase.
Phase C:
Advanced
training (24 months): 36 credit points
During this
phase, the trainees
should acquire in depth experience and master clinical competencies needed for
expert professional practice. The advanced training program includes in depth
training for specific subspecialties. The trainees will
spend 2 years and will have the following rotations
|
Training
|
Credit points = Total 36
|
1
|
Design and Analysis
of Epidemiological Studies
|
6
|
2
|
Molecular Biology
Research Progress and Applications
|
6
|
3
|
Parasitological diagnostic
methods
|
6
|
4
|
Laboratory works + preparation & teaching skills
|
18
|
This phase
of training provides sound basis for clinical and research excellence for Medical
Doctorate candidates, in addition to prepare trainees for leadership
positions in academic career giving them the opportunity to enter careers in
direct healthcare delivery, research and/or teaching.
External
trainees preparing
for the Egyptian Board Certificate may join the program provided that vacancies
are available. They are exempted from preparing a thesis. In such case
extra credit points (20 credit points) are required for attending the
tutorials and lectures and 4 credit
points for attending scientific activities.
IV. Content
Phase
A: Basic training
18 months in Parasitology Department:
1)
Management of different microscope
parts to get the best image & describe scientifically
microscopic images.
2)
Calibration of the microscope correctly and use micrometry in precise measurement of parasitic stages using different objective
lens magnification (4X, 10X ,
40X and 100X)
3) Applying the principles & precautions needed
for sample collection, storage and transportation of different samples and
waste disposal
4) Screening microscopically stool, urine and blood samples for the presence of
parasitic infections
5) Holding different laboratory techniques used for stool, soil,
blood and urine analysis
6) Development
communication skills with undergraduate students and colleagues
and managment in various preparatory steps in thatching
rooms and laboratories
7) Description of important morphological features of different
recovered parasitic stages.
8) Reorganization quality assurance rules during blood
examination, examination of stool, soil and urine for parasites.
9) Writing a full report after examination of different samples
for parasitic stages.
10) Reorganization basics of scientific researches e.g. research problem
identification, research questions, hypothesis and goal of the study, variable
types (data and information) and specific objectives, study types & design,
sample types, sample size and study tools
Phase
B: Specialized training
18 months in Parasitology Department
1.
Practical skills
1)
Discovering the
different parasitic stages from stool, soil, urine and blood samples
2) Quantification and description for the important
morphological features of different recovered parasitic stages
3) Preparation of the
parasitological laboratory slides of different parasitic stages
4) Developing
communication skills with undergraduate students and colleagues
5) Assessment in various preparatory steps in teaching rooms
and laboratories
6) Integrate and
interpret data from different research designs
7) Develop
experiences for independent research
8) Manage basic
statistical techniques to explore
different data in parasitological research
9)
Contribution to the scientific meeting by their own
presentations
2. Procedures
1) Processing
specifically different samples for parasitological diagnosis e.g. urine, stool,
blood ..etc, considering quality control measures
2) Applying
different concentration techniques and preservation procedures for different
samples e.g. Formol ether
3) Applying special
stains for parasitic stages in stool
e.g. Modefied Z.N, Trichrom stain
4) Applying basic
molecular procedures e.g. DNA extraction, DNA visualization and amplification
5) Performing different
techniques and procedures currently used in immuno-parasitology e.g.
Immunoelectrophoresis techniques, ELISA
techniques and Indirect haemagglutation and other agglutination techniques
6) Mounting
correctly and successfully different
stages of medically important helminthic
and entomological parasitic stages
3. Administrative, Scientific and Social skills
1) Acquiring a range of professional skills and techniques including the
ability to organize lectures and labs.
2) Demonstrating a range of appropriate techniques in the
laboratory used for examination of different samples for parasitic infections.
3) Avoiding the possible mistakes which may occur during the
different laboratory procedures
4) Acquiring skills
to understand, evaluate and keep up to date with scientific literature to
select and design an appropriate research project for future career in Parasitology.
5) Realizing the
main areas of interest to start research proposal in a particular subject
6) Acquiring skills
required to design a laboratory or field based research project
7) Acquiring the
ability to critically appraise the relevant scientific literature.
8) Presenting experimental data in an appropriate scientific
format.
Phase C: Advanced training.
24
months in Parasitology Department:
1.
Practical skills
1)
Diagnosing precisely the
different parasitic stages in different samples
2)
Reporting the different results in the
appropriate methods
3)
Preparing practical laboratories with
different educational and practical aids needed for Parasitological studies
4)
Preparing & presenting the scientific
lectures
5) Manage a range of
recent identification techniques for a particular parasite where the use of
conventional methods are problematic, i.e., species complex identification.
6) Application of the
molecular biology in several areas of research e.g. identification, taxonomy
and evolutionary history of disease agents; diagnostics; analysis of
chemotherapeutic targets; and vaccine development
7)
Preparing an appropriate study
design for a given epidemiological scenario and provide a rationale for this scenario
8)
Projecting the basic approaches to the design
and interpretation of multivariable analysis models
9)
Perform analyses of data arising from
epidemiological studies, using appropriate computer software;
2.
Procedures
1)
Processing successfully different samples
referred to Parasitology Laboratory for examination and diagnosis
2) Preserving different samples referred to Parasitology Laboratory for
further Parasitological laboratory investigations
3) Preserving different samples for further molecular techniques or for
research purposes
4) Performing different
stains needed in Parasitology Laboratory for different samples
5) Mounting
perfectly different samples for parasitic stages
6) Performing some
immunodiagnostic tests essential for Parasitology
Lab. (Immunochromatography- Haemagglutination tests- Enzyme immune
assay)
7) Performing essential steps, needed for molecular studies in Parasitology Lab. (e.g.DNA extraction- RNA extraction- PCR-
visualization of nucleic acid products)
3.
Administrative,
Scientific and Social skills
1) Acquiring a range of professional skills and techniques including the
ability to organize lectures and laboratories
2) Realizing the
laboratory techniques used to examine different samples for parasitic
infections.
3) Avoiding and correcting the
possible mistakes or obstacles that may occur during the different laboratory
procedures e.g. staining, mounting, immuno-diagnosis…etc
4) Acquiring skills
to understand, evaluate and keep up to date with scientific literature to select and design an appropriate research
project for future carrier in
Parasitology.
5) Presenting experimental data in an appropriate scientific format
using different ---tools
6) Acquiring the
ability to critically appraise read scientific literature.
IV. Timetable of Training Activities
·
Not all training activities will be
available at the same time. Announcement for particular activities will be at least one month
before starting them
·
Activities duration are fixed but time table schedules are dentified
according to the availability of related materials
·
The program outline may be adjusted to
correspond with the number and level of training of participants.
Basic
training (30 credit points= 900 working hours):
Basic training will be arranged,
prepared and supervised by staff members of Parasitology department according
to the following time table:
Working hours for different activities
in Basic training (A) of Parasitology Department Training Program
|
Activities
&Training
|
Credit
points = Total 30
|
Minimum number required/ month
for a total
900
working hours
|
1
|
Ocular
micrometry
|
3
|
30 hours/month for total 3 ms=90 hs
|
2
|
Examination
of stool, soil and urine for parasitic stages
|
5
|
30 hours/month for total 5 ms=150 hs
|
3
|
Examination
of blood for parasitic stages
|
5
|
30 hours/month
for total 5 ms=150 hs
|
4
|
Research
methodology (1)
|
2
|
10 hours/month for total 6 ms=60 hs
|
5
|
Laboratory
works + preparation & Teaching skills
|
14
|
50 hours/month for total 9 ms+ one week =420 hs
|
6
|
Introduction
to Biostatistics
|
1
|
30 hours for one week
|
Time table for different activities in
Basic training (A) of Parasitology Department Training Program
18
Months starting from September
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
1
|
2
|
|
Examination of stool and
urine
|
Midyear
vacation
|
|
|
|
|
Summer vacation
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mid
year vacation
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ocular
micrometry
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research methodology (1)
|
Examination of blood
|
|
Laboratory
preparations
|
|
|
Laboratory
preparations
|
Laboratory
work for 14 months (Rotation in vacations & exams)
|
N.B: These for trainees who start the program
after registration in July
Principally,
the trainees will accomplish these activities in the department including
laboratory works, lab. Preparation and arrangements, chick and arrangement for
the slides and samples, gain teaching experiences from senior staff
members ….etc in addition to outside activities as
necessary (other departments …etc). The trainees are expected to attend 18
months in this phase.
Each activity in the above mentioned
list, is started by short theoretical session (introduction ) about 1/2
an hour with a short on the particular topic included in the activity followed
by Practical sessions which are
performed on special topic or test or technique. Practical work is done through
group work. Practical sessions are
concluded by discussions, demonstration and grading of the best performing
group of the day. The trainees will be asked to
incorporate in department activity under supervision of the responsible staff
members. The course outline may be adjusted to correspond with the level of
training of participants.
During the practical sessions trainees will do all tests
that have been taught. Trainees are
divided into groups of two or more according to their number. At the end of the session test results are
compared and problems are discussed.
Specialized training (45 credit points= 1350 working hours):
Principally,
the trainee will accomplish their activities in the department including
preparation of the educational aids (microscopes- slides for parasitic stages…etc)- to Laboratory work as assistants to
facilitate educational process. In addition to other laboratory works needed
for processing & investigating different samples for parasitological
diagnosis. The trainee is expected to attend 18 months
Daily
working hours: trainees
are expected to attend 4 days/ week daily
hours from (around 9 to 2 am ± one
hours) for a total 1350 hours according to the following time table.
Working hours for different activities
in specialized training (B) of
Parasitology Department Training Program
|
Activities &Training
|
Credit
points
= Total 45
|
Minimum number required/ month
for a total
1350 working
hours
|
1
|
Research
methodology (2)
|
4
|
30 hours/month
for total 4 ms=120 hs
|
2
|
Application
of immunological techniques in Parasitology
|
4
|
30
hours/month for total 4 ms=120 hs
|
3
|
Application
of molecular technologies in Parasitology
|
4
|
30
hours/month for total 4 ms=120 hs
|
4
|
Mounting
techniques for arthropods of medical importance
|
6
|
30 hours/month for total 6 ms=180 hs
|
5
|
Mounting
techniques for helminthes
|
6
|
30
hours/month for total 6 ms=180 hs
|
6
|
Laboratory works + preparation & Teaching skills
|
21
|
63 hours/month
for a total 10 months= 630 hours
|
Time table for different activities in
specialized training (B) of Parasitology
Department Training Program
18
Months starting from March
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
Research methodology (2)
|
Summer
vacation
|
|
|
|
|
|
Midyear
vacation
|
|
|
|
|
Summer
vacation
|
|
|
immunological
|
techniques
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
molecular techniques
|
|
|
Mounting
|
helminthes
|
|
Mounting
|
arthropods
|
Laboratory preparations
|
|
|
|
|
Laboratory preparations
|
|
Laboratory preparations
|
|
|
|
Laboratory
work for 14 months (Rotation in vacations & exams)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advanced
training (36 credit points):
In this
phase, the trainee will spend 24 months as senior qualified trainee in the
Parasitology department. The trainees will arrange with their mentor and program
coordinator the time and tasks needed to be fulfilled during this period.
During
this phase legible residents who apply for the MD degree will conduct their MD
thesis.
A special
logbook is prepared to document all the activities of the trainee. Completion
of the advanced training is mandatory to obtain the MD degree.
The time
table concerning the different
activities is represented in the following table.
Working hours for different activities
in Advanced training (C) of Parasitology
Department Training Program
|
Training
|
Credit
points
= Total 36
|
Minimum number required/ month
for a total
1080
working hours
|
1
|
Design and analysis
of epidemiological studies
|
6
|
30 hours/month
for total 6 ms=180 hs
|
2
|
Molecular biology research
progress and applications
|
6
|
30
hours/month for total 6 ms=180 hs
|
3
|
Parasitological diagnostic
methods
|
6
|
30
hours/month for total 6 ms=180 hs
|
4
|
Laboratory works + preparation
& Teaching skills
|
18
|
45
hours/month for total 10 ms=450 hs
|
Time table for different activities in
Advanced training (C) of Parasitology
Department Training Program
18 Months starting
from September
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
Molecular research
|
|
progress
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Design
|
epidemiological studies
|
|
diagnostic
|
methods
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Laboratory work for
14 months (Rotation in vacations & exams)
|
Leaves: According to Faculty bylaws & regulations of Kasr El-Aini
hospitals, the duration of the annual leave is two weeks for the first year and
three weeks for subsequent years. Seven days are accepted as emergency leaves per year. Postgraduate
students have an extra exam leave. The head of the department should approve
and sign all leaves.
NB:
Extra leaves include military service, marriage and other family obligations vacations
are possible according to the general Labor Law.
V.
Assessment of trainees
Workplace-based
assessments are
encouraged throughout the training program to motivate trainees continually
gather evidence of learning and to provide formative feedback. The
assessment is achieved by staff supervision and reporting to the coordinator(s)
who takes corrective actions in case of defects or problems.
Workplace-based
assessment includes few of the following measures (see appendix 1 for
description of methods):
·
Mini-Practical Evaluation Exercise
·
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS)
·
Multi-Source Feedback (MSF)
Assigned
staff members of the Parasitology Department will provide continuous evaluation
during all the phases. The head of department should revise the reports of
training coordinators. Professional support is recommended for the trainees who
have shortage or defects in their performance.
At the end of each phase of the training
program, evaluation will be achieved by revising the logbook and calculating
the credit points needed to pass the training.
VI. Completion and Certification
At the end
of each phase of program, the trainee receives a certificate of completion that
allows him to sit for the exam.
VI. Completion and Certification
At the end
of each phase of program, the trainee receives a certificate of completion that
allows him to sit for the exam.
VII. Evaluation of program ILOs
Evaluator
|
Tool
|
Sample
|
1.
Senior residents
|
Questionnaire
at the end of the program
|
All
the residents
|
3.
External Evaluators
|
Review
the program and courses
Attending
the final exam.
|
Once
before implementation
Bi-annual
report
|
4. Quality Assurance unit
|
Annual
program review
|
|
Signatures
Date of approval by department: March 2012
Program
Coordinator
Prof.Dr. Azza El-Adawy Head of Department
Prof. Dr. Amany Ahmed Abd
El-Aal Prof. Dr.
Mona Mahmoud