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

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

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

 

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

 

Time table for different activities in Basic training (A) of Parasitology Department Training Program

 

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

 

 

Time table for different activities in specialized training  (B) of Parasitology Department Training Program

 

 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

 

Time table for different activities in Advanced training  (C) of Parasitology Department Training Program

 

  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