Training & Teaching · Division of Rheumatology, UCT

Teaching the next
generation

From third-year medical students to subspecialty fellows — what we teach, how the two-year fellowship works, and the recorded seminars behind it.

Who we train

Training at every level

The Rheumatology Division has established training programs in clinical rheumatology in rheumatic and immunologic diseases for medical and graduate students, registrars, doctoral and rheumatology fellows.

2 weeks

in the Unit, 5th year

Undergraduate

Medical students

3rd, 4th and 5th year MBChB

Consultants and registrars are involved in lectures and tutorials for medical students in 3rd, 4th and 5th years of the MBChB program.

We aim to equip graduating doctors with a simple diagnostic and management approach to common musculoskeletal problems, with an understanding of which patients to refer to specialist rheumatology centres.

Medical students spend 2 weeks in the Unit during their 5th year of study. During this time they complete in-depth portfolio studies of four patients with chronic rheumatic diseases, and prepare a patient information brochure of their choice.

3 months

in the Unit

Postgraduate

Medical registrars

Training to become physicians

Postgraduate training takes place daily in the outpatient clinics and during inpatient consultations. Medical Registrars training to become physicians spend 3 months in the Unit and participate in all clinical services and meetings. Time spent training in the Unit has been highly praised as useful preparation for the bi-annual clinical SA College of Physicians exam.

2 years

full-time

Subspecialty

Rheumatology fellows

Specialist physicians

A comprehensive programme for physicians wanting to sub-specialise as Rheumatologists, ending in the College of Medicine of South Africa certificate examination.

The programme in full →

Subspecialty fellowship

2-year subspecialty training programme

For specialist physicians

This is a 2-year full-time (or, under special circumstances, part-time training consisting of 6 months full-time plus equivalent part time hours) programme for specialist physicians wishing to sub-specialize as rheumatologists.

What the training involves

Training is based on clinical contact with patients, combined with formal ward rounds and tutorials, teaching undergraduate students, participation in meetings and journal clubs together with regional and national rheumatology association meetings.

What is expected by the end

Proficiency in examination of the musculoskeletal system, with substantial knowledge of the epidemiology, aetiology, pathogenesis, pathology, clinical features and management of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases is expected by the end of the 2-year training.

Research

During their training, all fellows register for a Master in Philosophy degree at the University of Cape Town and undertake a research project in the field of musculoskeletal diseases, and strive for at least 1 conference presentation and 1 publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

The programme at a glance

Duration

2 years full-time, or 6 months full-time plus equivalent part-time hours under special circumstances

Degree

Master in Philosophy, University of Cape Town — postgraduate training

Examination

CMSA Rheumatology Certificate Exam — cmsa.co.za

Output

A research project in musculoskeletal disease, at least 1 conference presentation and 1 peer-reviewed publication

Funded posts

One state-funded post; self-funded local and international fellows are also trained

Fellows hosted

Physicians from across the African continentSudanLiberiaMozambiqueKenyaBotswana

How to apply

Physicians interested in training in the Unit are invited to apply direct to the Head of Division, through the division’s administrative support, Mrs Amelia Lawrence.

Email Mrs Amelia Lawrence

Each year, we receive more applications than we can accommodate, and we encourage applicants to strengthen their applications with the following:

Comply with the requirements for registration as a specialist physician, as prescribed by the SA Medical, Dental and Supplementary Health Services Act.

Confirm their proficiency in English language. All international applicants for whom English is a second language, must adhere to UCT’s language policy and are required to submit one of the following: