Postgraduate Diploma in Surgical Anatomy

(PGDipSurgAnat)

Applications for 2012 have now closed

This postgraduate qualification from the University of Otago is aimed at junior doctors wishing to pursue a career in surgery or radiology. Priority will be given to candidates in their PGY2 year.

The PGDipSurgAnat:

• Focuses on Surgical Anatomy i.e. anatomy relevant to surgical pathology, surgical procedures and surgical complications.
• Is taught by Surgical Anatomists i.e. surgeons with a major interest in anatomy education and anatomists with a surgical background, together with Consultant Radiologists.
• Includes Cadaver Dissection (4 students per cadaver). There will be a combination of targeted dissections of generic interest and free dissection for candidates wishing to investigate subspecialty-specific areas of interest.
• Recognises that candidates will be entering SET training programmes. Although the focus is on a thorough understanding of generic surgical anatomy, flexible components of the course encourage the study of specialty-specific anatomy.
• Excellent facilities. The Anatomy Museum houses more than 3,000 anatomical specimens, radiographs and models. The Department has an active Clinical Anatomy research programme and excellent links with surgeons and radiologists at Dunedin Public Hospital.

The PGDipSurgAnat comprises four compulsory papers: upper limb & thorax; lower limb & pelvis; abdomen & neck; and head, spine, basic neuroanatomy & skin delivered in part by distance learning and in part by residential campus-based tuition. In 2012, the residential periods will be Monday 7th May to Saturday 19th May inclusive and Monday 20th August to Saturday 1st September inclusive.

Campus-based tuition comprises a structured programme of lectures and seminars, cadaveric dissections, and surgical and radiologic anatomy talks delivered by specialists.

Distance learning will take place during each of the 12-week periods leading up to the two campus-based periods of study. Distance-learning will involve a weekly commitment to cover selected readings and answer test questions. Candidates will be expected to complete a literature-based research essay on a specific topic within each of the four papers. It is important for you to consider your other commitments carefully to ensure you will have sufficient time each week to devote to this course.

The papers will be assessed by a combination of internal assignments (40%) and by oral and MCQ examination (60%).

The Diploma has received official educational approval from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.